Wool Rug Care Guide

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, no heat.
Wine and coffee: blot, apply cold water, blot again — repeat until it lifts.
Grease or oil: sprinkle baking soda, leave 15 minutes, brush away, then blot.
Dried stains: loosen gently with a soft brush before treating with cold water.

Never use hot water, bleach, or strong chemical cleaners — they damage wool fibres and can cause colours to run.

These rugs were made to be used.

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.

Beat it, then wash it if it 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 flat, 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), and dry flat in a well-ventilated space out of direct sun.

For a heavily soiled piece, a professional is worth it — choose one experienced with handwoven or natural-dyed rugs, and avoid dry cleaners or steam cleaning, both of which can damage wool pile.

This is normal — it will stop.

New handwoven rugs shed. Loose fibres from the weaving process work their way out over the first few months of use. Vacuum regularly during this period and don't 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, so they tend to be more stable from the start.

Roll, don't 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 it 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 deter moths without damaging the fibres.