Rug Care Australia: How to Care for Handmade Rugs

Proper rug care can help a handmade rug maintain its colour, pile and character for many years. This rug care guide for Australia covers simple maintenance tips for Afghan rugs, Kilim rugs, vintage rugs and other handmade rugs.

Regular maintenance can help protect natural wool fibres from everyday wear, sunlight, moisture and dirt while keeping your rug looking its best.

Rotate and Protect Your Rug From Sunlight

Rotate your rug regularly to help equalise wear and the effects of sunlight. Continual direct exposure to sunlight can gradually fade and damage rug colours over time.

Window shades, shutters or curtains can help protect rugs placed in bright rooms. Regular rotation is especially useful for vintage rugs, where preserving the existing colour and character is important.

Keep Your Rug Away From Dampness

Dampness can weaken rug fibres and threads over time. Keep handmade rugs in a dry, well-ventilated environment and avoid leaving them in damp areas.

This is particularly important when storing wool rugs for an extended period.

Repair Wear and Tear Early

If a rug becomes cut, torn or damaged, arrange repair as soon as practical. Small holes and worn edges may become larger when left untreated.

Fringes, edges and worn areas can often be repaired by someone experienced with handmade rugs.

Protect Wool Rugs From Moths

Moths can damage wool rugs, particularly when rugs remain undisturbed for long periods. Regular rotation and exposure to light and air can help keep rugs in better condition.

Check rugs regularly, including areas underneath furniture and sections that receive little movement.

Use Suitable Padding Under Your Rug

Good-quality padding can help protect a handmade rug in heavily used areas while reducing unnecessary movement and wrinkling.

Padding can be especially useful underneath runner rugs, which are commonly placed in hallways and other high-traffic areas.

Sweep Your Rug

Gently sweeping a handmade rug with a broom can help remove loose surface soil and dust. Sweeping can be used between vacuuming when required.

How to Vacuum a Handmade Rug

When vacuuming a handmade rug, use a low suction setting. Vacuum in the direction of the rug pile rather than against it.

To find the direction of the pile, gently run your hand across the rug from fringe to fringe. One direction will usually feel smoother than the other.

These simple precautions are useful for handmade wool rugs, including Afghan rugs and older vintage rugs.

Cleaning and Washing Handmade Rugs

The appearance and lifespan of a handmade rug depend partly on keeping it clean. Regular sweeping and careful vacuuming can help prevent dirt from building up in the pile.

Deeper washing should not be treated the same as ordinary carpet cleaning. Avoid unnecessary steam cleaning or strong chemicals on handmade wool rugs, as unsuitable cleaning methods may affect the fibres.

If your rug requires a thorough wash, particularly an older or valuable vintage rug, consider using a professional experienced with handmade rugs.

Restore a Crushed Rug Pile

Heavy furniture can flatten or crush the pile of a rug. A soft brush can be used gently on the affected area to help lift the pile.

How to Store a Handmade Rug

If a rug needs to be stored, keep it in a dry and ventilated environment. Avoid damp or humid storage areas because moisture can weaken the fibres.

Roll the rug for storage rather than leaving several rugs stacked flat on top of one another for long periods.

Check stored rugs regularly to make sure they remain dry and in good condition.

Care for Different Rug Types

Afghan rugs often feature durable wool construction and detailed geometric designs. Keep them dry, vacuum carefully and avoid harsh cleaning products.

Kilim rugs are flatwoven and do not have the same raised pile as many hand-knotted rugs. Use gentle suction and take extra care around the edges and decorative finishes.

Runner rugs are often placed in high-traffic hallways and entrances, so regular rotation and careful vacuuming can help reduce uneven wear.

Smaller mini rugs should also be kept dry and vacuumed carefully, particularly around their edges and fringes.