How to care for a hand-knotted rug
A hand-knotted rug will outlive the person who buys it, if it is looked after. Most of that is four habits and one thing never to do.
Facts last checked
How often should I rotate a hand-knotted rug?
Twice a year, 180 degrees. Sunlight and foot traffic both fall unevenly on a rug in a fixed position, and rotating spreads both so the piece ages evenly rather than developing a faded half and a worn path.
Can I vacuum a hand-knotted rug?
Yes, with the beater bar or rotating brush switched off, moving in the direction of the pile rather than against it. A beater bar pulls at the knots and shreds fringes. Never vacuum the fringe itself: fold it under, or use the hose attachment.
What do I do about a spill?
Blot immediately with a white cloth, pressing straight down. Never rub: rubbing drives the liquid into the foundation and distorts the pile. Work from the outside of the spill inward so it does not spread. Plain cold water is safer than any household cleaner, most of which are alkaline and strip lanolin from wool.
Can I steam-clean a wool rug?
No. Heat and moisture together felt wool fibres and can set dyes running. Machine carpet-shampooing has the same problem plus detergent residue that attracts dirt afterwards. A hand-knotted rug wants a specialist hand wash every five to ten years, and almost nothing in between.
Does a rug need an underlay?
Yes, and it is the cheapest thing you can do for it. A felt-and-rubber pad stops the rug creeping, absorbs the impact of footfall so the knots compress less, and lets air move underneath. Cut it about 2 cm smaller than the rug on every side.
How do I keep moths out of a wool rug?
Moths eat wool in the dark and undisturbed, so the parts at risk are under furniture and in storage. Vacuum under heavy pieces a few times a year and lift them occasionally. For storage, roll rather than fold, with the pile facing inward, wrap in breathable cotton rather than plastic, and keep it dry.
Will the colours fade in sunlight?
Vegetable dyes soften rather than fade patchily, and many people prefer a rug after ten years of gentle light. Direct, sustained sun through an unshaded south window is different and will bleach one area. Rotate, or use a sheer blind.
Questions
- How often should I rotate a hand-knotted rug?
- Twice a year, 180 degrees. Sunlight and foot traffic both fall unevenly on a rug in a fixed position, and rotating spreads both so the piece ages evenly rather than developing a faded half and a worn path.
- Can I vacuum a hand-knotted rug?
- Yes, with the beater bar or rotating brush switched off, moving in the direction of the pile rather than against it. A beater bar pulls at the knots and shreds fringes. Never vacuum the fringe itself: fold it under, or use the hose attachment.
- What do I do about a spill?
- Blot immediately with a white cloth, pressing straight down. Never rub: rubbing drives the liquid into the foundation and distorts the pile. Work from the outside of the spill inward so it does not spread. Plain cold water is safer than any household cleaner, most of which are alkaline and strip lanolin from wool.
- Can I steam-clean a wool rug?
- No. Heat and moisture together felt wool fibres and can set dyes running. Machine carpet-shampooing has the same problem plus detergent residue that attracts dirt afterwards. A hand-knotted rug wants a specialist hand wash every five to ten years, and almost nothing in between.
- Does a rug need an underlay?
- Yes, and it is the cheapest thing you can do for it. A felt-and-rubber pad stops the rug creeping, absorbs the impact of footfall so the knots compress less, and lets air move underneath. Cut it about 2 cm smaller than the rug on every side.
- How do I keep moths out of a wool rug?
- Moths eat wool in the dark and undisturbed, so the parts at risk are under furniture and in storage. Vacuum under heavy pieces a few times a year and lift them occasionally. For storage, roll rather than fold, with the pile facing inward, wrap in breathable cotton rather than plastic, and keep it dry.
- Will the colours fade in sunlight?
- Vegetable dyes soften rather than fade patchily, and many people prefer a rug after ten years of gentle light. Direct, sustained sun through an unshaded south window is different and will bleach one area. Rotate, or use a sheer blind.
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