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.
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