Caring for Your Rug
When it first arrives
Unroll the rug and let it settle. Creases from rolling are normal and usually drop out within a week. If they persist, roll the rug the opposite way for a few hours, or lay something flat and heavy on the crease overnight.
Never fold a rug. Rolling is fine; folding creates permanent creases in the pile.
Shedding — and why it isn't a fault
New wool rugs shed loose fibres. Hand-tufted rugs shed more than hand-knotted ones, and they shed most in the first few weeks.
This is normal. It is wool that was cut during production and never fully worked into the pile, and it works its way out as the rug is used. Vacuum gently and regularly and it settles down, typically within four to eight weeks, occasionally a few months on a high-pile rug.
It is not a defect and it is not a reason the rug will wear out sooner.
Everyday vacuuming
- Use suction only where you can. A rotating beater bar pulls at the pile and, on a hand-knotted rug, at the knots.
- Vacuum in the direction of the pile, not against it.
- Never vacuum the fringes. Shake them out or comb them gently by hand.
- Once a week is plenty for most rooms.
Spills
Act quickly — most things come out of wool if you get to them early.
- Blot, don't rub. Rubbing drives the spill into the pile and distorts it.
- Work from the outside of the spill inwards, so you don't spread it.
- Use cold water and, if needed, a little mild detergent. Never hot water on wool.
- Blot dry with a clean towel, then let it air dry fully before walking on it.
Avoid bleach and strong solvents entirely. On natural dyes they will lift the colour out.
Sun and rotation
Direct sunlight fades natural dyes over time. Rotate the rug 180° every six months or so — it evens out both fading and wear from foot traffic.
Underlay
We'd recommend one for almost every rug. It stops slipping, adds cushioning, reduces wear on the backing and makes vacuuming more effective.
Jute and natural fibres
Jute and jute-cotton rugs do not like moisture. Keep them out of bathrooms and away from doors that get rain. Blot spills immediately and dry thoroughly — damp jute can develop a smell and brown staining that is very difficult to reverse.
Professional cleaning
Every couple of years for a rug in daily use. Use a specialist rug cleaner rather than a general carpet cleaning service, and tell them the rug is hand-made wool from India.
Do not machine wash unless the product page explicitly says the rug is washable.
Questions about a particular rug? Email support@rugcraftworks.com.