Caring for a Handmade Rug

A well-made handmade rug is resilient. It is designed to be walked on, lived with and, in many cases, handed on. It does not need elaborate care, but it does benefit from a few consistent habits. The guidance below is general; always check the care notes for your specific rug, and when in doubt, ask a specialist.

Everyday care

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming is the single most useful thing you can do for a rug. Dust and grit settle at the base of the pile, where they act as an abrasive every time the rug is walked on.

• For wool pile rugs, use suction only, or turn off the rotating brush or beater bar. A beater bar can pull at fibres and loosen knots over time.
• Vacuum in the direction of the pile. Run your hand across the rug: one direction feels smooth, the other resists. Follow the smooth direction.
• Avoid vacuuming the fringe. It can catch and tangle. Use a soft brush or a hand attachment instead.
• For silk and viscose, use gentle suction and a soft attachment, or ask a specialist for guidance.
• For flatweaves and dhurries, suction is usually sufficient; small pieces can simply be shaken out.

New wool rugs often shed loose fibres for some months. This is normal and diminishes with regular vacuuming.

Rotation

Rotate your rug every 6 to 12 months. This spreads wear from foot traffic and furniture, and evens out any gradual change in colour from daylight. In a room with strong sun, consider rotating more often.

Sunlight

All natural fibres can fade with prolonged exposure to strong, direct sunlight. Curtains, blinds or UV-filtering film help, as does rotation. Some gentle mellowing over the years is part of a rug's life, but it is easier to keep it even than to correct it later.

Spills and stains

Act quickly, and act gently.

1. Blot, don't rub. Use a clean, white, absorbent cloth or paper towel and press firmly to lift as much liquid as possible. Rubbing pushes the spill deeper and can distort the pile.
2. Work from the outside in. This keeps the stain from spreading.
3. Use cool water sparingly. For most spills on wool, a little cool water, blotted repeatedly, is enough. Avoid hot water, which can set some stains.
4. Avoid strong chemicals. Household carpet cleaners, bleach and detergents can damage natural fibres and dyes. If you use a cleaning product, choose one intended for wool and test it on a hidden area first.
5. Dry thoroughly. Allow the area to dry fully, raising it slightly so air can circulate beneath. Do not use direct heat.

For silk, viscose and jute, water itself can cause marking. Blot gently with a dry cloth and contact a professional cleaner.

Patience is the best cleaning agent. Most spills can be lifted with a clean cloth and a little time.

Rug pads

A good rug pad is worth the investment. It prevents slipping, which is a matter of safety as much as of neatness, and reduces wear by cushioning the rug against hard floors. It also allows air to circulate beneath the rug. Choose a pad suited to your floor, and one slightly smaller than the rug so that it stays hidden.

Furniture

Heavy furniture can leave indentations in the pile. Moving pieces slightly from time to time helps, as do furniture cups. If an indentation forms, it can often be eased by lightly misting the area with water and gently brushing the pile upright with your fingers, then allowing it to dry. Test this first on silk or viscose, or avoid it altogether.

Professional cleaning

Even with good everyday care, a rug benefits from occasional professional cleaning. For a rug in a busy room, every few years is sensible; for a quieter room, less often.

• Choose a specialist in handmade rugs, not a general carpet cleaner. Hand-knotted rugs are often best cleaned by immersion washing, which requires facilities and experience.
• Silk rugs should always be cleaned professionally. Silk is sensitive to water, agitation and chemicals, and mistakes are difficult to undo.
• Ask about how dyes will be tested before cleaning, particularly for rugs with strongly contrasting colours.

Moths

Wool is attractive to clothes moths, particularly in dark, undisturbed places such as under heavy furniture. Regular vacuuming, including beneath furniture, is the best prevention. Rugs in active rooms are rarely troubled. If you notice signs of moth activity, contact a specialist promptly.

Storage

If you need to store a rug, have it cleaned first. Roll it, pile inward for most rugs, rather than folding it, which can crease or break fibres. Wrap it in breathable fabric such as cotton, not plastic, which can trap moisture. Store it flat, in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, and check on it occasionally.

Repairs

A hand-knotted rug can usually be repaired. Worn edges can be rebound, loose fringes secured, and damaged areas rewoven by skilled restorers. Small problems are simplest to address early; if you notice a loose end or a fraying edge, have it looked at before it grows.

Handmade rugs are made to last, and most of what keeps them well is simple: keep them clean, keep them turning, and treat spills with calm.