General care
With the right care, a handmade rug can remain beautiful for generations. Always place an anti-slip underlay beneath your rug. This helps protect your floor, reduces wear, provides extra comfort, and prevents slipping.
Furniture placed on rugs should have protective pads on their legs to avoid pressure marks, indentations, and unnecessary wear over time.
Regular maintenance and vacuuming
Routine vacuuming is the most effective way to remove everyday dust and dirt and to preserve the appearance of your rug. We recommend vacuuming once per week, or twice weekly in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Use a suction-only vacuum without a rotating brush or beater bar. Vacuum in both directions of foot traffic to prevent matting of the fibres. Empty the vacuum bag regularly, as performance decreases when it is full.
Some surface fuzz may appear when a new rug is first vacuumed. This is normal and results from loose fibres left over from the weaving process. It does not affect the rug’s durability.
Rotating your rug
All rugs naturally fade over time. Rotating your rug once a year helps distribute wear evenly and prevents noticeable fading or traffic patterns.
Spill response and stain removal
If a spill occurs, act immediately. Remove solid debris carefully and blot liquids as soon as possible using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage the fibres and cause fuzzing.
Absorb as much moisture as possible without scrubbing. For best results, contact a professional rug cleaner promptly.
Spot cleaning guidelines
For small stains, clean gently by hand using a mild, wool-safe detergent with a pH between 5 and 9. Apply minimal moisture, as excess water can spread the stain and leave a visible halo.
Never pour wine, salt water, or cleaning solutions directly onto the rug. Salt can cause colours to bleed. Always blot rather than rub, as friction can damage the fibres. Quick action improves the chances of complete stain removal.
Professional cleaning
For major stains or deep cleaning, consult a professional rug cleaner immediately. For routine care, rugs should be cleaned every 2–5 years depending on usage.
Avoid steam cleaning. A qualified cleaner will hand-wash your rug with a pH-neutral detergent. Antique rugs should always be colour-tested before washing to prevent dye bleeding.
Mould and mildew prevention
Moisture can cause mould and mildew. If a rug becomes wet, ensure it dries completely. Lift the affected area to allow air circulation and speed up drying.
Avoid placing potted plants directly on rugs, even with saucers. Ongoing moisture exposure can lead to fibre rot and permanent damage.
Repair and restoration
Handmade rugs can be repaired and restored. The edges and ends tend to show wear first. If you notice fraying, damaged fringe, or cuts, contact a professional restorer.
Proper restoration preserves the rug’s value and appearance. Ignoring damage can lead to further deterioration.
CARE FOR RUGS MADE FROM FIBRES OTHER THAN WOOL
Cotton
Avoid harsh chemicals. When a stain occurs, blot immediately without adding water or solvents, as this can spread the stain. Professional cleaning is recommended using mild soap on both sides of the rug, followed by controlled-temperature drying.
Banana Silk, Bamboo Silk, Rayon
These cellulose fibres should be cleaned using a very mild soap. Blot gently in the direction of the pile with a soft cloth. Avoid excess moisture, agitation, and alkaline products to prevent shrinking or browning.
Sisal and Jute
Do not saturate natural fibre rugs with water or cleaning solutions, as this can cause staining. Blot liquid spills immediately using a clean, undyed cloth, pressing firmly to absorb moisture.
For solid spills, gently scrape away debris with a spoon or dull utensil. If liquid stains are left untreated, dirt can be drawn to the area, resulting in dark marks.
Silk
Silk rugs should be dry cleaned only. They are sensitive to acids and sunlight. Always consult a rug cleaning specialist for silk care.