Care &
maintenance instructions.
A handmade rug is a living object — woven knot by knot, thread by thread. Proper preservation protects the natural wool fibers, maintains the dye hues, and ensures your heirloom lasts for generations.
Spill Resolution Matrix
In the event of an active spill, immediate action is critical. Choose the method below based on the spill material.
Blot immediately with a clean, dry white towel to absorb excess liquid. Never rub. Mist the area lightly with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water, then continue blotting dry.
Blot up as much liquid as possible. Sponge the stain gently with a mild, pH-neutral detergent solution mixed with lukewarm water. Blot repeatedly from the outer edges inward.
Let wet mud dry completely first. Do not attempt to wipe wet mud. Once dried, gently scrape the crust away with the edge of a spoon, then vacuum the remaining dry soil particles.
Technique-Specific Splits
How a rug is constructed dictates how it must be preserved. Hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs have separate structures, backings, and tolerances.
Hand-Knotted Guide
Technique 01Regular Shaking & Dusting
Shaking the rug is one of the most effective ways to remove dry, abrasive grit that settles deep into the knots. Weekly dusting or shaking in an open courtyard maintains pile elasticity.
Vacuuming Guidelines
Vacuum weekly with a low-suction upholstery head. Avoid using rotating beater bars, which can snag or unravel hand-tied knots. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile run.
Professional Saturation Washing
Every 3–5 years, have your hand-knotted rug washed by a handmade carpet specialist. Since the pile is tied around warp strings, they can be fully saturated with water and washed clean.
Fringe Maintenance
Fringes are the exposed ends of the warp strings. Comb them straight manually using a wide-toothed comb. Never vacuum over fringes as they can shred in the roller.
Hand-Tufted Guide
Technique 02Canvas Backing Protection
Hand-tufted rugs have a secondary protective cotton canvas cloth glued on the back with latex adhesive. Avoid heavy dragging or scraping, which can loosen the backing canvas.
Strict Moisture Limits
Never saturate a hand-tufted rug with water. Excessive moisture dissolves the latex adhesive backing, leading to rotting and loose tufts. Use damp blotting only.
Shedding Management
New tufted rugs shed loose wool fibers naturally due to shearing. This is normal settling. Vacuum regularly without a beater bar; shedding will subside over 4–6 weeks.
Spot Blotting Only
If stained, blot immediately with pH-neutral soap and white towels. Never use steam cleaners or harsh bleaches, which react with the backing latex.
Universal Guidelines
Beyond construction-specific specifications, these universal care practices protect any handmade rug against premature wear and fading.
Routine Rotation
To ensure even wear, rotate your rug 180 degrees every six months. This is particularly crucial for rugs exposed to direct sunlight or heavy foot traffic patterns.
Sunlight Protection
Prolonged exposure to direct UV rays causes natural dyes to fade and dry out wool fibers. Use window treatments, blinds, or UV-filtering films to shield your rug.
Roll-Only Storage
If storing a rug, always roll it with the pile facing inward. Never fold, as folding causes permanent foundation creases. Wrap in breathable paper and store in a cool, dry area.
Scheduled Deep Cleans
Every 12 to 18 months, arrange for a professional deep cleaning to extract embedded grit. Avoid standard home steam cleaners which can waterlog the backing latex of tufted rugs.
Professional Assessments
For antique, high-value, or heavily used heirlooms, have a specialist check for edge binding wear or minor splits annually to catch repairs early before warp threads separate.
- Shedding is natural in new handmade and hand-tufted rugs, especially wool-based ones. This is simply the release of loose fibers from shearing and will reduce over time with regular vacuuming.
- Newly delivered rugs may arrive with temporary creases or a light packing odor. Simply lay the rug flat and allow it to settle in a well-ventilated area; both creases and any smell will fade naturally within a few days.
- Slight color variations (5–10%) and shading effects (also known as pooling or watermarking) are inherent characteristics of handmade rugs and are not considered defects. These natural irregularities add to the uniqueness and charm of your rug.
By adhering to these care instructions, you preserve the natural lanolin, color, and knot strength of your rug, ensuring it remains a cherished heirloom for decades.