Caring for a hand-knotted rug

How to keep your rug beautiful for years to come

The Care of a hand-knotted rug is crucial if its beauty and long life are to be preserved. Rugs, especially antique and old ones Oriental rugs, are valuable works of art that call for the right care. Caring for them is not just a necessary chore, it is also a way of preserving the design and the texture of your rug.

1. Care - vacuuming and dust removal

Vacuuming your rug regularly, and caring for it in general, is one of the most important things you can do. Make sure you don't use a beater vacuum with hard wire brushes, as these can damage the wool or silk of the pile. A gentle vacuum cleaner without brushes is ideal for everyday care. Removing dust regularly is essential, because over time it attacks the fibres and wears the rug out. It also helps to turn the rug over now and then so the dust can be removed from the back as well.

2. Stain removal: act straight away

If a stain does appear on your rug, acting quickly is crucial. Stains such as red wine or coffee can be washed out with warm water. Stain removal means never reaching for aggressive cleaning agents, as these can damage the rug permanently. Use a mild ox gall soap solution instead — it works gently but effectively on stains.

3. Care – drying and airing your rug

After a thorough cleaning or stain treatment your rug should not be left lying flat on the floor. The moisture needs to evaporate so that no mould can form. Place it on a raised surface, or lift it with the help of a few objects, so the air can circulate freely. Care also means giving the rug enough room to dry, rather than leaving it in a damp spot.

4. Preventive care and storage

To keep your rug in good condition, check it regularly for moth infestation and keep moths and moisture away from it. Care also means not storing the rug in a damp cellar or a dark attic. Storage deserves just as much attention as cleaning. Proper storage makes sure your rug isn't damaged by mould or moths.

5. Protection from UV light

Sunlight can bleach the colours of your rug. Care therefore includes protection from direct sun. A UV filter on your windows, or simply moving the rug from time to time, protects the natural dyes and keeps them from fading. And if you're not sure how to care for your rug properly, you can always ask a professional.