Care guide
Rug washing & care
Handmade rugs reward gentle routines. Follow these practices to keep pile, colour, and structure looking their best for years — whether you own a wool flatweave, a silk blend, or a densely knotted piece from our workshop.
- 01
Skip brushing and scrubbing
Do not brush or scrub the rug.
Aggressive brushing frays yarns, thins the pile, and can distort the weave. Scrubbing also forces dirt deeper into the foundation. Spot-clean gently instead — press with a soft cloth and a mild, rug-safe solution when needed.
- 02
Vacuum with care
Vacuum periodically. Avoid beater-brush / rotating-brush modes.
Regular light vacuuming lifts surface dust before it settles into the pile. Use suction-only settings, and lift the head over fringe or delicate edges. Beater brushes can pull loops, shed fibres, and leave permanent texture marks on handmade surfaces.
- 03
Act fast on spills
Blot immediately. Do not rub the stain.
Rubbing spreads liquid and drives pigment into the backing. Blot from the outside of the spill toward the centre with a clean, absorbent white cloth. For wine, oil, or dye-based marks, stop once blotting stalls and consult a professional cleaner familiar with handmade rugs.
- 04
Rotate for even wear
Rotate the rug occasionally to equalize wear.
Sunlight, footpaths, and furniture leave uneven fading and compression. Turning the rug 180° every few months balances colour and pile height so one side does not age faster than the other.
- 05
Protect against furniture marks
Use protectors under heavy furniture legs.
Concentrated weight flattens pile and can leave lasting impressions or “pilling.” Felt pads, coasters, or furniture cups spread the load. Lift rather than drag chairs and tables when rearranging the room.
- 06
Trim — never pull — loose threads
If a thread protrudes, trim it with scissors. Do not pull the yarn.
Pulling can unravel a knot or open a run across the design. Snip the stray fibre flush with the pile surface using sharp scissors. If a larger area comes loose, pause and contact a rug repair specialist.
- 07
Schedule professional cleaning
Periodic professional cleaning is recommended.
Even well-kept rugs benefit from specialist washing that rinses embedded grit without saturating the foundation. Choose a cleaner experienced with hand-knotted and handwoven textiles, and share fibre type and construction before they begin.
Need help with a specific rug?
Share a photo and a short description of the issue — we can advise on at-home care or help you find a suitable cleaning partner.