A well-made handmade rug is remarkably tough, and with simple, regular care it will last for generations. Most of that care is easy: vacuum regularly, turn the rug from time to time, deal with spills quickly, and have it washed by a specialist every few years. This guide covers the everyday routine and the mistakes to avoid.
| Vacuum | Weekly, with suction only or the beater bar off |
|---|---|
| Rotate | Once or twice a year |
| Spills | Blot at once; never rub |
| Professional wash | Every 3 to 5 years, more often in busy rooms |
| Never | Steam clean, use bleach, or soak a rug at home |
Vacuuming
Grit is the main enemy of a rug: it works into the pile and cuts the fibers as people walk on it. Vacuum regularly, about once a week in busy rooms, using suction only or with the rotating beater bar turned off or raised, since a beater bar can pull at the pile and fringe. Vacuum in the direction of the pile, and avoid running the vacuum over the fringe. Vacuuming the back of the rug occasionally helps loosen deep dirt.
Rotating
Turn the rug end to end once or twice a year so that it wears and fades evenly. Sunlight and foot traffic are rarely even across a room, and rotating spreads their effect. See Moths, Sunlight and Storage.
Spills and stains
For pet accidents in particular, see Pet Stains and Accidents on a Handmade Rug.
- Act quickly. Blot liquids with a clean white cloth or paper towel, pressing firmly. Do not rub, which spreads the stain and damages the pile.
- Rinse lightly. Dampen the area with a little cool water and blot again. Work from the outside in.
- Pet accidents: blot, rinse with cool water, and have the rug professionally cleaned if the area is large or the smell remains, since urine can damage wool and dyes.
- Avoid household cleaners and carpet sprays; many contain chemicals that can bleach or set stains.
- Dry thoroughly. Raise the damp area so air can reach both sides.
Professional cleaning
Every few years, depending on use, a handmade rug should be washed by a specialist rug cleaner, not a general carpet cleaning company. A specialist will dust the rug thoroughly, wash it by hand with suitable cleaners, rinse it well, and dry it properly. Older rugs, silk rugs and rugs with unstable colors need particular care. See Rug Materials.
Fringe and edges
The fringe is the end of the warp threads and part of the rug's structure. Do not cut it, and avoid pulling it into a vacuum. If the fringe or edges begin to wear, have them secured by a repairer before the damage spreads into the pile. See Normal Wear vs. Damage.
What to avoid
- Steam cleaning and hot water, which can shrink wool and make colors run.
- Bleach and harsh chemicals.
- Heavy furniture left in one place for years without coasters or rotating.
- Folding dense rugs such as Bidjars; always roll them. See Bidjar Rugs.
- No pad on hard floors. See Rug Pads.
