GENERAL CARE & MAINTENANCE
Vacuuming:
Most of today's vacuums are designed for high-powered suction on hardwood flooring and wall-to-wall carpet. Because of this, they are often too abrasive for use with area rugs in a typical setting. Instead, upright or canister vacuums that don't include a beater bar are the best choice.
- If you don't have a canister vacuum, use either your vacuum's handheld attachment (if it has one), or choose the lowest setting available to you.
- If you are not using a handheld attachment, and your vacuum has a beater bar (brush), remove or raise it as high as possible. Vacuum carefully. It is essential as the brush can pull fibers from the rug's backing and cause fuzzing on the surface.
- After vacuuming, check the canister or bag for rug fibers. While shedding is typical with all rugs, many fibers filling your canister indicate that vacuuming is being done too aggressively. Adjust your settings accordingly.
- Avoid vacuuming fringes/tassels or serged (bound) edges on rugs. It will help prevent fraying or other destruction to these edges.
- Wool can hide a large amount of dirt before it shows on the rug surface. Vacuum from side to side to remove as much dirt as possible.
Spot Cleaning:
- Spills must be blotted immediately using a clean white cloth. Do not rub. Allowing a spill to set will make the stain more difficult to clean, and rubbing can force the stain deeper into your rug's surface.
- Avoid over saturating a wool rug with water to keep dyes from bleeding. We recommend using lukewarm water to remove any stains.
- Once you have finished cleaning the area, use clean, dry towels to wick away all moisture.
Apart from regular home upkeep, we strongly recommend professional cleaning. For example, to keep your rugs looking fresh, you should bring them to a reputable cleaner at least once a year.
Cleaning by Rug Type
Tufted/Hooked
- Blot stains using a clean, lint-free towel or white paper towel.
- Scoop up any dry materials or debris using a blunt instrument, such as a spoon.
- Mix a small amount of clear, mild detergent with cold water. Blot away any remaining stains on the rug surface with your clean cloth or sponge.
- Set-in stains that are difficult to remove should be taken to a professional cleaner. Please do not attempt to use any cleaning solvents in your home, as you risk damage to the rug itself and the flooring underneath.
Important note: Tufted/Hooked Viscose rugs should be vacuumed using a suction-only attachment. Vacuum with the grain (run your hand along the surface of the rug to determine what direction the fibers run in). You may also use an electric carpet sweeper. Spills are best cleaned using an acetic or citric acid rinse instead of water to lessen the possibility of discoloration.
Indoor/Outdoor
Synthetic rugs designed for outdoor use may be cleaned indoors using the above general methods or taken outdoors.
- Ensure to read the label on the back of your rug to ensure it is suitable for outdoor use! Not all synthetics are made for this purpose. Our website also features a category exclusive to outdoor rugs.
- Instructions for indoor/outdoor rugs: mix a small amount of clear, mild detergent with water. Use this to clean the entire rug surface and rinse with a garden hose.
- Allow both sides of the rug time to dry outdoors in direct sunlight thoroughly.
Natural Fibers
- It is common for loose fibers to break down and pool underneath the rug surface. In addition to regular surface vacuuming, clean the floor under the rug.
- Sprouting is also common. "Sprouting" refers to loose rug fibers that poke up out of the rug surface. Do not pull these; snip down to the surface of the rug.
- Starting from the outer edge, blot gently toward the center using a clean white cloth.
- Seek the assistance of a professional rug cleaner for any difficult to remove stains.
Shag Rugs
- When first removed from their packaging, shag rugs may have a flattened or matted appearance. Fluff the surface by hand to remedy this.
- Due to the higher pile compared to other rug types, a high amount of shedding is normal and expected. This is especially true for Wool Shag items.
- Before vacuuming, turn the rug face down and gently shake it out to dislodge any dirt that may have gotten trapped deep within the fibers.
- During a suction-only attachment, vacuum in between individual rows on your rug.
Leather/Cowhide
- The best and easiest method to clean leather or cowhide rugs is to shake them out. You may also use an electric carpet sweeper.
- Avoid using any chemical solvents on leather or cowhide. This will cause the material to break down and stain further.
- Lightly blot any spills using a clean white cloth.