maintenance

Complete Rug Care Guide: How to Clean and Maintain Your Hand-Tufted Wool Rug

· 2 min read
Complete Rug Care Guide: How to Clean and Maintain Your Hand-Tufted Wool Rug

Complete Rug Care Guide: How to Clean and Maintain Your Hand-Tufted Wool Rug

A well-made hand-tufted wool rug can last 20–30 years with proper care. Here's everything you need to know to protect your investment and keep your rug looking as beautiful as the day it arrived.

Daily & Weekly Care

  • Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your rug 1–2 times per week to remove surface dust and prevent dirt from embedding into the fibres. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile (never against it), and avoid vacuuming the fringe.
  • Use a low suction setting: High suction can pull out wool fibres. Use a medium or low setting, especially on plush rugs.
  • Rotate every 6 months: Rotating your rug 180° every 6 months ensures even wear and prevents one area from fading more than others (especially important near windows).
  • Use a rug pad: A non-slip rug pad extends the life of your rug by reducing friction and abrasion, prevents slipping, and improves underfoot cushioning.

Dealing with Spills — Act Fast

Spills happen. Here's the correct response:

  1. Blot immediately — never rub. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel and blot from the outside of the spill inward to prevent spreading.
  2. For liquid spills, absorb as much liquid as possible first.
  3. Mix one teaspoon of mild dish soap with one cup of cold water. Apply sparingly to a cloth and gently dab the stained area.
  4. Rinse by blotting with plain cold water.
  5. Allow to air dry completely — never use a hair dryer or direct heat on wool.

What NOT to Do

  • ❌ Never use hot water on wool — it causes shrinkage and felting
  • ❌ Never use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners
  • ❌ Never machine wash a hand-tufted rug — the latex backing will break down
  • ❌ Never hang a wet wool rug to dry — the weight will distort its shape
  • ❌ Never scrub a stain — always blot

Professional Cleaning

We recommend professional rug cleaning once every 12–18 months, or whenever the rug appears dull or doesn't respond to regular vacuuming. Always choose a cleaner experienced with hand-tufted wool rugs. Inform them of the latex backing so they use appropriate methods.

Dealing with Shedding

New wool rugs naturally shed loose fibres for the first few weeks or months of use. This is completely normal and not a defect. The shedding will significantly reduce after the first few months of regular vacuuming.

Sun & Fading

Direct sunlight can fade natural dyes over time. If your rug is near a south-facing window, consider using UV-blocking curtains or rotating the rug more frequently.

Storage

If you need to store your rug:

  • Clean the rug professionally before storing
  • Roll — never fold — the rug with the pile facing inward
  • Wrap in breathable cotton or muslin cloth (not plastic)
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
  • Never store in a damp basement or sealed plastic bag — moisture causes mould

Stain Resistant Coating

If you have pets, children, or simply want extra peace of mind, our optional Stain Resistant Coating add-on provides an invisible protective barrier against liquid spills, food stains, and pet accidents — without altering the texture or appearance of your rug.

Questions about rug care? Reach us anytime on WhatsApp.