Proper care preserves the color, texture, and structure of your rug for many years. From routine vacuuming to stain first aid, washing, and seasonal storage, here is everything you need to know.
01General principles
Every rug has a unique fiber composition, weaving technique, and dyeing process. The following recommendations provide general guidance to help you properly care for your rug.
✓Do's
Always check the care instructions on the product label first; if any information conflicts with this guide, the label instructions take precedence.
Always test any new cleaning method or product on a small, inconspicuous corner first; proceed only after confirming no discoloration or fiber damage occurs.
Expect normal fiber shedding during the first few weeks for new rugs; regular vacuuming will gradually reduce it.
Ensure the floor surface where you lay the rug is completely clean and dry.
×Don'ts
Do not attempt to wash or chemically clean the rug without reading the label first.
Do not mix different cleaning chemicals or detergents together.
Do not pull loose threads from the rug surface; trim them flush with the pile using scissors.
02Regular vacuuming
As dust and grit settle deep into fibers, they cause abrasion and dull the colors. Regular vacuuming is the most effective way to prevent this wear.
✓Do's
Vacuum your rug 1–2 times a week; vacuum more frequently in high-traffic zones like entryways, hallways, and living rooms.
Glide the vacuum head in the direction of the pile grain; medium suction power is sufficient for most rugs.
Turn off the rotating beater bar or use a flat floor head on wool, plush, and high-pile rugs.
Once a month, lift the rug and vacuum the back side and the floor underneath.
×Don'ts
Do not run the vacuum head over the fringes; clean fringes gently by hand or with a soft brush.
Do not use robotic vacuums on fringed rugs; fringes can tangle in rotating brushes and tear.
Do not scrub with stiff-bristled brushes or push aggressively against the grain of the pile.
03Stain removal & first aid
The faster you attend to a stain, the higher the chance of removing it completely. The golden rule is simple: blot gently, never scrub.
Carefully lift away solid or semi-solid residue using a spoon or a dull spatula.
Blot liquid spills with a clean, white, absorbent cloth working from the outer edge toward the center; never rub or scrub.
Use cold water; hot water can set certain stains permanently into fibers.
If necessary, mix 1 teaspoon of colorless, pH-neutral detergent in 1 liter of cold water and apply sparingly with a cloth.
Dab with a clean damp cloth to rinse out detergent residue, then blot thoroughly with a dry cloth.
Allow the area to air-dry completely; do not step on it while it is drying.
×Don'ts
Do not use bleach, chlorinated cleaners, or harsh spot removers.
Do not rub or scrub the stain; rubbing spreads the mark and damages the pile fibers.
Do not leave the rug soaked wet; prolonged moisture can cause mildew odor and color bleeding.
Common stains and immediate first aid
Stain
What to do
Coffee and tea
Blot immediately with a dry cloth. Clean by dabbing with a mild detergent solution, rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly. Rinse thoroughly if coffee contains sugar or milk.
Wine and fruit juice
Blot excess liquid firmly. Dampen with cold water and repeat blotting; apply a mild detergent solution if marks remain. For deep stains on delicate rugs, seek professional cleaning.
Oil and grease
Scrape off excess grease with a spoon, then blot remaining oil with paper towels. Dab sparingly with a detergent solution and rinse; fast response prevents permanent absorption in synthetic fibers.
Candle wax
Allow wax to harden completely, then crack and gently lift with a spoon. Place absorbent paper over remaining wax residue and press briefly with a warm iron; keep heat low on synthetic fibers and never touch the iron directly to the rug.
Chewing gum
Harden the gum with ice cubes in a plastic bag, then gently lift pieces off with a spoon. Clean any sticky residue with a mild detergent solution.
Mud
Do not wipe while wet. Allow to dry completely, break up dried soil, vacuum thoroughly, and dab any remaining mark with a detergent solution.
Pet urine
Blot immediately and thoroughly with generous paper towels. Use an enzymatic cleaner on synthetic rugs; on wool rugs, seek professional cleaning due to risk of color run and odor retention.
04Washing & deep cleaning
Not every rug is suitable for home washing. Always base your washing decision strictly on the care label.
✓Do's
If the label permits machine washing, wash at maximum 30°C on a delicate cycle with low spin and mild liquid detergent.
If the label does not permit machine washing, send your rug to professional rug cleaning services 1–2 times a year.
Dry washed rugs flat in the shade on an even surface where both sides get adequate airflow.
Only place the rug back in your living space once it is completely dry.
×Don'ts
Do not use fabric softener; it leaves residue that attracts dirt faster.
Do not dry under direct harsh sunlight, over radiators, or hanging on clotheslines; this can cause fading and distortion.
Never wet wash jute, sisal, bamboo silk, or viscose rugs.
05Rotation
Rugs experience uneven wear across different zones; walkways and sun-exposed edges wear faster than covered areas.
✓Do's
Rotate your rug 180° every 3–6 months to distribute foot traffic and light exposure evenly.
For runners, rotate end-to-end to balance wear along the pathway.
×Don'ts
Do not drag the rug by its edges or fringes; always lift and reposition.
06Sunlight protection
Prolonged direct sunlight can cause colors to fade over time, especially in natural fiber and richly dyed rugs.
✓Do's
Use sheer curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours.
Rotate rugs in sun-drenched rooms more frequently.
×Don'ts
Do not expose the rug to intense direct sunlight for extended periods.
07Furniture indentations
Heavy furniture legs compress the rug pile over time, which may create stubborn indentation marks.
✓Do's
Place felt pads under furniture legs to distribute weight over a wider surface area.
Shift furniture position slightly by a few centimeters every few months.
On synthetic rugs, place an ice cube on the compressed indentation; once melted, blot moisture and lift pile gently with fingers or a soft brush.
×Don'ts
Do not attempt to restore crushed pile using stiff wire brushes or hot air blowers.
08Fringes & edges
Fringes and bound edges are the most vulnerable parts of a rug; minor unraveling should be addressed promptly before it spreads.
✓Do's
Gently comb fringes by hand or with a wide-toothed comb periodically.
Have damaged binding or serging repaired promptly by a professional carpet overlock service.
×Don'ts
Do not run the vacuum cleaner nozzle directly across fringes.
Do not pull loose edge threads.
09Non-slip underlay
A non-slip underlay not only prevents slipping hazards for safety, but also reduces friction against the hard floor to extend rug life.
✓Do's
Always use a quality non-slip underlay beneath runners, hallways, and rugs placed on slick wood or tile floors.
Trim the underlay a couple of centimeters smaller than the rug so it remains invisible along borders.
×Don'ts
Do not use underlays that are not rated for underfloor heating systems.
10Storage & seasonal care
If you need to store your rug temporarily, proper storage prevents mildew, moths, and permanent creasing.
✓Do's
Clean and completely dry the rug before rolling it for storage.
Roll the rug tightly with the pile facing inward; never fold it.
Wrap in a breathable cotton sheet or cloth rather than airtight plastic.
For wool rugs, include natural moth repellents such as cedar chips or dried lavender.
Store off the floor in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight.
Unroll and air out every six months.
×Don'ts
Do not place heavy items on top of the rolled rug.
Do not store in damp basements, humid garages, or hot attics.
11Care by material
You can find your rug's material on the product page specifications and on the reverse care label. Each fiber type requires tailored care.
Acrylic
A soft, color-fast synthetic fiber that offers easy everyday maintenance. Initial fiber shedding in the first weeks is completely normal.
✓Do's
Clean stains using cold water and a mild detergent solution, blotting gently without rubbing.
Manage initial shedding with regular gentle vacuuming.
×Don'ts
Do not place near direct heat sources such as stoves, fireplaces, or space heaters.
Do not use hot water or steam extraction machines.
Polyester
A stain-resistant, durable fiber with vibrant colors; however, oily spills cling quickly to synthetic fibers if not treated promptly.
✓Do's
Treat oily and greasy spills immediately before they set into the fibers.
Vacuum regularly to maintain a full, plush pile appearance.
×Don'ts
Do not touch irons or hot utensils directly to the rug surface.
Do not use the rug near high heat sources.
Bamboo Silk & Viscose
Silky, lustrous fibers that are exceptionally sensitive to moisture. Wet cleaning can cause yellowing, color bleeding, and pile flattening.
✓Do's
Use dry vacuuming only with a flat floor head.
Blot liquid spills immediately with a completely dry, clean white cloth.
Use professional dry cleaning methods for deep cleaning.
×Don'ts
Do not use water, liquid detergent solutions, or steam cleaners.
Avoid placing in high-humidity or spill-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways.
Wool
Naturally resilient and stain-repellent thanks to protective natural lanolin. Initial shedding during the first few months is normal and diminishes over time.
✓Do's
Vacuum regularly and ventilate the room often to safeguard against moths.
Turn off the rotating beater bar when vacuuming wool rugs.
Have the rug professionally washed every 1–2 years.
×Don'ts
Do not use alkaline, bleach, or harsh descaling detergents.
Do not use steam cleaning machines; steam causes wool fibers to felt and shrink.
Jute & Sisal
Natural plant fibers: highly absorbent, prone to water marks, and susceptible to shrinking when soaked. Clean using dry methods only.
✓Do's
Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth; if necessary, use a barely damp cloth and dry quickly with cool air.
Opt for dry carpet cleaning powders or specialized foam cleaners.
Trim any sprouting fibers flush with the pile using sharp scissors.
×Don'ts
Do not wet wash or soak in water.
Do not place on damp floors such as outside bathrooms or kitchen sink areas.
Do not pull loose fibers; pulling can unravel the weave structure.
Plush & Shaggy High-Pile
Deep, luxuriously soft pile fibers trap dust and crumbs deep within; they require gentle, deliberate care.
✓Do's
Vacuum with a flat head on low to medium suction power.
Shake out the rug outdoors in fresh air regularly whenever possible.
Gently groom the fibers with a wide-toothed comb; use a rubber brush for pet hair.
×Don'ts
Do not use rotating beater bars or power brush heads.
Do not wet wash unless explicitly approved on the care label.
12When to seek professional support
Some maintenance tasks go beyond home care capabilities. We recommend professional rug cleaning services for the following:
Large, aged, or deeply dried-in stains
Persistent odors, particularly from pet accidents
Flooding, water leaks, or rugs that remained wet for prolonged periods
Handmade, antique, heirloom, or high-value silk and wool rugs
Rugs with care labels specifying dry clean or professional cleaning only
This guide is provided for general informational purposes. The manufacturer care label on your rug always takes precedence.
