A handcrafted rug is more than a decorative element—it’s an investment that can last generations when properly maintained. Whether you’ve chosen luxurious New Zealand wool, delicate silk, or durable recycled PET, each material requires specific care to preserve its beauty and longevity.
At Giada Studio, we want your rug to look as stunning decades from now as it does today. Here are five essential care practices every rug owner should follow.
1. Vacuum Regularly (But Do It Right)
Regular vacuuming is the single most important maintenance task for preserving your rug. Dirt and debris that settle deep into the pile act like sandpaper, gradually abrading the fibers and dulling colors over time.
Best practices:
- Vacuum at least once per week in low-traffic areas, more frequently in high-traffic zones
- Use a vacuum without a beater bar or turn the beater bar off—rotating brushes can damage delicate fibers, especially in hand-knotted rugs
- Vacuum in the direction of the pile, not against it
- For fringed edges, use the hose attachment—never run the vacuum over fringe
- Flip the rug annually and vacuum the back to dislodge embedded dirt
Special consideration for silk: Silk rugs require gentler care. Use the lowest suction setting and consider using only the hose attachment to avoid damaging delicate fibers.
2. Rotate Your Rug Every 6 Months
Sun exposure, foot traffic, and furniture placement all contribute to uneven wear patterns. Rotating your rug twice a year distributes this wear evenly, preventing premature aging in high-traffic areas.
Why it matters: Natural and artificial light can cause fading, especially in vibrant colors. Regular rotation ensures that no single area bears the brunt of UV exposure. Similarly, the pathways where people walk most frequently will show wear faster—rotation helps balance this out.
Pro tip: When you rotate your rug, take the opportunity to check underneath for any moisture, mold, or pest issues. This is also an ideal time to vacuum the floor beneath and the rug backing.
3. Address Spills Immediately
The golden rule of rug care: act fast. The longer a spill sits, the deeper it penetrates the fibers, and the more likely it is to set as a permanent stain.
Emergency protocol:
- Blot, don’t rub: Use a clean, white cloth to blot from the outside of the spill inward. Rubbing spreads the stain and can damage fibers
- Use cold water first: For most spills, cold water and gentle blotting is sufficient. Hot water can set protein-based stains (like wine or blood)
- Test any cleaner: Before applying any cleaning solution, test it on an inconspicuous area of the rug to ensure it won’t damage colors or fibers
- Work from the edges in: This prevents the stain from spreading outward
- Dry thoroughly: Use fans or open windows to ensure the area dries completely—trapped moisture can lead to mold
What to avoid: Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or steam cleaners without consulting a professional. These can permanently damage natural fibers and void warranties.
4. Use Rug Pads—Always
A quality rug pad is one of the best investments you can make. It’s not just about preventing slipping—though that’s certainly important for safety.
Benefits of proper rug padding:
- Cushioning: Absorbs impact from foot traffic, reducing wear on the rug’s foundation
- Air circulation: Prevents moisture buildup between the rug and floor, reducing mold and mildew risk
- Floor protection: Natural dyes and rug backings can sometimes transfer color or cause scratching—padding prevents this
- Extended life: By reducing friction and providing support, a good pad can extend your rug’s lifespan by years
Choosing the right pad: Ensure your pad is slightly smaller than your rug (about 1-2 inches on all sides). For hardwood floors, choose a pad specifically designed for wood to prevent finish damage.
5. Professional Cleaning Every 12-24 Months
Even with diligent home care, professional cleaning is essential. Home vacuuming removes surface dirt, but deep-seated soil, oils, and allergens require specialized equipment and expertise.
Why professional cleaning matters:
- Deep extraction: Professional equipment reaches dirt that home vacuums cannot
- Fiber-specific treatment: Experts understand how to clean wool differently from silk, linen, or synthetic fibers
- Color restoration: Professional cleaning can revive colors dulled by dirt and oils
- Damage inspection: Professionals can identify and repair minor issues (loose fringe, worn binding) before they become major problems
Frequency guidelines:
- High-traffic areas or homes with pets/children: Every 12 months
- Moderate traffic: Every 18-24 months
- Low-traffic or display pieces: Every 24-36 months
Choosing a cleaner: Seek specialists who clean by hand or use gentle, rug-specific equipment. Avoid companies that use truck-mounted steam cleaning intended for wall-to-wall carpeting—this method is too aggressive for handcrafted rugs.
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Care
- Limit sun exposure: Use curtains or UV-filtering window film in rooms with significant direct sunlight
- Trim snagged fibers: If you notice a loop or snag, carefully trim it with scissors—never pull it
- Use furniture coasters: Heavy furniture can crush pile fibers. Wide coasters distribute weight and prevent permanent indentations
- Keep pets’ nails trimmed: Sharp claws are one of the most common causes of snags and pulls
- Store properly if needed: If storing your rug, clean it first, roll it (never fold), wrap in breathable fabric, and store in a cool, dry location
An Investment Worth Protecting
At Giada Studio, every rug we create represents hundreds of hours of skilled craftsmanship. With proper care, your handcrafted rug will not only maintain its beauty—it will develop the rich patina that comes with age, becoming an heirloom piece passed down through generations.
These five essential practices—regular vacuuming, rotation, immediate spill response, quality padding, and professional cleaning—form the foundation of excellent rug care. Combined with the bonus tips above, you have everything you need to protect your investment and enjoy your rug’s beauty for decades to come.
Have questions about caring for your specific rug? Contact our team—we’re always happy to provide personalized care recommendations based on your rug’s material and construction.