Care & Cleaning

Everything you need to keep your rug looking its best — from day one and for years to come.

What to Expect With Your New Rug

Our rugs are handmade by skilled artisans or precision-woven in specialty facilities. Each one is inspected before shipping. Here's what's completely normal when your rug first arrives.

Color Variation

Each rug is unique. Slight color differences across the surface are normal and result from the hand-dyeing process, varying dye batches, and humidity during production. These variations are part of what makes a handmade rug beautiful.

The images on our website are as accurate as possible, but monitor and screen settings can cause slight differences. Each product page includes a "How It Looks in Different Lighting" section so you can preview the rug under warm, cool, daylight, and evening conditions.

Odor

New rugs can carry odors from dyes, yarns, and being sealed in shipping wrap for long distances. This is normal and typically fades within a week. You can check the Product Attributes section on each product page for an odor score specific to that rug.

Quick fix

Unroll the rug in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air out for a couple of days. The smell should fade on its own.

Wrinkles

It's normal for a new rug to have creases or waves from being rolled during shipping. Here's how to flatten it out:

Reverse-roll the rug (roll it in the opposite direction) and let it rest for a couple of days.
Place heavy objects on the creased areas to help them settle.
Use a rug pad underneath — it helps the rug lay flat and stay in place.

How to Remove Wrinkles From Your New Rug

Shedding

All wool rugs shed. This is a natural characteristic of the material, not a defect. Shedding typically decreases significantly after 20–25 vacuums, though some wool rugs may shed lightly for their lifetime. You can check the Product Attributes section on each product page for a shedding score specific to that rug.

Sprouts

Loose fibers (or "sprouts") are a normal part of the break-in process for handmade rugs. Simply snip them even with the pile using a small pair of scissors. Never pull sprouts out, as this can damage the backing.

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Routine Rug Care

A little regular maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your rug in great shape.

Vacuuming

The right vacuuming approach depends on your rug type and the kind of vacuum you have.

Best option: A canister vacuum without a beater bar. Brooms and manual sweepers are also a gentle and effective alternative.

Using a handheld attachment? Ideal for cleaning edges, fringes, and delicate areas without risking fiber damage.

Using an upright vacuum? Turn off the beater bar or set it to the highest position before vacuuming. High-powered suction and rotating brushes can pull fibers from the rug and cause fuzzing.

Use a canister vacuum without a beater bar, or the handheld attachment on an upright.

Vacuum both sides of reversible rugs.

Run the vacuum directly over serged edges or fringes.

Use the beater bar on handmade or delicate rugs.

Rotation

Rotate your rug every 3–6 months. This balances color exposure to light and distributes foot traffic evenly, helping the rug age consistently.

Rug Pads

A quality rug pad is one of the best investments you can make for your rug. The right pad will:

Extend the rug's life by reducing wear and improving air circulation underneath.
Prevent slipping by holding the rug firmly in place on any floor type.
Add comfort with extra cushioning and support underfoot.

We recommend sizing your rug pad slightly larger than the rug and trimming to fit, or choosing a pad slightly smaller if you prefer not to trim. Rotate the pad every 3 months for even wear.

Shop rug pads →

Professional Cleaning

For non-washable handmade rugs, we recommend professional cleaning every 12–18 months, or annually for high-traffic areas. Always use a professional area rug cleaner — cleaning a handmade rug requires a different process than cleaning wall-to-wall carpet. Inspect the rug with the cleaning expert beforehand, and get a signed receipt and guarantee of work before the job is performed.

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Materials at a Glance

Not sure what care your rug needs? This quick-reference table summarizes key attributes by material type.

Material	Durability	Traffic	Water-Safe	Washable	Cleaning	Deep Clean
Wool & Cotton	High	Med–High	✓	✗	Spot / Pro	Annual
Synthetic	High	High	✓	✗	Spot clean	As needed
Outdoor	High	High	✓	✗	Hose / Spot	Seasonal
Natural Fiber	Medium	Medium	✗	✗	Spot (min water)	As needed
Shag	Medium	Low–Med	✗	✗	Spray extraction	Annual
Viscose	Low	Low	✗	✗	Dry clean only	Rarely
Washable	Medium	High	✓	✓	Machine wash	As needed

✓ = Yes / Suitable · ✗ = No / Not recommended. "Deep Clean" refers to professional cleaning frequency for non-washable rugs, or machine wash frequency for washable rugs.

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Cleaning by Rug Type

Different materials require different care. Find your rug type below for specific cleaning instructions.

Spill Emergency? Start Here.

These four steps apply to every rug type. Act fast — a fresh spill is always easier to handle than a set stain.

Blot immediately with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Never rub.
Work from the outside in to prevent the spill from spreading.
Use cold or lukewarm water only (except viscose/Tencel — no water at all).
Absorb remaining moisture by placing a dry towel over the area and weighting it down.

Then follow the material-specific instructions below.

Wool & Cotton

Blot the stain with a dry cotton towel or white paper towel.
Scrape off any food or debris with a dull instrument.
Mix a small amount of dish soap with a cup of cold water. Gently clean the area with a clean sponge, then blot dry.

Use lukewarm or cold water only.

Schedule professional cleaning annually.

Use hot water or agitate aggressively — wool is prone to bleeding and staining.

Use carpet cleaning sprays without testing on a hidden area first.

Synthetic Fiber (Olefin, Polypropylene, Nylon)

Blot the stain with a dry cotton towel or white paper towel.
Scrape off any food or debris with a dull instrument.
Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water. Clean the area with a sponge, then blot dry.

Use common carpet cleaning products — synthetic fibers handle them well.

Skip testing a hidden area first, even with products labeled safe for synthetics.

Outdoor Rugs

For spot cleaning: Blot spills, scrape debris, and clean with a soap-and-water solution. Allow to air dry.

For all-over cleaning: Spray with a soap-and-water mixture and rinse with a garden hose. Hang or lay flat to dry both sides evenly.

Dry the rug thoroughly after any wet cleaning to prevent mold.

Use dish detergent for mold, moss, or stubborn stains — scrub gently, wipe clean.

Leave a wet rug flat on the ground for extended periods.

Natural Fiber (Jute, Coir, Sisal)

Natural fiber rugs have loose fibers and knots by nature. Vacuum regularly on a low power setting from different angles. For spills, blot gently with a clean, undyed cloth. Trim any loose threads with scissors — never pull them.

Vacuum from multiple angles on a low setting.

Use a professional cleaner that specializes in natural fiber rugs for stubborn stains.

Use water liberally — natural fibers absorb moisture and can warp or stain.

Dry clean — harsh chemicals may damage or fade the fibers.

Shag Rugs

Use spray extraction with a wool-approved product for cleaning. A canister vacuum without a beater bar is most effective for routine maintenance. Shedding is normal and decreases over time.

Use a canister vacuum without a beater bar.

Use vacuums with beater bars or brushes set too low — they abrade the pile.

Pull loose yarn — snip it instead.

Viscose Rugs

Important: Viscose Requires Special Care

Viscose is made from wood cellulose fibers that absorb moisture very easily. Water or liquid cleaning is not advised — wet fibers can turn yellow or permanently discolor. If cleaning becomes absolutely necessary, dry cleaning is the safest option. Always check with the dry cleaner first, as some chemicals can cause discoloration.

Dry clean if absolutely necessary (check with the cleaner first).

Place in low-traffic areas to minimize the need for cleaning.

Spot clean with water — cellulose fibers will yellow or discolor when wet.

Place in high-traffic areas or where spills are likely.

Lighter colors are more susceptible to visible staining, and large solid-colored areas will show marks more easily.

Washable Rugs

Our washable rugs are stain-resistant, lightweight, and designed for families and pets. With proper care, they'll stay fresh and vibrant wash after wash.

Spot Cleaning

Blot spills immediately with a cotton cloth or paper towel, working from the edges toward the center.
Use a solution of dish soap and cold water for minor spills.
For stubborn stains or larger spills, machine washing is recommended.

For best results, we recommend Lunvesol Rug Shampoo — it works for both spot cleaning and as a pre-treatment before machine washing.

Machine Washing

Place the rug in the washer with the reverse side facing up.
Use a non-bleach detergent. Wash in cold water on a delicate cycle.
Repeat the cycle if needed for stubborn stains.

Use an impeller-style washer for a gentler clean.

Use agitator-style washers — they can damage the rug's fibers.

Use bleach — it damages colors.

Use fabric softener — it flattens the texture.

Minimum Washer Sizes

Rug Size	2.2+ cu ft	3.8+ cu ft	4.2+ cu ft	5.0+ cu ft
2.5' x 7'	✓	✓	✓	✓
2.5' x 10'	✗	✓	✓	✓
3' x 5'	✓	✓	✓	✓
5' x 7'	✗	✓	✓	✓
6' x 9'	✗	✗	✓	✓
8' x 10'	✗	✗	✗	✓

Shop washable rugs →

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Stain Guide

Different stains need different approaches. Always start by blotting (never rubbing) and working from the outside in.

These guidelines apply to wool, cotton, and synthetic rugs. For viscose rugs, do not use any liquid — contact a professional cleaner instead. For natural fiber rugs, use minimal water and test on a hidden area first. For washable rugs, spot treat first, then machine wash.

Coffee & Tea

Blot up as much liquid as possible immediately.
Mix 1 tsp of dish soap and ¼ tsp of white vinegar with 1 quart of lukewarm water.
Apply the solution with a clean cloth, blotting gently. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Wine & Juice

Blot immediately — speed is critical with tannin-based stains.
Apply a small amount of cold water to dilute the stain, then blot again.
Clean with a dish soap and cold water solution. For stubborn marks, try 1 tbsp white vinegar to 1 cup cold water.

⚠ Do NOT apply any liquid to a viscose rug — contact a professional immediately.

Pet Accidents

Blot and absorb as much as possible with paper towels.
Clean with dish soap or rubbing alcohol.
For odor, sprinkle baking soda over the area once dry, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum. (Not recommended for viscose or natural fiber rugs.)

Tip: For washable rugs: Spot treat, then machine wash on a cold delicate cycle.

Grease & Oil

Scrape off any solid residue with a dull knife or spoon.
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or a dry-solvent spot cleaner to the stain.
Blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain lifts. Finish by cleaning with a mild dish soap solution and blotting dry.

Gum & Wax

Harden the gum or wax by placing a bag of ice on it for a few minutes.
Once hardened, carefully scrape it off with a dull knife.
Clean any remaining residue with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth.

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Seasonal Care Tips

A few adjustments throughout the year can help your rug look better and last longer.

Spring & Summer

UV protection: If your rug gets direct sunlight, rotate it more frequently (every 2–3 months) to prevent uneven fading. Window treatments or UV-filtering film can also help.
Outdoor rugs: Give them a deep clean with a garden hose at the start of the season. Hang or lay flat to dry completely.
Humidity: In humid climates, ensure good air circulation under your rug. A rug pad helps with this. Lift the rug periodically to check for moisture.

Fall & Winter

Storing outdoor rugs: Clean and dry thoroughly before rolling (not folding) for storage. Store in a cool, dry area. Avoid plastic wrap — use breathable fabric or paper instead.
Heavier traffic: Indoor rugs see more wear in colder months. This is a good time to rotate your rug and check your rug pad for wear.
Salt and dirt: Entryway rugs may accumulate road salt and grit in winter. Vacuum more frequently and spot clean as needed.

Year-Round

Professional deep cleaning: Every 12–18 months for non-washable handmade rugs, or annually for high-traffic areas.
Rug pad check: Inspect and replace your rug pad every 2–3 years, or sooner if it starts to feel thin or loses grip.

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Common Questions

We don't officially recommend stain protectants since we can't verify the ingredients in every product. That said, we've had customers use them without any reported issues.

Robot vacuums work well on most rugs, but we don't recommend them for rugs with fringes — the fringe can get caught in the vacuum.

For dry messes, vacuum on a low suction setting. For wet messes, spot-clean with a washcloth or towel using soap and water, then let the pad dry completely. Rug pads are not machine washable.

Only rugs in our Washables collection are machine washable. Machine washing other rug types can cause shedding, thread loss, wrinkles, and discoloration.

Absolutely. Our washable rugs are pet-friendly and stain-resistant. Just follow the washing instructions and they'll handle the occasional accident with no problem.

Not if you follow the care instructions. Our washable rugs are made with high-quality materials designed to stay bright and vibrant through multiple washes. Avoid bleach, which can damage colors.

We recommend having non-washable handmade rugs professionally cleaned every 12–18 months, or annually for high-traffic areas. Always use a professional area rug cleaner — cleaning a handmade rug requires a different process than cleaning wall-to-wall carpet.

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Need Help?

Our team is here for you.

[email protected]

Phone

+1 (855) 585-4040

Mon–Fri 9AM–10PM EST · Sat 9AM–5PM EST · Sun 11AM–5PM EST