How to Care for & Clean Your Rug: A Complete Guide

A handmade rug is one of the most enduring investments you can make for your home. Whether you own a centuries-old antique or a freshly woven hand-knotted piece, proper care will preserve its beauty, structure, and value for generations. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about rug care and cleaning — from daily maintenance to professional restoration.

Daily & Weekly Maintenance

The single most effective thing you can do for your rug is vacuum it regularly — ideally once a week in high-traffic areas and every two weeks elsewhere. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile (run your hand across the rug to feel which direction the fibers lie flat — that's the direction of the pile). Avoid vacuuming the fringe, as the suction can fray and weaken it over time.

For delicate antique or silk rugs, skip the vacuum entirely and use a soft-bristle brush or simply shake the rug gently outdoors. Silk fibers are especially fragile and can be damaged by aggressive suction.

Rotating Your Rug

Foot traffic and sunlight cause uneven wear. Rotate your rug 180° every 6–12 months so that different areas absorb the wear. This is especially important for rugs placed under dining tables or in hallways where traffic patterns are concentrated. Rotation also prevents one side from fading faster than the other in rooms with strong directional sunlight.

Using a Rug Pad

A quality rug pad does more than prevent slipping — it acts as a cushion that reduces the stress on the rug's foundation with every footstep. It also allows air to circulate beneath the rug, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold or mildew. Choose a pad that is slightly smaller than your rug (about 1 inch on each side) so it stays hidden. Avoid rubber-backed pads on hardwood floors, as they can discolor the finish over time; opt for felt or natural rubber instead.

Dealing with Spills

Act fast — the sooner you address a spill, the less likely it is to set into a stain. Follow these steps:

1. Blot, don't rub. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot up as much liquid as possible. Rubbing spreads the spill and pushes it deeper into the fibers.
2. Work from the outside in. Start at the edges of the spill and work toward the center to prevent spreading.
3. Use cold water. For most spills, cold water is your best first tool. Apply a small amount and blot again.
4. Mild dish soap for stubborn spots. Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with cold water, apply sparingly, and blot. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
5. Avoid harsh chemicals. Bleach, ammonia, and most commercial carpet cleaners are too aggressive for hand-knotted wool or silk rugs and can strip natural dyes or damage fibers.

For red wine, coffee, or pet accidents, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can be effective. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Deep Cleaning at Home

Most hand-knotted rugs benefit from a thorough cleaning every 1–3 years depending on foot traffic. For a home deep clean:

• Take the rug outside on a clean, dry surface (a driveway or deck works well).
• Vacuum both sides to remove loose dirt.
• Mix a gentle rug shampoo or mild dish soap with cold water.
• Use a soft brush to work the solution gently into the pile, following the direction of the fibers.
• Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose, again working in the direction of the pile.
• Squeeze out excess water — do not wring or twist.
• Hang or lay flat to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Never dry a rug in direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade natural dyes.

This method works well for most wool rugs. For silk rugs or very valuable antiques, we strongly recommend professional cleaning only.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations call for expert hands:

• Antique rugs — fragile foundations and aged dyes require specialized knowledge.
• Silk rugs — silk is extremely sensitive to water and improper handling can cause irreversible damage.
• Large stains or odors — pet urine in particular can penetrate the foundation and require full submersion washing.
• Fringe repair or re-weaving — structural damage should always be addressed by a professional rug restorer.

A reputable rug cleaner will wash the rug by hand, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it in a controlled environment. Expect to pay $3–$8 per square foot for professional cleaning — a worthwhile investment for a quality piece.

Long-Term Storage

If you need to store a rug, clean it thoroughly first — dirt and oils left in the fibers attract moths and other pests. Roll the rug (never fold it, as folds create permanent creases) with the pile facing inward, wrap it in breathable cotton or muslin, and store it in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid plastic wrapping, which traps moisture. Check stored rugs every few months for signs of pests.

Explore Our Collection

Proper care starts with knowing what you have. Browse our Oriental Rugs collection and Antique Rugs collection to find pieces worth caring for — and reach out if you have questions about the specific materials in any rug you own or are considering.