Taking Care Of Your Handmade Rugs: 6 Tips To Keep Them Beautiful For Decades!

Handmade rugs are always so much more than just home accessories, because they’re also incredible works of living art. 

Each thread, knot and pattern represent hours upon hours of meticulous craftsmanship and a very rich cultural history that was passed down from generation to generation. Whether you prefer minimalist modern weaves or traditional Persian rug masterpieces, every handmade rug owner absolutely must take proper care of their investment by preserving the rug’s texture, beauty and long-term value. 

We recently reached out to the handmade rug specialists at Rug Source to better understand what homeowners should do regarding their area rug upkeep, and you’re going to want to listen up to what we found out if you own high-quality rugs…

So, check out the below sections to learn more care and maintenance tips that’ll help ensure that your home’s handmade rugs flourish throughout the foreseeable future and beyond!

1. Gentle, Yet Consistent Routine Cleaning 

Routine area rug maintenance is absolutely critical for extending a rug’s functional lifetime, and this includes vacuuming at least once per week to prevent dust and dirt from settling deep into fibers. 

One thing that homeowners need to keep in mind is that they should prioritize gentle suction settings and avoid using their vacuum’s beater bar, because these settings can potentially damage delicate rug weaves. 

For smaller handmade rugs, you can always take them outside and shake them gently to remove loose dirt particles. You should also flip your rug over and vacuum the back side around every six months or so, because this will help dislodge hidden dirt and prevent potential moth nesting. 

2. Keeping Handmade Rugs Even Through Rotation

Sunlight, foot traffic and furniture arrangements can often be the root causes of uneven wearing or fading on handmade rugs. This is why rug owners need to be vigilant about rotating their rugs around every 3-6 months to keep them looking vibrant and balanced. 

This simple upkeep habit will help ensure that your rug goes through equal exposure, which will also preserve pile height and design colors. 

And if your area rug is resting underneath heavy furniture, consider using protective pads under the furniture legs to prevent compression tears and marks. 

3. Shielding Handmade Rugs From Moisture & Sunlight 

Wool and silk rugs are particularly susceptible when they’re consistently exposed to direct sunlight. This is why handmade rug owners should take advantage of blinds, curtains, and even UV-protective window film to minimize the long-term exposure on their luxury rugs.

Moisture is another hidden enemy for handmade rugs, which is why you should try to avoid placing your high-quality rugs in humid or damp areas of your home. And if your rug accidentally gets wet, you’ll need to thoroughly dry it as soon as possible.

4. Stain Treatments & Spot Cleaning 

Accidents are inevitable in any home, and this is particularly the case for households with pets or kids. What’s important to remember regarding your handmade rugs is that quick action can truly make all the difference when spills occur. 

Be sure to blot out stains immediately with an absorbent, clean cloth. Avoid rubbing with this cloth, because this can actually cause the stain to seep deeper into the rug’s fibers. 

For most water-based stains, a DIY mixture of cool water and mild dish soap will work fine. Just be sure to test any DIY cleaning solutions on a hidden section of your rug prior to actually using it, because this will help guarantee that your cleaning doesn’t create inadvertent discoloration. 

For tough stains, you’ll likely be best off reaching out to professional rug cleaners who specialize in these types of handmade textiles.

5. Protecting Your Handmade Rugs By Using Rug Pads

Solid rug pads do so much more than simply help you avoid slipping, because they also do a wonderful job at protecting your rugs from wear and tear. 

Rug pads essentially act as a cushion for your area rugs by reducing friction and absorbing impact between the floor and your rug. Rug pads also improve airflow, which goes a long way to prevent moisture buildup.

Just be sure that you’re choosing rug pads that coincide with your flooring type and trim the pad to be slightly smaller than your rug to ensure a proper fit!

6. Invest In Professional Rug Cleaning At Least Every Two Years

Even if you have a top-notch home care routine, your handmade rugs are still going to need a deep clean every couple of years. 

This is why most rug industry specialists recommend professional cleaning appointments at least every other year, and this largely depends on the amount of foot traffic your rug experiences. 

What’s incredible about professional rug cleaning is that it’ll refreshen a rug’s colors, remove dirt that’s been deeply embedded, and restore a rug back to its natural sheen. Just be sure that you’re avoiding any machine washing or steam cleaning, unless your rug’s care label says that it’s allowed. 

Preserving Legacies Of Expert Craftsmanship Through Care 

Every handmade area rug is undoubtedly built to last a very long time, but only if owners take care of them properly.

Routine maintenance ensures that your rug looks beautiful, and it also honors the incredible artistry behind these one-of-a-kind works of art. 

So, by following the above rug maintenance tips, you’ll preserve your home’s valuable décor and safeguard the stories that have been woven by skilled hands from all over the world!