Rug Care Guide
Cleaning, vacuuming and spot treatments – the simple habits that keep a handmade rug looking its best for years.
Vacuuming
- Suction only – turn the brush bar off or raise it. A spinning brush pulls at wool and frays jute.
- Little and often – once or twice a week, more in hallways and busy rooms.
- Go with the pile – vacuum in the direction the pile lies, and avoid sucking up fringes.
- Flip flatweaves now and then – vacuum the back too, to lift grit that wears fibres from below.
New wool rugs shed a little at first – that's normal. Read do wool rugs shed? for how to shorten it.
Spot treatments
Act fast, blot – never rub – and always use cold water. Test any treatment on a hidden corner first.
Red wine, coffee & tea
Blot (never rub) with white kitchen roll. Dab with cold water and a drop of clear washing-up liquid, working from the outside in. Rinse with a little cold water and blot dry.
Pet accidents
Blot up as much as possible, then dab with a mix of one part white vinegar to two parts cold water. Rinse lightly and blot dry to stop odour settling.
Mud
Let it dry completely, then break it up gently and vacuum. Treat any mark left behind with a little cold soapy water.
Grease & oil
Sprinkle with cornflour or bicarbonate of soda, leave for 15–20 minutes to absorb, then vacuum. Dab any remaining mark with a drop of washing-up liquid in cold water.
Candle wax
Harden it with an ice cube in a bag, then lift off the pieces. Don't use heat on wool or jute.
Chewing gum
Freeze with an ice cube, then gently pick it away and snip any stubborn fibres level with the pile.
Cleaning by material
- Wool – naturally stain resistant. Spot clean with cold water and a mild detergent; avoid soaking.
- Jute – keep it dry. Use as little water as possible and dry quickly on a cool setting.
- Flatweave – the easiest to look after. Vacuum both sides and shake out smaller rugs outdoors.
- Soft, deeper piles – vacuum gently with suction only and brush the pile back into place by hand after cleaning.
For a deep clean every 2–3 years, use a professional rug cleaner rather than a carpet or steam cleaner.
Everyday habits
- Rotate the rug 180° every few months so wear and sunlight fade evenly.
- Use a rug pad – it stops slipping and reduces friction underneath.
- Snip loose tufts level with the pile; never pull them.
- Use furniture cups under heavy legs to avoid deep dents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy-care flatweave rugs
Low-maintenance wool flatweaves that are simple to vacuum and spot clean.
Need a different size? Every rug can be made to your exact measurements – order a custom-size rug.