Vacuum regularly to keep buildup at bay. For tufted wool rugs, a beater brush will combat shedding—for all other rugs, avoid any brush settings that might pull fibers loose. Never pull on loose threads. Poke them back in the weave, or cut them with scissors and neatly knot the end to prevent fraying.
Blot any spills immediately with a dry cloth or paper towel. Spot clean using water and mild soap—never use harsh chemicals or scrub brushes. Treat a natural fiber rug the way you would a nice sweater. For larger area spills or stains, seek out a professional cleaning service.
Direct sunlight will also fade colors, so some fading is inevitable if the rug is in a sunny spot. Pull curtains or blinds during the brightest parts of the day to keep fading at bay. We recommend that you rotate your rug a few times a year to keep wear patterns from sunlight and foot traffic even.
Your rug needs a rest after its journey. When you receive it, unroll it completely and allow it to settle without any furniture. Within a few days, it should flatten out and wrinkles will disappear.
Freshly unpacked rugs may have a smell from being tightly wrapped. This is normal and will dissipate within a few days or weeks of being unwrapped and aired out. These are natural fiber rugs, so there’s no off-gassing to worry about.
A rug pad will keep your rug from slipping, and also cushion it from your tread, which means it will wear more slowly and last longer. We recommend felt pads over rubber pads. Rugpadusa.com offers custom cut sized to accommodate the unique vintage rug sizes.
When not in use, you can store your rug rolled and wrapped. Make sure your rug is clean first (food stains can attract moths and bugs), then wrap in a cloth or plastic sheet with some air holes for breathability. Do not fold your rug.