Rug Care Guide

The single biggest cleaning mistake we see isn't neglect — it's treating every rug the same way. A cleaning method that's perfectly safe for a synthetic rug can shrink a wool rug, bleed the dyes on a silk piece, or warp a jute rug beyond repair. Here's how to care for the five most common rug materials.

Wool

Wool is the most common material in handmade rugs, and for good reason — it's naturally soil-resistant, springs back from crushing, and holds dye beautifully. Wool rugs generally tolerate hand-wash immersion cleaning well, which is why most fine hand-knotted rugs are made from it.

• Vacuum: Weekly, avoiding a beater bar on any fringe
• Cleaning method: Professional hand-wash immersion cleaning every 12–18 months
• Watch for: Moth damage during storage — wool is a favorite target
• Avoid: Steam cleaners and high heat, which can felt or shrink the fibers

Silk

Silk rugs are prized for their sheen and fine detail, but the fiber is more delicate than wool and more sensitive to sunlight, moisture, and aggressive cleaning. Many fine silk rugs use natural dyes that require extra care during washing to prevent bleeding.

• Vacuum: Gently, on a low-suction setting, avoiding fringe entirely
• Cleaning method: Professional hand-wash cleaning only — never machine washing or harsh detergents
• Watch for: Sun fading; rotate periodically and keep out of direct, prolonged sunlight
• Avoid: Any DIY spot cleaning with water, which can leave permanent rings or bleed dyes

Jute & Sisal

Jute and sisal are natural plant fibers common in flatweave and casual rugs. They look great in relaxed, coastal-style spaces, but they behave very differently from wool or silk — most importantly, they should never get fully saturated with water.

• Vacuum: Regularly, since dirt sits on the surface rather than deep in the pile
• Cleaning method: Dry cleaning or very light, low-moisture methods only
• Watch for: Mold and mildew if the rug gets wet and doesn't dry quickly
• Avoid: Steam cleaning or soaking — excess water can cause the fibers to warp, discolor, or rot

Cotton

Cotton rugs, including many flatweave dhurries and washable area rugs, are among the most forgiving materials to care for, though quality and construction still vary widely.

• Vacuum: Weekly, both sides if reversible
• Cleaning method: Many cotton flatweaves can be machine washed on a gentle, cold cycle — check the specific rug's construction first
• Watch for: Color fading with repeated washing, especially in printed or dyed patterns
• Avoid: High heat drying, which can shrink or misshape the weave

Synthetic (Power-Loomed)

Synthetic rugs — typically polypropylene, polyester, or nylon — are the most durable and forgiving option, which is why they're popular for high-traffic homes, playrooms, and rental properties.

• Vacuum: Weekly, or more often in high-traffic areas
• Cleaning method: Spot cleaning with mild detergent, or a full hose-down for outdoor-rated synthetics
• Watch for: Fiber crushing under heavy furniture over time
• Avoid: Assuming "durable" means indestructible — harsh chemicals can still discolor synthetic fibers

Not sure which category your rug falls into? Our rug construction guide can help you identify it, or bring it by our Norfolk showroom and we'll tell you in person. For a general day-to-day care routine once you know your material, see our rug maintenance basics guide.