Lori Oushak ♡

What to Expect When Your Rug Arrives

Upon Delivery: What to Do First

Inspect the Packaging

• Check for any visible damage.
  
• If the package is severely damaged, take photos immediately and note it on the delivery receipt before signing (if applicable).
  

Unpack Carefully

• Open the package gently to avoid cutting the rug.
  
• Lay the rug flat in an open space.
  

Initial Rug Inspection

• Look for any obvious damage (tears, stains, major defects).
  
• Confirm it matches your order: size, pattern, and overall color tone.
  
• Remember: 3–5% size variation and up to ~10% color variation can be normal in handmade rugs.
  

Setting Up Your Rug

Unroll and Let It Relax

Rugs often arrive rolled. Once unrolled, allow time for the rug to settle.

• Edge curling or slight ripples can take a few hours to a few days to flatten.
  
• Weigh down corners if needed.
  

Air Out + Light Cleaning

• If there is a packing scent, let the rug air out in a ventilated room.
  
• Vacuum lightly on low setting to remove loose fibers and dust from packaging.
  
• Expect shedding for 6–8 weeks initially.
  

Positioning

Place the rug in its final location. If it was rolled tightly, the edges may need temporary weight to help it lay flat.

Every Allen Home rug is handcrafted with natural fibers and artisan techniques. That means your rug may include a few natural, normal characteristics that are part of its authenticity—not defects.

1) Color Variation (Up to ~10% is Normal)

Because we use natural dyes and fibers, slight color variation is expected. You may notice up to 10% difference from product photos.

• Natural materials vary: Wool and dyes can absorb color differently from batch to batch.
  
• Lighting changes everything: Rugs look different in daylight vs. warm indoor lighting.
  
• Screens are not exact: Phone and laptop screens can display color differently due to brightness, settings, and filters.
  

In person, you’ll notice richer tones and subtle shifts as light moves across the rug—this is part of what makes each piece unique.

2) Size Variation (3–5% in Handmade Rugs)

Handmade rugs are crafted on looms by skilled artisans. A 3–5% size variation is normal and expected.

• Small differences happen due to tension during weaving and finishing.
  
• This is an industry-standard tolerance for handcrafted rugs.
  

3) Rug Smell (“New Wool” Scent After Transit)

Rugs can develop a mild “new wool” or “freshly packed” scent after being sealed during shipping for weeks.

• This is normal and not harmful.
  
• The scent typically fades within a few days once the rug is unrolled and ventilated.
  

Tip: Unroll your rug in a well-ventilated room, open windows if possible, and let it breathe naturally.

4) Wrinkles, Curling, or Fold Marks

Your rug may arrive rolled or folded, which can create temporary creases or edge curling.

• Lay the rug flat as soon as possible.
  
• Vacuum lightly (low setting) to help it settle.
  
• If needed, reverse-roll the rug (roll it gently in the opposite direction) to relax the fibers.
  
• You can also weigh down edges temporarily.
  

Most wrinkles and curl marks disappear within a few days.

5) Natural Shedding (Common for 6–8 Weeks)

Wool rugs often shed loose fibers during the initial break-in period—especially in the first 6–8 weeks.

• Shedding is a normal result of natural wool fibers and finishing.
  
• With regular care, shedding reduces significantly over time.
  

Vacuum guidance:

Use a vacuum on low suction and avoid a beater bar/brush roll (or use it turned off). This protects the pile and reduces excess fiber pull.

6) Handmade Charm (Minor Irregularities Are Normal)

Handcrafted rugs may show small variations such as:

• Slight edge waviness
  
• Minor weave irregularities
  
• Subtle asymmetry in pattern alignment
  

These details are signs of authentic artisan craftsmanship—not manufacturing flaws—and are part of the character of a handmade rug.

7) Label Details (Wool + Cotton Explanation)

Some rugs may include a label that reads “75% wool, 25% cotton.”

Here’s what that means:

• The rug pile (the surface you see and feel) is 100% wool.
  
• The cotton refers to the backing/foundation used as a supportive base structure in weaving.
  

This is standard in many handcrafted rugs where cotton is used for strength and stability.

General Care Tips for All Rugs

1. Regular Vacuuming:
2. Spot Cleaning:
3. Rotation:
4. Sun Protection:
5. Padding:

Care Instructions

• Vacuuming: Use a low-power vacuum without a beater bar.
• Spot Cleaning: Blot with water and a wool-safe detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Professional Cleaning: Have wool rugs professionally cleaned every 12-18 months.

Deep Cleaning and Professional Care

1. Frequency: Depending on traffic, deep clean rugs every 12-18 months.
2. Professional Services: For valuable, delicate, or large rugs, professional cleaning is recommended. Choose a cleaner experienced with your type of rug.

Storing Rugs

• Cleaning: Clean the rug before storage to remove any dirt or pests.
• Rolling: Roll the rug with the pile facing inward.
• Protection: Wrap in breathable fabric (avoid plastic) to protect from dust and moisture.
• Storage Location: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your rugs remain clean, vibrant, and in good condition for many years.

Ethical Labor Practices

Fair Wages:

• Workers are paid fair wages that meet or exceed the local living wage standards.
• Ensures financial stability and improved quality of life for artisans.

Safe Working Conditions:

• Workshops and factories adhere to health and safety regulations.
• Proper ventilation, lighting, and safety equipment are provided.

No Child or Forced Labor:

• Rugs are made without the use of child labor or any form of forced labor.
• Compliance with international labor laws and standards.

Sustainable Materials

Natural Fibers:

• Use of natural fibers like wool, cotton, jute, and bamboo which are renewable and biodegradable.
• Avoidance of synthetic materials that can be harmful to the environment.

Organic and Eco-Friendly Dyes:

• Use of natural or low-impact dyes that do not contain harmful chemicals.
• Reduction of water pollution and health risks for workers and consumers.

Recycled Materials:

• Incorporation of recycled fibers or repurposed textiles.
• Reduces waste and the demand for new raw materials.

Environmental Impact

Sustainable Production Processes:

• Implementation of energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
• Use of renewable energy sources where possible.

Waste Management:

• Proper disposal and recycling of waste materials.
• Minimization of waste through efficient production techniques.

Carbon Footprint Reduction:

• Efforts to reduce carbon emissions throughout the supply chain.
• Offsetting emissions through environmental initiatives like tree planting.

Community and Social Impact

Supporting Artisan Communities:

• Investment in the communities where rugs are made, providing education and healthcare.
• Ensuring sustainable livelihoods for artisans and their families.

Cultural Preservation:

• Encouraging traditional weaving techniques and cultural heritage.
• Providing a market for traditional crafts that might otherwise be lost.

Transparency and Traceability

Supply Chain Transparency:

• Clear information about where and how the rugs are made.
• Ensuring that every step of the supply chain adheres to ethical standards.

Consumer Education:

• Informing consumers about the benefits of responsibly made rugs.
• Encouraging informed purchasing decisions.

By prioritizing these aspects, responsibly made rugs contribute to a more ethical, sustainable, and equitable industry, benefiting both people and the planet.

Please check our complete refund and return policy here. Click here

Shipping Policies

Shipping Costs:

• Our Products are shipped for free. No Extra Shipping costs is added.

Delivery Timeframes:

• Standard shipping usually takes between 5-10 business days.
• Expedited shipping options might be available for an additional fee, reducing delivery time to 2-5 business days.

Return Policies

Return Timeframe:

• Returns are typically accepted within 14 days of purchase.

Condition of Return:

• Rugs usually need to be in new, unused condition to be eligible for a return.
• Original packaging might be required.
• Return shipping charges is paid by the customer.

Refunds:

• Refunds are generally issued to the original form of payment.
• Processing refunds can take a few days to a couple of weeks after the rug is received and inspected.

Additional Considerations

Custom or Personalized Rugs: 

• These items are often non-returnable unless there is a defect or error in the order.

Damage or Defects: 

• If a rug arrives damaged or defective, we will cover the return shipping costs and provide a full refund or replacement.