Made to last. Treat it accordingly.
These rugs were made to be used. They do not need to be protected from normal foot traffic — that is what they were woven for. A handwoven rug handled carefully every day will outlast a machine-made one treated as precious.
Vacuum regularly with a low-suction setting, working in the direction of the pile. Avoid the fringes — run the vacuum head up to them rather than over them. Turn the rug over and vacuum the back every few months to dislodge dirt that has worked through.
Rotate the rug every six months. Even light from a window falls unevenly. Rotation keeps wear and fading balanced across the whole piece.
Act quickly and stay calm. Blot — do not rub. Rubbing pushes liquid deeper into the pile and spreads the stain. Use a clean white cloth and press firmly from the outside of the spill inward.
| Water and most liquids | Blot immediately. Allow to air dry flat. Do not use heat. |
| Wine and coffee | Blot, then apply cold water and blot again. Repeat until the stain lifts. |
| Grease or oil | Sprinkle baking soda, leave for 15 minutes, then brush away gently before blotting. |
| Dried stains | Loosen gently with a soft brush before treating with cold water. |
Never use hot water, bleach, or strong chemical cleaners on a handwoven rug. They damage wool fibres and can cause colours to run — particularly on naturally dyed pieces.
Once a year — or when the rug needs it — take it outside and beat it gently with a flat beater or the back of a broom. This loosens deep-seated dust more effectively than any vacuum.
For a full wash, lay the rug flat on a clean surface. Use cold water and a small amount of mild wool detergent. Work gently with a soft brush in the direction of the pile. Rinse thoroughly — soap residue attracts dirt. Lay flat to dry in a well-ventilated space, out of direct sun.
Professional rug cleaning is an option for heavily soiled pieces. Choose a specialist who has handled handwoven or natural-dyed rugs before. Avoid dry cleaners and steam cleaning — both can damage wool pile and warp.
New handwoven rugs shed. This is normal — loose fibres from the weaving process work their way out over the first few months of use. It will stop. Vacuum regularly during this period and do not be alarmed by what you find.
High-pile rugs (Beni Ourain, Mrirt) shed more than flat-weave or low-pile pieces. Vintage rugs have already shed their loose fibres — they tend to be more stable from the start.
Roll, do not fold. Folding creates permanent creases in the pile that are difficult to reverse. Roll with the pile facing inward, wrap in breathable cloth or brown paper — never plastic — and store flat or standing upright.
Keep stored rugs in a cool, dry space away from direct light. Check periodically for moth activity, particularly in wool pieces. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets near the rug will deter moths without damaging the fibres.
Every rug is different. If you have a specific question about your piece — a stain we have not covered, a repair, or advice before you attempt anything — get in touch. We know these rugs and we will give you a straight answer.