Caring for Rugs

A good rug should last decades. Looked after well, it gets more beautiful — colours soften, texture deepens, character builds. Here's how to care for the natural fibre rugs we stock.

Vacuuming

• Once a week for high-traffic rugs. Less for bedrooms and quiet sitting rooms.
• Suction only setting (no brushed beater bar) for jute, sisal and wool. The beater bar pulls fibres loose and wears the pile faster.
• Vacuum in the direction of the pile on wool rugs to keep the surface smooth.
• Never vacuum the fringes — they tangle and shred. Brush them gently by hand with a soft-bristle brush.

Spot cleaning

The faster you act, the better the outcome.

• Blot, never rub. Use a clean dry cloth.
• Cold water only for jute and sisal — hot water leaves permanent water marks.
• Wool tolerates a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent diluted in cold water.
• Never soak a natural fibre rug. Excess water causes warping, shrinkage, and lasting marks.

Rotation

Rotate the rug 180° every six months. This evens out wear, sun exposure, and footprint patterns. Set a reminder for the first day of spring and the first day of autumn.

Professional cleaning

Every 2–3 years, have wool and Persian rugs professionally cleaned. Jute and sisal rugs are best left to professionals for anything beyond spot cleaning — DIY water cleaning almost always leaves a stain.

Sunlight

Keep rugs out of direct, sustained sunlight where possible. Even fade-resistant dyes will dull over years of strong south-facing sun.

A small rug pad underneath does three useful things: stops slipping, protects the rug from wearing through to the floor, and adds an extra layer of cushioning underfoot.