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.

How to remove common stains from a wool rug

Different spills need slightly different handling — but the golden rule is always the same: blot, don't rub, and act fast.

• Tea, coffee & juice: Blot up the liquid, then dab with the mild dish-soap solution. Rinse by blotting with cold water.
• Wine: Blot immediately, sprinkle a little salt to absorb, then clean with cold soapy water. Never use hot water — it sets the stain.
• Food & grease: Lift solids with a spoon, then treat with the dish-soap solution (dish soap cuts grease well).
• Pet accidents: Blot thoroughly, clean with cold soapy water, then a 1:1 white-vinegar-and-water mix to neutralise odour. Blot dry.
• Ink or unknown stains: Don't experiment. Blot and call a professional wool-rug cleaner.

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.

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean a hand-tufted wool rug at home?

Vacuum regularly on low suction, blot spills immediately with a clean cloth, and spot-clean with a little mild dish soap in cold water. Never use hot water, bleach or a washing machine on a hand-tufted rug, and always air dry. For a deep clean, use a professional experienced with wool.

Why is my new wool rug shedding so much?

Light shedding is completely normal for a new hand-tufted wool rug and settles within the first few weeks to months. Gentle, regular vacuuming (beater bar off) speeds it up. Heavy, ongoing shedding after several months can signal a poorly made rug.

Can I steam clean or shampoo a wool rug?

Avoid home steam cleaners and rented shampooers on hand-tufted wool — excess water and heat can damage the latex backing and cause the wool to shrink or felt. Leave deep cleaning to a professional who works with wool rugs.

How often should a wool rug be professionally cleaned?

Every 12–18 months for a normally used rug, or sooner if it looks dull or has had a major spill. Homes with pets or heavy traffic may need it more often.

How do I get a stain out of a wool rug?

Blot (never rub) from the outside in, then dab with a teaspoon of mild dish soap in a cup of cold water, and rinse by blotting with plain cold water. Act fast and always let it air dry — heat and hot water set stains and damage wool.

Keep your rug beautiful for decades

Good care is what turns a hand-tufted wool rug into a 20-year piece. For more, see our guides on choosing the right pile height and rug materials compared, or browse all our hand-tufted rugs.

Questions about rug care? Reach us anytime on WhatsApp.