Care & Installation

Riviera Home and their Authorised Dealers take quality control very seriously and we want our customers to buy our products in full knowledge of how they might perform and how to look after their chosen product so that it will, hopefully, give years of good performance in your home.

Caring for Riviera Carpets & Rugs

Your Authorised Dealer should be able to help you with your product selection but, to help you, we have listed some of the things that you should be aware of when making your selection.

Colour Matching & Shade Variation

As with all textile products, colours may vary slightly from batch to batch. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accurate colour matching from one batch to another, natural undyed wools can have inherent variations in colour due to factors such as the source of the fibre, the specific breed of the animal, and environmental and seasonal influences. Even with careful production processes, these natural variations can result in slight colour differences between batches.

To address this concern and if your requirements are particularly colour critical and you require an exact colour match, it is advisable to request a dye batch cutting from your Authorised Dealer before placing your order. By obtaining a sample from the specific batch you intend to purchase, you can assess its colour and ensure it meets your expectations.

If you are using the carpet in adjoining areas, please make sure you tell us so that we can take your cuts from the same colour batch.


Colour Fading

Natural fibres will fade over time and this process may be accelerated by exposure to strong sunlight. Natural undyed yarns may fade more than dyed fibres and this should be taken into consideration when choosing your floor covering for areas that have strong sunlight.


Seams

Please consider the position of any seams, particularly when choosing Hand Loom broadloom. It may not always be possible to correctly align the lines in cut and loop hand woven broadloom where there is side to side matching involved.

All woven carpets should be cut from the face carefully following the row.


Loop Pile Carpets

Loop pile carpets are easy to maintain and generally require less vacuuming than cut pile carpets. There are just a few things to remember though – cats and dogs with sharp claws can snag and pull the loops in your carpet. We recommend the use of a vacuum cleaner with an adjustable beater bar, preferably with soft brushes for use on our loop pile carpets.


Pile Reversal

All cut pile carpets may occasionally show pile reversal or water marking. This is a natural phenomenon resulting from where the carpet is laid, causing sections of the carpet’s pile to change direction and reflect light in a different way. Extensive research has taken place within the industry to establish what might bring about this change and it is not considered a manufacturing defect. Whilst the pile reversal may change the appearance of the carpet, it will not affect the wear performance of the carpet.


Shedding

All carpets, whether they be loop or cut pile, will shed fibre when they are new. The fluff coming off the fibre
is quite normal and you should vacuum your new carpet regularly with the correct choice of vacuum cleaner and it will soon cease shedding. This natural process will not affect the appearance or durability of your carpet.


Sprouting or Pulled Loops

Odd uneven tufts can sometimes occur in hand loomed carpets. Dogs and cats or stiletto heeled shoes can sometimes catch and snag and pull loops in carpet. Carefully cut these loops with sharp scissors. Never pull as this may damage your carpet.


Crushing

Furniture can make depressions or crush the carpet’s pile over time. This effect can be reduced by using certain types of castors or pads.


Hand Woven Carpets

Handwoven carpets are an artisan product and, as such, can have irregularities and imperfections which are considered part of their charm.  Variations in weave, tension and shading create a carpet with its own distinctive character and, in turn, making it unique.  Any irregularities found within a handwoven carpet are to be celebrated and not considered a manufacturing fault and are inherent to the beauty of a fine handmade carpet.


Moth Resistance

At Riviera Home, we take pride in providing luxurious, high-quality carpets that not only enhance the beauty of your living spaces but also prioritise durability and protection. The yarn in our wool and wool blend carpets are treated to guard against various environmental factors, including moths.  We understand the importance of preserving the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your investment.

Riviera Home Carpets are treated to resist moth infestations, offering an added layer of protection to ensure the integrity of your flooring. The anti-moth treatment is designed to discourage moth activity, minimising the risk of damage to your carpet. However, it is essential to note that no treatment can guarantee absolute immunity.

While our carpets are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, external factors such as environmental conditions, cleaning practices, and individual circumstances can influence the effectiveness of moth resistance. Regular maintenance, including proper cleaning and care, is recommended to uphold the longevity and performance of your Riviera Home Carpet.

In the unlikely event of moth-related concerns, we advise customers to promptly address the issue by seeking professional assistance. Our terms and conditions of sale cover manufacturing defects, but they are not intended to extend to damages caused by external factors beyond our control.

Riviera Home remains committed to customer satisfaction and strives to provide products that meet the highest standards. We appreciate your trust in our brand and encourage you to refer to our care and maintenance guidelines for optimal carpet performance.


Cleaning

Spillages should be spot cleaned immediately.  Always dab and not scrub with a clean cloth. Never saturate your carpet with water or cleaner as this may stain it.  Dry extraction methods of cleaning spills and stains are recommended.  Always test the cleaning method to ensure that the colour is not affected . Test in a small concealed area first.  Please visit the WOW for more detailed information.

Tencel and bamboo fibres are hygroscopic; therefore, we advise that carpets containing these fibres are not installed in areas where there may be greater risk of spillage, as contact with liquids can cause permanent changes in their appearance.   For major spillages, consult a professional carpet cleaner contractor.

We also recommend from time to time you use a professional carpet cleaning contactor to look after your carpets.

Application of any protective treatments such as Scotchguard is at the customer’s own risk and the use of any such protective treatment carries inherent risks, including the possibility of altering the appearance, texture, or performance of the carpet. Therefore, customers should weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding to apply any treatment to their carpet.  Riviera Home will not be held responsible or liable for any claim resulting from its use.

We recommend the use of chair mats under office chairs with rolling caster to preserve the appearance of your carpet and act as a deterrent towards accelerated wear.

Dragging heavy objects can put excessive strain on the carpet fibres, leading to pile distortion or even permanent damage. It is advisable to use furniture glides or lift heavy objects instead of dragging them across the carpet.


Vacuum Cleaning

Regular and thorough vacuuming is the best care you can give to your carpet. It helps to remove dirt, debris and prevent soil build-up, thereby prolonging the beauty and lifespan of the carpet.

Below are some additional guidelines for effective vacuuming:

  1. Vacuum from different directions: Vacuuming from different directions ensures that you cover the carpet fibres from various angles, allowing for more effective removal of dirt and particles.
  2. Multiple passes: Making several passes over each area ensures that you capture more debris and dust. Heavier traffic areas may require more attention and should be vacuumed more frequently.
  3. Test vacuum and technique: It is always recommended to test your vacuum and vacuuming technique in a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. This allows you to ensure that the vacuum is not causing any damage or excessive fuzzing of the fibres.
  4. We recommend using a suction-only vacuum cleaner or one with an adjustable beater bar with soft brushes for loop pile and delicate carpets. If a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar is used, it is important to adjust the beater bar or brushes of the vacuum properly. Setting them too low can cause damage to the carpet fibres. Ideally, the brushes should barely touch the face of the carpet. Avoid using vacuums that automatically adjust, as they may set the brushes too low.
  5. Be cautious with certain vacuums: Some vacuums may not be suitable for certain carpet types and can cause excess fuzzing or sprouting of the fibres.  It is important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with a professional if you are unsure about the compatibility of your vacuum with the carpet.

It is worth noting that while regular vacuuming is crucial for carpet maintenance, every product may react differently to various vacuums or techniques.  It is not possible to know the specific reactions of every carpet to every vacuum and the responsibility for any damage caused by vacuuming lies with the user.

Aggressive vacuuming techniques, such as using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or brush roll that is too harsh for the carpet, can cause excessive fuzzing.  Regular vacuuming with proper techniques, such as gentle strokes and appropriate attachments, can help maintain the carpet’s appearance while minimizing fuzzing.

By following these vacuuming guidelines and being mindful of the specific needs of your carpet, you can maintain its appearance and ensure its longevity.


Installation

Riviera HomeTM Authorised Dealers have fitting experts to make sure your carpet is properly installed; however, here are some basic principles which should be followed:

  • We recommend that our broadloom carpet is fitted over good quality solid underlay and stretched onto long pin double gripper.
  • Do not use power stretchers as they may damage the carpet.
  • Do not use knee kickers on loop or cut and loop carpets unless used with extreme care, as the pins can snag loops.
  • You can directly glue our broadloom to the floor or use double stick methods of installation.
  • All cut edges should be sealed using seaming cement and heat seam tape used on all seams.
  • Pile heights may vary slightly on hand made velvet broadloom carpets necessitating a light shear with a hand held micro shear.No claims will be considered on carpet that is cut or installed with visible defects, or installed with a pattern mismatch.

No claims will be considered on carpet that is cut or installed with visible defects, or installed with a pattern mismatch.


Stain Proofing Treatments

When deciding whether to apply a soiling or stain protecting product to your new carpet, please first consider the following:

  • Topical treatments can change the colour of your carpet.
  • They should be applied by a professional company with a good reputation.
  • Please be aware that the treatments may need to be reapplied at various intervals.
  • At best the treatments may slow down the rate of soiling and buy extra time to deal with spillages. They cannot offer complete protection.

If a topical soil protector is used and not applied properly, it may invalidate your Riviera HomeTM warranty.


Spillages & Stains

Act fast to pick up any solid stains and blot up liquids with plain absorbent paper such as kitchen roll or a tea towel. Blot gently, changing the paper or towel as necessary.

Do not rub or scrub as this will distort the pile and cause permanent damage. Leave the pile of the carpet laying in its natural direction and allow the area to dry naturally. Our Carpet Care & Maintenance Guide, which is available as a PDF, gives greater detail.


Viscose Carpets

Viscose is a natural fibre made from Cellulose and is more delicate than Wool. Water changes the texture of Viscose. Do not add water and do not rub or brush the pile. For stains consult a professional cleaning company immediately. Viscose carpets should only be used in dry areas.

The fibre is naturally absorbent and should not be placed in areas that are damp or where spills are likely to occur (e.g. kitchens, bathrooms, basement or porches).


Tencel® Carpets

Tencel® has the same silk like lustre as Viscose and is harder wearing and easier to clean. Water spills should not affect the carpet’s texture and should a slight yellow ring be left, it should disappear with time and use. Tencel® can be cleaned by a professional with care.


100% Bamboo Carpets

The information given above with regard to the care and maintenance of Viscose carpets applies equally to 100% Bamboo carpets. Do not add water and do not rub or brush the pile. For stains consult a professional cleaning company immediately. Bamboo carpets should only be used in dry areas. The fibre is naturally absorbent and should not be placed in areas that are damp or where spills are likely to occur (e.g. kitchens, bathrooms, basement or porches).


Carpet Protection Film

We do not recommend the use of carpet protection film as it can trap moisture and depending upon the film used leave a residue, both of which can be detrimental to the appearance of your carpet.