Your handmade rug is built to last for generations, but like anything made by hand, it thrives when treated with care. Below is our tried-and-true advice, drawn from decades of restoring, repairing, and living with rugs ourselves.
Vacuuming & Fringes
Fringes are always the first point of damage on handmade rugs. Najaf discovered this early in his repair work, after noticing that so many rugs were arriving with frayed or missing fringes.
One day, while vacuuming his own rug, it clicked, the rotating and sucking brush of the vacuum was catching the fringes, pulling on them with force, and slowly weakening the fibres. Over time, those repetitive movements would break the “security line” that holds the entire weave together, leading to fraying and, in some cases, unravelling.
From that day, we’ve always advised: never vacuum your fringes. Instead, gently fluff them by hand or shake them out. For the rest of the rug, use vacuum suction only, no rotating brush, to avoid damage to the fibres.
Dusting & Deep Cleaning
Vacuum your rug once a week on a low-suction setting, always moving with the pile (also called the nap) rather than against it. This means vacuuming in the smooth direction the fibres naturally lie, which helps maintain the pile length and prevents unnecessary wear. Avoid using rotating brushes or beater bars, as they can be too aggressive for handmade fibres.
Spills & Stains
If a spill happens, act quickly and blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub, as this will push the stain deeper into the fibres. For solids, gently lift them away with a spoon before blotting. If needed, use only cold water and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent, testing it in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid chemical sprays, steam cleaning, or soaking, as these can damage natural fibres.
Storage & Moth Protection
We generally recommend avoiding long-term storage unless you really have to. It’s one of the most common situations where moths attack beautiful rugs. Moths thrive in places with no air and no light, and moth damage can be incredibly difficult and expensive to repair. If you suspect moth activity, have your rug professionally washed immediately and request a moth treatment.
If you do need to store your rug, keep it rolled (pile facing inwards) somewhere with good airflow and natural light. Avoid wrapping it in plastic, as this traps moisture. Every now and then, roll it out, give it a gentle vacuum, and let it breathe. This simple habit can make all the difference in keeping moths away.
Underlay
An underlay is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your rug. It helps reduce friction between the rug and the floor, preventing unnecessary wear on the fibres, and also keeps the rug from slipping or moving out of place. Underlay adds a gentle cushioning underfoot, making even the thinnest rugs feel softer and more luxurious to walk on.
We recommend using an underlay for every handmade rug in your home, particularly in high-traffic areas, to keep it looking and feeling its best for years to come. You can see our full range of rug underlays here.
Professional Cleaning
Even with regular care at home, a professional wash will keep your rug in its best condition for years to come. We recommend a professional hand wash every 3–5 years, or sooner for rugs in high-traffic areas.
Never use steam cleaning or standard carpet cleaning services, they are not appropriate for handmade rugs and can cause incredible, often irreversible damage to the fibres and dyes. We’ve seen too many beautiful rugs harmed by these methods.
If your rug needs a professional clean, contact us and we can arrange it with trusted specialists who understand the craft and construction of handmade rugs.
Vacuuming & Fringes
Fringes are always the first point of damage on handmade rugs. Najaf discovered this early in his repair work, after noticing that so many rugs were arriving with frayed or missing fringes.
One day, while vacuuming his own rug, it clicked, the rotating and sucking brush of the vacuum was catching the fringes, pulling on them with force, and slowly weakening the fibres. Over time, those repetitive movements would break the “security line” that holds the entire weave together, leading to fraying and, in some cases, unravelling.
From that day, we’ve always advised: never vacuum your fringes. Instead, gently fluff them by hand or shake them out. For the rest of the rug, use vacuum suction only, no rotating brush, to avoid damage to the fibres.
Dusting & Deep Cleaning
Vacuum your rug once a week on a low-suction setting, always moving with the pile (also called the nap) rather than against it. This means vacuuming in the smooth direction the fibres naturally lie, which helps maintain the pile length and prevents unnecessary wear. Avoid using rotating brushes or beater bars, as they can be too aggressive for handmade fibres.
Spills & Stains
If a spill happens, act quickly and blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub, as this will push the stain deeper into the fibres. For solids, gently lift them away with a spoon before blotting. If needed, use only cold water and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent, testing it in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid chemical sprays, steam cleaning, or soaking, as these can damage natural fibres.
Storage & Moth Protection
We generally recommend avoiding long-term storage unless you really have to. It’s one of the most common situations where moths attack beautiful rugs. Moths thrive in places with no air and no light, and moth damage can be incredibly difficult and expensive to repair. If you suspect moth activity, have your rug professionally washed immediately and request a moth treatment.
If you do need to store your rug, keep it rolled (pile facing inwards) somewhere with good airflow and natural light. Avoid wrapping it in plastic, as this traps moisture. Every now and then, roll it out, give it a gentle vacuum, and let it breathe. This simple habit can make all the difference in keeping moths away.
Underlay
An underlay is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your rug. It helps reduce friction between the rug and the floor, preventing unnecessary wear on the fibres, and also keeps the rug from slipping or moving out of place. Underlay adds a gentle cushioning underfoot, making even the thinnest rugs feel softer and more luxurious to walk on.
We recommend using an underlay for every handmade rug in your home, particularly in high-traffic areas, to keep it looking and feeling its best for years to come. You can see our full range of rug underlays here.
Professional Cleaning
Even with regular care at home, a professional wash will keep your rug in its best condition for years to come. We recommend a professional hand wash every 3–5 years, or sooner for rugs in high-traffic areas.
Never use steam cleaning or standard carpet cleaning services, they are not appropriate for handmade rugs and can cause incredible, often irreversible damage to the fibres and dyes. We’ve seen too many beautiful rugs harmed by these methods.
If your rug needs a professional clean, contact us and we can arrange it with trusted specialists who understand the craft and construction of handmade rugs.
