Rug Care and Cleaning

Designed with people in mind, we consider the spaces and activities that our rugs reside in. Basic care for any rug involves regular vacuuming, using a low suction setting and avoiding cleaning heads to prevent fibre damage. We also recommend professional cleaning at least once a year. Some shedding can be expected when unrolling your rug for the first time. This results from excess fibres in the production process coming loose and can be resolved by a simple vacuum. Similarly, during the shearing process, threads may occasionally be missed and appear longer. Simply cut with a sharp pair of scissors to the pile height.

Yarn prepared by hand is not completely uniform in colour or thickness. When this yarn is dyed it does not take the colour evenly, and these inconsistencies produce a subtle stripe effect in the finished rug, called 'abrash'. This is a desirable feature of handmade rugs, imparting them with life and character. Rugs made without abrash appear flat and look machine made.

The Rug Company uses only the best dyes that offer the most resistance to fading. However, there are no dyes that are completely photostable or impervious to fading in sunlight. Over time, any material left in strong sunlight will fade. Traditionally, the best way to mitigate this effect is to turn a rug from time to time so that at least any fade is even.

Like us, moths are drawn to the finest materials and thrive in quiet environments where the damage can go unnoticed. If your rug has fallen prey to moths, promptly contact a specialist to treat and clean it.

Traditional treatments like moth balls should be avoided in treating rugs. Not only are they ineffective, but they can also sink into the fibres and cause damage when removed. Regular vacuuming is vital to treat and prevent moth infestations as it will remove any eggs and disrupt the fibres, deterring moths from settling.

Since our inception, we have valued wool and its natural durability. All the wool we use in our rugs is refined by hand, meaning that it is exceptionally rich in lanolin - a waxy substance that works as a natural stain barrier.

For large stains and spills, we recommend contacting a professional cleaning service. However, small accidents can usually be resolved at home. To spot clean, use a pH-neutral liquid soap such as Woolite, diluted in lukewarm water. Be careful not to use excessive amounts of water as this can cause ‘browning’, where the wool becomes oversaturated and leaves a brown stain.

As a British brand, we're no stranger to muddy footprints. Mud should be left to dry and gently brushed to expose the stain, which can then be spot cleaned or dealt with professionally. This process can be followed for stains left from wax, pets or babies.

Food spillages are a regular occurrence in any space. For small areas, we suggest using an enzyme-based cleaning product, which will speed up the natural process of breaking down the stain and smell. Grease stains benefit from professional treatment, but you can use a baby wipe to blot the area and remove excess grease immediately after the incident.

We all know the horrors red wine can cause, along with the remedy of salt and white wine that will supposedly rectify the accident. However, these myths are likely to do more harm than good. We strongly advise against using anything acidic on your rug. Instead, apply a tiny drop of wool wash onto the affected area using a clean, absorbent material and gently rub into the surface. Always work from the outer edges inwards to stop the stain from spreading. Salt is a helpful tool for oil- based spills. Apply table salt to the affected area and dab it with your finger to ensure it is completely absorbed.

If none of the above works, contact a professional to treat. Stains created from ink, urine or polish should be dealt with by a professional cleaner immediately.

Cashmere combines the warmth of wool with the sheen and lightness of silk, while its porous texture also means that it is extremely receptive to colour and unlikely to fade. However, this also means that it rapidly absorbs spills, which can result in a tough stain. If a spill occurs, remove any liquid immediately and clean with a pH-neutral soap. Due to its soft structure, cashmere must air dry on a flat surface.

Throughout history, silk has remained one of the most sought-after luxurious materials, while simultaneously being lauded for its durability. Rugs should be vacuumed regularly on a low setting to avoid dust dulling the lustre of the material.

Silk can be spot cleaned like wool; however, water must be cold and kept to a minimum to avoid drying the fabric. If a stain feels rougher after treatment, use soft brush strokes to relax the fibres.

To find out more information about silk rugs, read our Spotlight on Silk edit.

The fasting growing plant on the planet, this material provides an alternative to silk with its soft and tonal finish. We recommend placing bamboo silk away from areas prone to spillages. If a spill does occur, blot immediately using a clean absorbent material to gently soak up excess liquid. If a stain remains, use a pH-neutral soap with minimal water. On the whole, we recommend a professional cleaning service for this material.

The remedies we have provided are suitable for minor spills and stains and are short-term solutions. In most cases, we advise speaking with a professional cleaning service. For further information or cleaning service recommendations, please visit one of our showrooms or contact our Customer Service team.

New rugs can shed a bit of fluff, which is created from excess fibres that were not properly incorporated into the yarn during spinning. This is normal, and is not a sign that your rug is falling apart! It is best to vacuum a rug often at first until the fluffing ceases. If you are able to control the power of your vacuum cleaner, ensure that it is not at the most powerful setting. Do not use a cleaner head with teeth as this will damage the rug.

If a thread becomes loose in your rug, do not pull it, but carefully cut it with sharp scissors. This will not damage the rug.

Like rugs, we recommend professionally cleaning your cushion annually. However, it is possible to clean yourself. For wool cushion covers, fill a clean bowl with lukewarm water and add pH-neutral soap. Once mixed, soak the wool for at least ten minutes. For stubborn stains, gently rub the affected area, avoiding harsh friction that could damage the fibres. Rinse with clean water and lay the cover on a flat, clean surface to dry. We recommend professionally cleaning cushions that contain silk. For small stains, you can carefully spot clean, but use water sparingly and ensure the material isn't completely submerged.