How to Care for Your Handwoven Rugs: A Complete Guide

Handwoven rugs are more than just decorative pieces; they are works of art that can last for generations when cared for properly. Each rug, whether it’s an intricately woven Persian rug, a colorful Turkish kilim, or a tribal Moroccan piece, carries with it the skill and craftsmanship of its weaver. At The Nomads Tent, Edinburgh’s specialist in authentic Eastern handwoven rugs, we’ve helped countless homeowners protect their rug's beauty and value. Here’s our ultimate guide to rug care secrets that will keep your treasures looking as vibrant as the day you brought them home.

Regular Vacuuming

Why it's important: Dust and dirt can accumulate deep in the fibers of handwoven rugs, causing them to wear out prematurely. Regular vacuuming helps remove this debris.

How to do it right:

• For pile rugs (like Persian or oriental rugs), vacuum with care using a vacuum cleaner with adjustable suction to avoid damaging the fibers.
• For flat-weave rugs (like kilims and dhurries), use a vacuum without a beater bar, which can pull on threads and cause damage.
• Always vacuum both sides of the rug. Dust can penetrate through the surface, and flipping the rug ensures a thorough clean.

Rotate Regularly

Why it's important: Handwoven rugs placed in high-traffic areas tend to wear unevenly. Direct sunlight can also fade colors over time.

How to do it right:

• Rotate your rug 180 degrees every few months to even out wear from foot traffic and sunlight exposure.
• If possible, use blinds or UV-filtering window treatments in rooms with abundant sunlight to prevent color fading.

Address Spills Immediately

Why it's important: Stains are much easier to deal with when addressed quickly. Letting a spill sit can lead to deep stains that are difficult to remove.

How to do it right:

• Blot (don’t rub!) the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Use a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can damage the fibers or fade the dyes.
• Always test any serious cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous part of the rug to ensure it won’t cause damage.
• If in doubt or your stain removal attempts fail, you may want to send the rug to a professional. The Nomads tent offers a service for care of all types of rugs. If you have used any chemical, please mention what it was as it will help the process we use.
• Most stains come out with our cleaning service but if extra work is needed it may cost more than the standard £35/m2 (+VAT).

Use Rug Underlays

Why it's important: Rug underlays help prevent slipping, reduce wear, and protect the rug from moisture on hard surfaces.

How to do it right:

• Choose an underlay specifically designed for the type of floor your rug will be on, whether it's hardwood, tile, or carpet.
• The underlay should be slightly smaller than the rug to prevent edges from curling.
• Underlays also provide a cushion, which can add comfort and prolong the rug's life.

The Nomads Tent supplies a range of underlays suitable for various types of floors to help you get the best protection for your rug. Read our guide to why underlay matters here.

Points about Furniture on a Rug

Why it's important: Heavy furniture can sometimes cause depressions or even tears (especially with very old, worn rugs or fragile kilim weaves) in the rug’s fibres over time. In practice, hand knotted rugs are mostly very resilient and indentations caused by furniture usually disappear completely.

How to do it right:

• If a rug is anchored under furniture without underlay, it can stress the rug and cause damage, as walking on it cause small movement of one part which pulls against the part under the foot!
• Consider using furniture coasters under the legs of chairs, sofas, or tables to distribute weight more evenly across the surface of the rug. especially if its a heavy dining table with metal castors.

Deep Cleaning

Why it's important: Over time, dirt and oils from daily use can accumulate, dulling the vibrancy of your rug’s colors.

How to do it right:

• Aim to have your handwoven rug professionally cleaned every 10 years, depending on how much traffic it sees.
• Always choose a professional cleaner who specializes in handwoven rugs. Standard carpet cleaning techniques can be too harsh.
• In between professional cleanings, consider using a handheld vacuum or brush to gently clean the surface and fringes of the rug.

At The Nomads Tent, we offer a professional rug cleaning service to keep your rug looking vibrant and pristine.

Store Your Rug Properly

Why it's important: If you need to store your rug for any reason, improper storage can lead to damage from pests, moisture, or light.

How to do it right:

• Either spray with moth treatment, or when wrapped, have it professionally deep frozen (-28 or below) which is a service we offer.
• Usually best to roll, not fold, your rug for storage to prevent creases or damage to the fibers. But more pliable rugs can be folded, especially if not for too long in storage.
• Ideally use a breathable material (though polythene is ok), to wrap the rug before storing it to protect it from dust and pests. Avoid plastic wrapping, as it can trap moisture.
• Store the rug in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Fringe Maintenance

Why it's important: The fringes of handwoven rugs are delicate and can easily become tangled or damaged.

How to do it right:

• Avoid vacuuming the fringes directly, as they can get caught in the vacuum and tear.
• Straighten fringes manually using your fingers or a comb to keep them neat and prevent knots.
• If the fringes are particularly worn, consult a professional restorer to have them repaired or reinforced.

For expert fringe repair and restoration, check out our rug repair services.

Preventing Moths and Pests

Why it's important: Handwoven rugs, especially those made from wool, are susceptible to moth damage.

How to do it right:

• Regularly vacuum under the rug and around the edges to remove larvae or eggs.
• Use moth pheromone traps, cedar blocks or natural moth repellents like lavender sachets to deter pests.
• If you notice moths or damage, consider having the rug treated by a professional immediately.

We supply a variety of moth products to protect your rugs as well as providing a freezing service, and you can also read our blog on how to spot moths and what to do to stay informed.

Repair and Restoration

Why it's important: Over time, even well-maintained rugs can show signs of wear, tears, or unraveling.

How to do it right:

• If you notice any signs of damage, like loose threads or small tears, have your rug repaired by a specialist before the problem worsens.
• Professional restorers can repair holes, secure loose selvedges, reweave damaged sections, and repair damaged or unsightly fringes.

For quality rug repair and restoration, consider our rug repair services to restore your treasured handwoven rug to its former glory.

Conclusion

Handwoven rugs are timeless pieces that, with the right care, can be enjoyed for generations. By following these tips, you can preserve their beauty, craftsmanship, and value for years to come. Regular maintenance, mindful cleaning, and professional care are the keys to ensuring that your rug remains a vibrant, cherished part of your home. At The Nomads Tent, we provide Edinburgh homes with authentic Persian rugs and expert services, including pheromone moth traps, sprays, freezer treatment, and repair services to protect your rugs from damage.

For tips on how to style your rug read our guide on interior styling with tradional rugs.