Care & Maintenance

Rug Care & Maintenance Guide

Your rug is an investment in comfort, beauty and craftsmanship. With proper care, it will last for many years, growing softer and more characterful over time.

Your New Rug

Creases and curling edges: rugs are rolled for delivery, so some creasing or curling is normal. It usually settles within a few weeks. To speed it up, reverse-roll the rug for a few hours or weigh the corners down with books.
Shedding: new wool rugs shed loose fibres for the first few weeks. This is normal and eases with regular vacuuming.
New-rug smell: some rugs, especially hand-tufted ones, may have a slight smell when first unrolled. Airing the room helps it fade.
Sprouting: if a tuft or loop stands above the pile, snip it level with sharp scissors. Never pull it.

Everyday Care

Vacuuming

Vacuum at least once a week, and more often in high-traffic areas.
Use only suction or a smooth floor head. Avoid beater bars and rotating or brush heads, as they can damage fibres.
Vacuum with the pile, not against it.
If your rug has a fringe, don’t vacuum it. Sweep it or comb it straight, and lift the rug edge rather than running the vacuum over the fringe.
Occasionally flip your rug and vacuum the underside to remove grit and dust.

Rotation and Sunlight

Rotate your rug 180° every 3–6 months to even out wear and any sun fading.
Avoid placing rugs in direct, all-day sun or near heaters, fireplaces or floor vents.

Furniture

Always lift furniture; never drag it across your rug.
Use felt pads or coasters under heavy furniture to prevent dents.

Loose Fibres

Never pull on a loose thread. Gently tuck it back into the weave, or carefully snip it level with the pile.

Rug Pads

A rug pad is recommended. It prevents slipping, extends the rug’s life and protects your floors.

Pets

Keep claws trimmed to avoid snags and pulled loops.
For accidents, blot straight away, then use a wool-safe cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based products, because the smell can encourage pets to go back to the same spot.

Moths

Moths can attack wool rugs in use, not just in storage, especially in dark areas under furniture.
Vacuum under beds, sofas and cabinets regularly, and air your rug outdoors (out of direct sun) now and then.

Spills & Stains

Test first. Try any cleaning solution on a hidden corner of the rug before using it on the stain.
Act quickly. The faster you treat a spill, the better the outcome.
Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, colour-fast paper towel or cloth to absorb liquid, working from the outside of the spill inwards so it doesn’t spread.
Scrape gently. For solids, lift with a spoon or blunt knife.
Absorb fully. Place a fresh towel over the spill, weigh it down, and leave it for 10 minutes.

Treatment Guide

Water-based spills (juice, wine, coffee): dab with lukewarm water.
Oil-based spills (sauces, cosmetics): use a small amount of mild, clear dish soap diluted in lukewarm water.
Difficult stains (paint, nail polish, lipstick, glue): don’t attempt DIY methods. Contact a professional rug cleaner.
⚠️ Never soak your rug or use harsh chemicals. This can damage natural fibres.

Fibre-Specific Care

Wool Rugs

Wool naturally resists soiling and releases dirt easily with regular vacuuming.
Expect some shedding at first; it reduces with regular vacuuming.
Sensitive to strong sunlight, so rotate regularly.
Absorbs humidity, so avoid damp environments.
Avoid bleach, oxygen cleaners and ammonia, which can damage and discolour wool.

Jute Rugs

Extremely durable and eco-friendly.
Not suitable for wet or humid areas such as bathrooms or outdoors.
Water can leave brown marks on jute. Spot clean with as little moisture as possible, then dry quickly with a fan or a hair dryer on a cool setting.
Never soak or steam clean.
Vacuum regularly without a beater bar to prevent fibre breakdown.

Machine-Made Rugs

Usually made from synthetic fibres such as polypropylene or polyester, which are easy to care for and resist most everyday stains.
They can handle a little more water when spot cleaning than natural fibres, but still blot rather than soak.
Keep away from heaters and open flames, as synthetic fibres can melt.
Pile can flatten under heavy furniture or foot traffic. Rotate regularly and fluff crushed areas by hand.

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Handcrafted works of art, so expect natural variations.
Rotate every few months to distribute wear.
Use a rug pad for protection.
Some shedding is normal at first.

Hand-Tufted Rugs

Wool pile is punched into a backing and secured with adhesive and a cloth backing.
More affordable than hand-knotted, but still luxurious.
Avoid excess moisture, as water may weaken the adhesive.
Rotate and vacuum gently to preserve the fibres.

Flatweave Rugs

Woven without a pile, so they’re lightweight, often reversible and shed very little.
Their light weight means they can slip, so a rug pad is strongly recommended.
Vacuum both sides regularly. If your rug is reversible, flip it occasionally to spread wear.
Avoid beater bars, which can catch and pull the weave.

Kilim Rugs

Traditional handwoven flatweaves, usually made from wool, with bold natural-dye colours.
Natural dyes can bleed when wet, so always test a hidden corner before spot cleaning and use as little water as possible.
Most kilims are reversible. Turn them over occasionally to even out wear and fading.
Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and protect the weave.

Cotton Rugs

Soft, breathable and easy to live with, but cotton absorbs spills quickly, so act fast.
Colours can run, so test any cleaning solution on a hidden corner first.
Small cotton rugs can sometimes be washed, but only if the care label says so. Otherwise, spot clean and have it professionally cleaned.
Dry flat and out of direct sun to prevent shrinking and fading.

Viscose Rugs

Viscose (sometimes called “art silk”) gives a beautiful sheen, but it’s one of the most delicate rug fibres.
Water can permanently discolour viscose and dull its sheen. Blot spills dry immediately and avoid wet cleaning. Contact a professional rug cleaner for anything more than a light spill.
Shading, where the pile looks lighter or darker depending on the direction, is a natural feature of viscose, not a fault.
Best suited to low-traffic areas such as bedrooms and formal living rooms.

Outdoor Rugs

Made from synthetic fibres such as polypropylene that resist moisture, mould and fading.
Hose down with water and a little mild, clear dish soap, then rinse well.
Dry fully before rolling or storing to prevent mildew.
Lift the rug now and then so the deck or ground underneath can dry out.
Store indoors over winter or during long wet periods to extend its life.

What’s Normal (and Not a Fault)

Some characteristics are a natural part of how rugs are made and used:

Shedding from new wool rugs for the first few weeks.
Sprouting of tufts or loops that stand above the pile, which can be snipped level.
Shading or pile crush: light and dark patches that appear as the pile lies in different directions, especially on viscose rugs.
Size variation of up to ±5% on handmade rugs.
Colour variation between production batches, and between photos and the actual rug.
Irregular edges and weave on handmade pieces.

Storage Tips

Always store rugs rolled, not folded, to avoid creasing.
Wrap in breathable cotton or muslin. Avoid plastic, which can trap moisture.
Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
For long-term storage, add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths.

Professional Cleaning

Have your rug professionally cleaned every 2–3 years, or sooner if it’s in a high-traffic area.
Use a specialist rug cleaner experienced with natural fibre rugs, not a carpet steam-cleaning service. Steam can ruin jute and hand-tufted rugs.
Never dry clean or machine wash, unless the care label says it’s safe.

About Our Rugs

Craftsmanship

Our handmade rugs are created by skilled artisans. Each piece can take months to complete, and slight variations in colour, texture and weave are part of their unique character.

Sustainability

Natural fibres like wool and jute are biodegradable and renewable, making them a sustainable choice for your home.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to care for your rug or need advice on a stain, email us at info@dottsrugs.com.au, or visit one of our showrooms and bring a photo.