Keep Your Rug Looking Beautiful for Years
A quality area rug is an investment — and with the right care, it can last for decades. Here's our complete guide to cleaning and maintaining your rug at home.
Regular Maintenance: Vacuuming
Vacuum your rug regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris before they work their way into the fibers. A few tips:
- Vacuum both sides of the rug periodically
- Avoid vacuuming the fringe — it can tangle in the brush roll
- For flat-weave and delicate rugs, use a suction-only setting (no beater bar)
- High-traffic areas should be vacuumed 2–3 times per week
Rotate Your Rug
Rotate your rug 180° every 6–12 months to ensure even wear and fading from sunlight. This simple habit significantly extends your rug's lifespan.
Treating Spills Immediately
Act fast when spills happen:
- Blot (never rub) liquid spills with a clean white cloth
- Work from the outside of the stain toward the center
- For solid spills, gently scoop up with a spoon
- Apply a small amount of mild dish soap diluted in cold water
- Rinse with cold water and blot dry
Deep Cleaning
Most area rugs benefit from professional cleaning every 12–18 months. For home deep cleaning of machine-made rugs, take them outside, beat them gently, and wash with a mild rug shampoo and cold water. Always dry completely before bringing back inside to prevent mildew.
Material-Specific Care
- Wool rugs: Dry clean only for best results. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Silk/viscose rugs: Professional cleaning recommended. Avoid moisture.
- Jute rugs: Keep dry. Spot clean only with minimal moisture.
- Machine-made rugs: Most durable and easiest to clean at home.
Shop our easy-care machine-made rugs or browse our full collection at Eastern Oriental Rugs.
