The Essential Guide to Caring for Your Handcrafted Rug

A well-crafted rug is more than just a decorative piece—it’s an investment that brings beauty and comfort to your home for years to come. Just like a favorite wool coat, your rug requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best and to extend its lifespan. Here are our best practices for caring for your rug. 

Preventative Care: Start with a Shoes-Off Policy   

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your rug clean is to implement a shoes-off policy in your home. Shoes track in dirt, bacteria, and debris that can become embedded in the rug’s fibers, causing premature wear. By leaving shoes at the door, you not only maintain a cleaner living environment but also significantly reduce the amount of grime that settles into your rug. If a strict shoes-off policy isn't possible, consider adding an entryway mat to help catch dirt before it reaches your rug.   

Vacuuming: The Key to Longevity   

Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping your rug fresh and free of dirt buildup. Regardless of rug type, we recommend vacuuming both sides periodically to remove any hidden dust and allergens. That said, different types of rugs require different vacuuming techniques: 

Wool Pile Rugs: Vacuum twice a month without using a beater brush. This gentle approach prevents unnecessary stress on the fibers and helps minimize shedding. Be mindful that new wool rugs may shed initially, and over-vacuuming can exacerbate this, leading to fiber damage. 

Flatweave Rugs (Wool, Cotton, or Jute): These rugs can be vacuumed, but they also benefit from being taken outside and shaken to remove dust and debris. A good shake can be especially useful for looser weaves that trap dirt within their fibers.   

Rotating Your Rug for Even Wear   

Furniture placement and foot traffic can create uneven wear on a rug over time. To maintain a uniform appearance and prevent one area from aging more quickly than another, rotate your rug once or twice a year. This simple step ensures that all areas of the rug receive equal exposure to foot traffic, sunlight, and wear from furniture. 

Tackling Spills and Stains Immediately 

Accidents happen, but how you respond to spills can make all the difference in preserving your rug’s appearance. Here’s how to handle common spills: 

Blot Immediately: As soon as a spill occurs, use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot—never rub!—the affected area. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibers, making it more difficult to remove. 

Use the Right Cleaning Solution: For wool rugs, a specialized wool rug cleaner is ideal. Alternatively, you can use a DIY solution made of equal parts vinegar and water. 

For Stubborn Stains: Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and spritz with the vinegar-water mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with clean water. This method can help lift out deeper stains without harsh chemicals. 

Know Your Rug’s Material: Some materials, such as viscose, can discolor or become damaged when exposed to water. Always check the cleaning label for manufacturer recommendations before applying any cleaning solution.

Professional Cleaning: When and Why It’s Necessary   

Even with diligent care, rugs benefit from professional cleaning every one to two years. This deep cleaning removes embedded dirt, allergens, and stubborn stains that regular maintenance may not address. The frequency of professional cleaning depends on factors such as: 

Rug Location: Rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms need more frequent cleaning than those in low-traffic areas like bedrooms. 

Exposure to Pets and Children: Homes with pets and young children may require more frequent deep cleaning due to increased spills, pet dander, and general wear. 

Material Sensitivity: Delicate materials, such as silk or viscose, often require specialized cleaning techniques best handled by professionals. 

Final Thoughts: A Little Care Goes a Long Way 

Taking proper care of your rug doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple habits—like enforcing a shoes-off policy, vacuuming regularly, rotating the rug, and addressing spills promptly—you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your investment.  

At NuStory, we believe rugs not only enhance spaces but also become a cherished part of homes for years to come. By following these best practices, you will help keep your rug looking as vibrant as the day you brought it home.