The concept of Kashmiri crafts came to India in the period of 1341-1385 A.D. A Persian sufi saint, Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (r.a.), came to enlighten Kashmir with his spiritual knowledge and guidance. Using the sea route, he brought along with him highly skilled artisans thus laying the foundations for the cottage industry in Kashmir.

The mughals, mainly Akbar, also brought with them carpet weavers from Persia. Akbar, during the 16th century, brought to India one of the most well known types of carpets, the Pile Carpet, The designs of these carpets were essentially Persian but were modified to the mughal taste with an Indian touch. However it wasn't until the reign of Zain-ul-Abadin (budshah) in 1730 A.D. that Indian carpets started winning global acknowledgement.

Ever since then the skill of carpet weaving has been handed down from father to son. Each generation modifies it with newer and more innovative ideas, thus making it a traditional safe guarded family secret.

Kashmiri carpets are works of craft par excellence. They symbolize artistic expression to the highest level of perfection, ingenuity and artistic imagination.

There are different treatments for different stains. The stains of greases, chocolates, bloods or milk can be removed using the Spot Remover. But some stains like those of berries, tea and coffee or wine need application of Pet Stain Remover. For the aid of the user, a stain chart is provided having clear instructions regarding the matter.

If there is an incidence of food spill or urine on a rug, the stain can be easily removed if a prompt action is taken, that is before the stain dries up. As much liquid as possible should be blotted using paper towels or a clean white cloth. This is to rinse out as much stain is possible.

If the rug is small, it should be taken out of the home and rinsed with a hose and cool water. If the whole rug gets wet, it will take longer to dry, hence it should be avoided. With a larger carpet, the corner or edge can be laid in a plastic dishpan and saturated with cool water or a bucket or plastic garbage can be placed under the wet area of the carpet and cool water poured through the rug (make a hollow in the carpet over the container before you pour, and don't exceed the capacity of the container under the rug!). Adding one cup of vinegar per gallon of water while rinsing will help preventing colors from draining and neutralizing the unpleasant urine odor as well.

In case your pet regurgitates on the rug, an unpleasant mixture of food, saliva and stomach acids is left to be cleaned up. This mixture can also work as a dilute dye to stain the beautiful rug with an odd color. Hence, in such a situation as much material as possible should be removed form the rug using paper towels or clean white cloth. Extra stuck material can be scraped off using a spoon. The area of the rug then should be blotted dry and quickly sponged several times with the rug shampoo or the cleaning solution described below. Avoid excess and hard scrubbing as it can result in the spreading of the stain. Always sponge in the direction of the nap.

Spot Cleaning Solution:

• 1/4 cup white vinegar*
• 1/2 tsp liquid dishwashing detergent
• 2 cups tepid water

*Most Oriental rug dyes are acid-fast. Hence adding small amounts of vinegar makes the rinsing water a bit more acidic that reinforces the chemical bonds between the dye and the wool in the rug. As a result, draining of colors is prevented.

The final step towards the cleaning includes sponging the rinsed area with cool, clean water. For sponging, good quality sponges or clean absorbent towels should be used. Use of stiff brush should be avoided as it can pull out fibers from the pile. Too hard scrubbing of the pile should be avoided too. The application of the sponge should always in the direction of the nap. From preventing the floor underneath getting wet, some towels can put under the rinsed area of the rug. Dry thoroughly. Check the back of the rug to be sure.

While storing your pashmina product, a few pointers must be kept in mind. We have listed out the 2 main ‘enemies’ of a pashmina and what you can do to protect your product from them.

Sunlight, Dampness and Dust
For the safekeeping of your products, we suggest that you wrap them neatly in a paper bag or a tissue paper, and store them away from sunlight, heat, dampness and dust. You may also keep it in a well sealed plastic storage box. You may find these in most general stores. Before putting the pashmina in the box however, check and ensure that the box is completely dry. If it is moist, the purpose of using the box in the first place is ruined. By protecting your pashmina from moisture, dust and sunlight, it will remain in a good condition until the next time you choose to remove it.

Moths
Any existing fresh stain on your pashmina could be a temptation to moths. Moths feast only on natural fabrics and as such a pashmina would be a major delicacy to them. To protect your pashmina from moths, apart from using moth balls, you can wash and dry the product before storing it away. This will also ensure that any fresh, unnoticed stain is removed and does not become fixed during storage.

While using your pashmina here are a few tips you can use to ensure your pashmina is well maintained and remains clean and beautiful.

Frequent exposure to the natural elements can cause your pashmina to fade or wear out easily. It would be a good idea to give the garment a rest for 2 to 3 days before wearing it again.

Rough accessories such as belts, metal neckpieces, bracelets or even rough leather like crocodile leather bags may cause pilling to develop in some areas of your pashmina. Pilling is caused when the fabric rubs against these rough accessories. Thus while using any pashmina garment, to avoid pilling it is suggestible not to use these rough accessories. In case usage of any rough accessory like a seat belt is not avoidable, u may keep a silk fabric (smooth surface facing the pashmina) between the rough surface and your product to protect it.

It is natural for pills to form on your pashmina after certain time of wear. To remove them do not rub or brush the pashmina, simply manually pick them off.