How To Wash Handmade Rug

How To Wash Handmade Rug

Handmade rugs are an investment — with the right care, they can last for generations. Here's how to keep yours looking its best.

1. Vacuum Regularly
Use a low-powered vacuum or an upholstery attachment on both sides of the rug to remove dirt and dust before it settles into the fibers. Avoid a beater bar, which can pull at hand-knotted or hand-woven threads.

2. Spot Clean Immediately
If something spills, blot — don't rub. Work from the edges of the stain toward the center with a clean, dry cloth. Rubbing spreads the stain and can damage delicate natural fibers.

3. Rotate Every Six Months
Turn your rug 180 degrees twice a year, especially in high-traffic areas or spots that get direct sunlight. This distributes wear evenly and prevents uneven fading.

4. Professional Hand Wash Every 1–3 Years
Deep cleaning is best left to specialists who understand handmade construction. A professional hand wash:
- Uses cool water and mild, pH-neutral soap — never harsh detergents or high heat, which can shrink wool or fade natural dyes
- Cleans both sides of the rug to remove dust trapped deep in the pile
- Dries the rug fully flat, out of direct sunlight, to prevent warping or mildew

How often you need this depends on foot traffic and whether you have pets or kids — homes with heavy use should aim for every 12–18 months, while lower-traffic rooms can go closer to 3 years.

With regular care between deep cleans, a handmade rug from RugTurkey is built to be a piece you pass down, not replace.

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