Rug Care
A well-made rug needs little: regular vacuuming, quick action on spills and a turn now and then. Here is how to keep yours looking good for years.
Everyday care
- Vacuum weekly. Use suction only, or turn the beater bar off, so the brush does not pull at the fibers.
- Rotate the rug every six months so it wears and fades evenly.
- Use a rug pad. It stops slipping, adds cushioning and protects the back of the rug.
- Limit strong direct sunlight. Over time, sun fades natural dyes.
- Shake or vacuum the back of smaller rugs now and then to lift grit.
Shedding
New pile rugs (hand-knotted, hand-tufted and handloom) release loose fibers left from trimming. This is normal. It slows with regular vacuuming over the first weeks or months.
If a single strand sticks up, do not pull it. Trim it level with the pile using scissors.
Spills and stains
- Act fast. Fresh spills are far easier to remove.
- Blot, don't rub. Press with a clean white cloth, working from the outside in.
- For wool, use cold water with a little wool-safe detergent. Test it on a hidden corner first.
- Never use bleach or strong cleaners.
- Dry the area quickly with a fan.
- For jute and viscose, blot dry only and keep water to a minimum.
Deep cleaning
Have wool rugs in busy rooms cleaned by a professional rug cleaner every one to two years. Do not steam clean or soak jute, viscose or hand-tufted rugs: water can stain jute and viscose, and soaking can damage the backing of a tufted rug.
Storing a rug
Clean the rug first. Roll it, never fold it, and wrap it in breathable cotton, not plastic. Store it flat in a cool, dry place.
Care by material
| Material | Vacuuming | Spills | Deep cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Weekly, suction only | Blot; cold water and wool-safe soap | Professional, every 1–2 years |
| Jute and wool & jute | Weekly, suction only | Blot dry; keep water to a minimum | Professional dry cleaning |
| Viscose | Gently, suction only | Blot at once; no water | Professional only |
Common questions
How often should I clean my rug?
Vacuum weekly. Deal with spills as they happen. Have the rug professionally cleaned every one to two years, more often in busy rooms or homes with pets.
Can I steam clean a wool rug?
We don't recommend it. Heat and too much water can shrink wool and make dyes run. A professional rug cleaner is the safer choice.
How do I flatten creases from shipping?
Lay the rug flat, roll it gently the opposite way for a few hours, then unroll it. Folds usually relax on their own within a few days, especially with a little weight on top.
What should I do with a loose thread?
Don't pull it. Trim it level with the pile using sharp scissors. If an edge or knot comes loose, contact us.
Keep reading
- Rug Materials — Wool, jute, wool & jute and viscose. How each one feels, wears and cleans.
- Rug Size Guide — Standard sizes, and the right size for each room.
- Rug Glossary — The words of rug making, explained simply.