Care & Maintenance

Use protective disks or pads under the legs of your furniture where you can because heavy furniture can compress your rug. If pile has been compacted, it can be revived by spritzing the area with water and brushing with a soft brush.

Vacuum or shake out rugs regularly. When vacuuming, pass over each area several times, especially high-traffic areas, from different directions. Avoid high-powered vacuum attachments, which can pull threads away from the backing. And remember to turn off the vacuum’s beater bar, if possible. If it cannot be turned off, raise the bar to the highest setting.

Beware of the fringed rug-vacuum relationship! Styles with fringe demand extra-careful attention when vacuuming. In other words, don't run over the fringe! Actually, you’ll need to make sure you don’t get too close to it at all, because a powerful vacuum will lure and suck in the fringe like a Venus fly trap if you’re anywhere near it.

Rotate and vacuum tufted rugs to help reduce shedding. Like carpet, tufted rugs normally shed after purchase. But it will diminish over time.

Sweep your rug regularly with a broom. It not only helps get rid of dirt, but it also will help bring out your rug’s sheen.

Blot spills with a clean, white cloth as soon as possible. Work from the outside edge inward to prevent the spill from spreading. You can dilute smaller spills with a little bit of water, or you may need to use a mild cleaner. If so, make sure to use as little as possible so you don’t damage the rug or flooring. Test a tiny area of the accident to see how the dyes will react. Avoid rubbing the spill because this will only drive it deeper into your rug.

Clean food and drink stains with a mild, non-bleach detergent (diluted with a small amount of water). But treat oil-based stains with stronger solvents. As with fabric, an ink stain can be removed with hair spray. Spray the area and let it dry. Then, brush gently with a water and vinegar solution.

Avoid dry cleaning your rug. Harsh chemicals can damage the backing and cause color fading. Consult a professional rug cleaner, ideally one experienced with your rug's fabric type, for deep cleaning or spot removal.

Avoid direct sunlight. Constant exposure to direct sunlight may cause the colors in rugs to mute and slightly fade. Rugs colored mainly with natural vegetable dyes will fade into a soft and subtle patina with time and long exposure to direct sunlight. Rugs colored with chrome dyes will not fade as fast. Window treatments can help protect your rugs from the sun’s damaging rays. For example, blinds and shutters are especially easy to adjust for blocking or filtering sunlight.

Rotate or reposition your rug about every six months to avoid repetitive wear and to balance any fading from light. If the rug is reversible, be sure to flip it over regularly.

Keep stored rugs in a dry, well-ventilated place. Treat and clean your rug, before storing it, with repellent if its fiber content is susceptible to moths (wool, for example). Roll the rug tightly with the pattern facing out and wrap in a cloth, sheet or something else that will protect the rug and let it breathe. Don't use airtight bags.