Caring for Your Rug

A little care is all it asks in return

Care guide

A hand-knotted rug is made to last generations. Woven by hand over months, from natural wool and silk, it only grows more beautiful with time — and a little care is all it asks in return. Here is how to keep yours looking its best for a lifetime.

The essentials

How to care for a hand-knotted rug

Everyday care

  • Vacuum gently and regularly. Use suction only — avoid a rotating beater brush or bar, which can pull at the knots. Vacuum in the direction of the pile, and keep the fringes clear of the machine.
  • Rotate every few months. Turning the rug 180° evens out wear and fading, especially in sunlit rooms or high-traffic areas.
  • Use a rug pad. A quality pad protects the foundation, adds cushioning, stops slipping, and extends the life of the rug.
  • Lift furniture, don't drag it, and shift heavy pieces occasionally so the pile doesn't stay crushed in one spot.
  • A little shedding is normal. New wool rugs release loose fibres for the first few months — this is natural and settles over time.

Spills & spot cleaning

  • Act quickly. Blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry, white cloth, working from the outside in.
  • Blot — never rub. Rubbing distorts the pile and spreads the stain deeper.
  • Use cold water for most spills. For stubborn spots, add a small amount of mild, wool-safe detergent diluted in cold water — and always test on a hidden corner first.
  • Dry thoroughly. Blot up all moisture and let the rug air-dry completely. Never apply direct heat.
  • For oil, wine, or pet accidents, blot first and speak to a professional promptly rather than saturating the rug.

What to avoid

  • No bleach, ammonia, or harsh solvent cleaners.
  • No machine washing, steam cleaning, or soaking — a hand-knotted rug should never go in a washing machine.
  • No prolonged direct sunlight, which fades natural dyes. Rotate the rug and use blinds where you can.
  • Never leave the rug damp. Moisture invites mildew and weakens the foundation, so dry it promptly if it ever gets wet.

Deep cleaning & washing

Every one to three years — more often in busy homes — have your rug professionally hand-washed by a specialist who understands hand-knotted rugs. This lifts deep grit, refreshes the colours, and protects the fibres in a way home cleaning can't.

Between washes, air the rug outdoors on a dry, shaded day now and then, and gently shake out dust.

A note on materials

Wool is naturally durable and resilient, and its lanolin helps resist stains. Protect it from moths by vacuuming regularly and airing it occasionally; if you store it, make sure it's clean and wrapped.

Wool & silk and pure silk are the most delicate. Keep these in low-traffic spots and out of direct sun, blot any spill straight away with the barest amount of cold water, and rely on professional cleaning only — silk should never be wet-washed at home.

Quick reference

Do's & Don'ts

Do

  • Vacuum gently, with suction only
  • Rotate the rug 180° every few months
  • Use a quality rug pad underneath
  • Blot spills at once with a clean white cloth and cold water
  • Have it professionally hand-washed every 1-3 years

Don't

  • Don't use a beater-brush vacuum or catch the fringes
  • Don't rub or scrub a spill
  • Don't use bleach, ammonia or harsh solvents
  • Don't machine-wash, steam-clean or soak
  • Don't leave it in prolonged direct sunlight, or damp

We're here to help

Unsure about a spill or how to clean your rug? Reach out before treating it — we're always happy to advise.

Contact Us