How to make your rug last another hundred years.
Practical advice gathered over four generations of cleaning and repairing Oriental rugs in Berkeley.
The basics
Vacuum regularly — gently
Vacuum weekly in the direction of the pile with suction only, or with the beater bar raised. Never vacuum the fringe; it tangles and tears. Flip the rug and vacuum the back a few times a year.
Rotate every 6–12 months
Turning your rug 180° evens out wear from foot traffic and fading from sunlight.
Mind the sun
Strong direct sunlight fades natural dyes over time. Use shades or UV film on windows that hit the rug directly, and rotate regularly.
Use a good pad
A quality pad keeps the rug from slipping, absorbs foot traffic, reduces wear and lets the rug breathe. Avoid pads that can stick to or stain floors.
Spills, water & moths
Spills
Act quickly. Scoop up solids, then blot — don’t rub — with a clean white cloth and cool water. Work from the outside of the spot inward. Avoid household carpet cleaners and stain removers, which can strip dyes or leave residue that attracts dirt.
A wet rug is an urgent rug
If your rug is soaked by a flood, leak or overwatered plant, dry it as fast as possible — both sides, with fans and air flow. Wool and cotton that stay wet can develop mildew, dry rot and dye bleeding within days.
Moths
Moth larvae feed on wool in dark, undisturbed areas — under sofas, beds and dressers. Vacuum those areas, check the back of the rug, and look for bare patches, webbing or casings. Act quickly at the first sign.
Pets
Blot accidents immediately with cool water. Urine left to sit can permanently damage fibers and dyes — address it right away and have the rug professionally hand-washed if needed.
Storing a rug the right way
- Have it cleaned first — dirt and food residue attract moths
- Roll it, pile-side in, along its length; never fold it
- Wrap in breathable cotton or Tyvek, not plastic, which traps moisture
- Store off the floor in a cool, dry, dark place
- Unroll and check on it a couple of times a year
What not to do
Steam cleaning or wall-to-wall carpet cleaners
Hot water extraction and harsh detergents meant for synthetic carpet can shrink wool, bleed dyes and leave residue. Oriental rugs should be hand-washed by a rug specialist.
Washing machines & hoses on the driveway
Agitation and uncontrolled drying can distort the shape, damage foundations and cause color run.
Ignoring small damage
A loose fringe or worn edge is a quick fix. Left alone, it unravels — and becomes a major repair.
Waiting too long between cleanings
Grit works like sandpaper on fibers. Most rugs benefit from professional hand-washing every few years, depending on traffic.
Buying an Oriental rug? Look for these.
Turn it over
On a hand-knotted rug, the pattern shows clearly on the back, with slight irregularities. A uniform grid or a glued backing usually means machine-made or hand-tufted.
Check the fringe
On a hand-knotted rug, the fringe is the end of the warp threads running through the rug — not a strip sewn on afterward.
Ask questions
Where was it made? What is the pile and foundation? Has it been repaired? A reputable seller will answer clearly and in writing.
Have a question this guide didn’t answer?
Email us — we’re always happy to talk rugs.