Rug Care & Maintenance Guide:
Rug Care & Maintenance Guide: Looking After Your Artisan Rugs
Our artisan rugs are designed to bring warmth, texture, and character into your home. Crafted by skilled artisans using premium materials, each rug is unique and will naturally evolve over time. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your rug maintains its beauty, structure, and performance for many years.
This guide covers appearance changes after delivery, shedding, cleaning, storage, and important care considerations for different rug materials.
Understanding Your Rug’s Appearance
Initial Appearance After Delivery
When your rug is first unpacked, it may appear slightly different in colour or texture compared to the showroom sample. This is completely normal and occurs due to:
- Packaging and transit time
- Fibre compression during transport
Fibres may appear flattened, which can affect how the colour is perceived. Within a few days, fibres will naturally lift and acclimatise.
Helpful Tips
- Light vacuuming using a non‑rotating vacuum head will assist fibre recovery
- Showroom rugs often experience higher foot traffic and UV exposure and are a good indication of how your rug will wear over time
Colour Variation & Fibre Direction
Rugs—particularly those made with Artsilk / viscose fibres—can appear different in colour depending on viewing angle. This is caused by the direction the fibres fall.
To assess colour accurately:
- Rotate the rug 180 degrees
- View the rug from multiple angles
This is a natural characteristic and not a fault.
Shedding: What to Expect
Shedding is normal and expected, especially with rugs made from natural fibres such as wool or linen.
Why Rugs Shed
Natural fibres are spun together, and small fibre fragments break away with regular use. Shedding tends to:
- Be most noticeable in the first few months
- Gradually reduce over time
- Decrease significantly after approximately 9 months
Rubber‑soled shoes and regular foot traffic may increase shedding initially.
Minimising Shedding
- Vacuum regularly using a non‑rotating head vacuum on low suction
- Use a rug pad or underlay to reduce movement and wear
All rugs are pre‑treated before packing to remove excess loose fibres.
Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
Vacuuming
- Vacuum regularly using a non‑rotating head vacuum cleaner
- Use a low suction setting where possible
- Avoid rotating or beater bar heads, which can damage fibres
Spot Cleaning & Spill Management
Immediate Action Is Essential
If food or liquid is spilled:
- Remove solid debris carefully using the dull edge of a spoon or knife
- Blot immediately to absorb as much liquid as possible
- Replace cloths or towels frequently
- Do not rub, as this can spread the stain and damage the rug pile
Material‑Specific Spot Cleaning
Wool & Wool Blends
- Spot clean using a damp (not wet) cloth with plain water only
- Do not use soaps or cleaning products, as these may damage or fade fibres
Viscose / Artsilk Rugs
Viscose rugs are highly absorbent and delicate.
- Spot clean immediately using a white paper towel
- Never soak or use excess liquid
- Optional method:
- Light mist of 1 part vinegar + 1 part water
- Blot gently with a white towel or baby wipe
- Spray a small amount of fabric softener to prevent fibre hardening
- Dry carefully using a hairdryer on a cool setting only
If unsure, professional cleaning is strongly recommended.
For specialist cleaning services, refer to:
👉 www.woolsafe.org
Rug Storage Guidelines
If your rug needs to be stored:
- Roll the rug front‑side out
- Wrap in breathable cloth
- Do not fold
- Do not store in airtight plastic bags
- Store in a dry, well‑ventilated area
Proper storage prevents creasing, moisture damage, and fibre degradation.
Warranty Information
Our rugs are covered by a 2‑year warranty against manufacturing faults.
Please note:
- Normal wear and tear
- Shedding
- Stains caused by liquid or solid spills
are not considered manufacturing defects.
Why Proper Rug Care Matters
Hand‑crafted rugs are living design pieces that respond to their environment. With thoughtful care, regular cleaning, and correct handling, your rug will age beautifully—developing character while continuing to complement your home for years to come.