How to Clean and Care for Your Rug at Home

A quality rug is an investment — and like any investment, it rewards a little care. The good news is that looking after a rug doesn't require specialist equipment or products. Here's a straightforward guide to keeping yours in great shape.

Regular Maintenance: The Basics

Vacuum your rug regularly — once or twice a week in high-traffic areas, less often in quieter rooms. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile, not against it. For rugs with a long or shaggy pile, use a suction-only setting without the beater bar, which can pull and damage fibres.

Rotate your rug every 6–12 months. This distributes foot traffic and sunlight exposure evenly, preventing uneven wear and fading.

Spot Cleaning Spills

Act fast — the sooner you treat a spill, the easier it is to remove. Blot (don't rub) the spill with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Rubbing spreads the stain and works it deeper into the fibres.

For most spills, a small amount of washing-up liquid mixed with cold water is all you need. Apply it to the affected area with a clean cloth, blot again, then rinse with cold water and blot dry. Avoid soaking the rug — excess moisture can loosen the backing or cause mildew.

What to Avoid

• Hot water — it can shrink natural fibres and set stains permanently
• Harsh chemical cleaners or bleach, which can strip dyes and damage pile
• Over-wetting, which can cause the backing to separate or mould to form underneath
• Leaving wet rugs flat on the floor — always dry them upright or hanging if possible

Deep Cleaning

Most rugs benefit from a professional clean every 12–18 months. For wool and silk rugs especially, a specialist rug cleaner is worth it — they understand the specific needs of natural fibres and use appropriate techniques that a domestic machine can't replicate.

Some synthetic rugs can be cleaned at home with a carpet cleaner or taken outside and washed with a hose, then left to dry thoroughly in the sun.

Wool Rugs: Special Considerations

Wool is naturally resilient and somewhat self-cleaning — its fibres contain lanolin, which repels dirt and moisture. That said, wool doesn't like being soaked or agitated roughly. Always blot, never scrub, and avoid detergents that aren't pH-neutral.

Storing a Rug

If you're storing a rug long-term, clean it thoroughly first, roll it (don't fold — folding creates permanent creases), wrap it in breathable fabric or paper (not plastic, which traps moisture), and store it flat or standing upright in a dry, cool place.

Browse our full range at Kelaty — every rug comes with care guidance specific to its material and construction.