A little regular care helps a rug stay comfortable and look its best. The right approach depends on its fibre, weave and backing, so start with the care instructions for your particular rug.
Gentle vacuuming, prompt attention to spills and a suitable rug pad are useful basics. Water and cleaning products need more care, especially on plant fibres or delicate blends.
The basics — for every rug, every week
Vacuum gently, and often. Vacuum regularly according to use, with gentle suction and no rotating brush where the care label recommends it. Beater bars can catch loops, fringes and loose fibres. Use a lower setting if the rug moves or the yarn pulls.
Rotate it. Turn the rug every few months where practical to spread foot traffic and light exposure. Rotation can help distribute wear, but it does not prevent fading. Use blinds or curtains if the rug receives strong direct sunlight.
Use a rug pad. Choose a pad approved for your floor finish and rug type. It can help reduce slipping and movement and add cushioning. Keep the floor and underside clean and dry, and check the flooring manufacturer’s guidance.
When something spills
Blot spills promptly. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the mark or disturb the fibres.
Use a clean, dry white cloth to lift liquid, working from the outside of the spill towards the centre. Lift solids gently without pressing them into the rug.
Before adding water or cleaner, check the care label. If spot-cleaning is permitted, test a recommended product on a hidden area first and use as little moisture as possible. Do not soak the rug. For a persistent stain or uncertain fibre blend, ask a specialist cleaner.
Avoid bleach, harsh household cleaners and heat unless the rug’s instructions specifically allow them. Wool needs products suitable for wool; jute, hemp and silk blends may need specialist treatment.
Fibre by fibre
Wool is resilient, but it still needs prompt care after spills. Some new wool rugs shed loose surface fibres; the amount and duration vary with the yarn and construction. Vacuum gently and arrange specialist cleaning when the rug needs it, rather than waiting for soil to build up.
Jute and hemp are sensitive to moisture. Blot spills promptly, keep them in dry rooms and avoid soaking or steam-cleaning. Water can leave marks or affect the fibres. Ask a cleaner experienced with plant-fibre rugs before treating a stain.
Cotton can be lightweight and practical, but cotton content does not mean a rug is machine-washable. The dyes, backing, size and fibre blend all matter. Only wash a rug when its care instructions explicitly allow it.
Changes to look out for
Some shedding can occur with new wool rugs and may reduce with gentle vacuuming. If you notice persistent heavy shedding, bald patches, loose loops or yarn coming away, send us photos so we can help assess it.
Prolonged direct sunlight can fade dyes in both natural and synthetic fibres. Rotation helps distribute exposure; limiting strong sunlight is more effective at reducing fading.
Handmade rugs can have small variations in shade and weave. If a change concerns you, ask us rather than assuming it is normal. Photos of the area and the whole rug help us understand what you are seeing.
Storing a rug
Clean the rug and let it dry completely before storing. Roll rather than fold it, following any construction-specific instructions. Use a dry, ventilated space and breathable protection, and check it periodically for damp or pests.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get a stain out of a wool rug?
Blot promptly with a clean white cloth. Check the care label before using water or a cleaning product, test any permitted treatment in a hidden area and avoid soaking or scrubbing. A specialist rug cleaner is the safest next step for a persistent stain.
Can you vacuum a natural-fibre rug?
Usually, yes: follow the care label and use gentle suction. Avoid rotating brushes on loops and fringes, and lower the suction if it lifts the rug or pulls at the yarn. Regularly removing grit helps reduce wear.
Is shedding from a new rug normal?
Some new wool rugs shed loose surface fibres. The amount varies, and it may reduce with gentle vacuuming. Contact us with photos if shedding is heavy, persistent or accompanied by bald patches or loose yarn.
Do natural-fibre rugs need a rug pad?
A suitable pad is often useful, particularly under lighter rugs. Choose one compatible with your floor finish and rug construction; a pad that suits one floor may not suit another.
How often should a wool rug be professionally cleaned?
It depends on foot traffic, spills and the rug’s condition. A specialist can advise whether cleaning is needed; busy rooms may need attention sooner. Share the material and care instructions before booking treatment.
