A hand-knotted rug takes intricate artisanship and a lot of labor to create, which is why it’s more expensive than machine-made equivalents.
Once you’ve invested in a striking hand-knotted rug, it’s important to keep up regular maintenance, including cleaning it correctly.
Here at Rug Source, we’re the experts on hand-knotted rugs. Here, we’ll explain the safest and most effective methods of cleaning yours.
Follow our advice and you’ll not only keep your rug looking great, but you’ll also enjoy your hand-knotted rug for longer.
Vacuuming
If you don’t vacuum enough, dirt will be pushed down to the base of your rug. There, it has an abrasive effect, damaging the wool permanently.
You should vacuum your rug at least once a week, and more often if your rug is frequently visited by pets or kids!
When you vacuum, don’t use the beater brush. There is a high risk that this removes some of the pile, and it’s likely to destroy your rug’s fringe too.
Using the suction attachment only, vacuum your rug from one long side to another as opposed to end to end.
Managing Spills and Accidents
Even when you’re being as careful as possible, accidents happen! When food or liquids spill onto your rug, take immediate action. Blot up the fluid then use club soda and a clean cloth to get the rest.
If it’s a particularly stubborn stain, you may have to repeat this process multiple times to fully remove it.
You should never use a cleaning agent on hand-knotted rugs! These are too strong for the job, and they might cause permanent color damage.
Dry your rug thoroughly before putting it back into position. Leaving it damp can result in the development of mold and mildew.
Minimizing Threats
Beyond dirt, your hand-knotted rug faces two other serious threats: moths and fading through sunlight. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid both.
When you clean your rug, take the time to check for moth infestation. The back of the rug is a particular hotspot. Signs include bare spots or the presence of a sticky substance that looks like a spiderweb.
Zinc or magnesium fluorosilicate can be used as a moth repellent.
With regards to sun damage, you can avoid this by rotating your rug regularly. This ensures that your entire rug receives the same exposure to the sun, making inevitable fading less noticeable.
Professional Cleaning Services
You can clean the surface of your rug through vacuuming; however, for a deep, comprehensive clean, you need a professional rug cleaning service.
Experts recommend that you undertake this process around once a year. Bear in mind that over-cleaning your rug can be just as harmful as under-cleaning it, so don’t go overboard.
By vacuuming using the right technique, managing spills quickly and correctly, proactively protecting your rug from threats, and taking your rug to a professional cleaning service, you can prolong the lifespan of your hand-knotted rugs.
Now that you know how to look after them properly, if you’re interested in adding to your hand-knotted rug collection, check out Rug Source. We have an extensive range of quality models available!
Read our other blog posts on Hand-Knotted Rugs:
- https://rugsource.com/do-all-hand-knotted-rugs-have-fringe/
- https://rugsource.com/where-are-hand-knotted-rugs-made/
- https://rugsource.com/how-long-does-a-hand-knotted-rug-last/
- https://rugsource.com/the-benefits-of-handmade-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/comparing-hand-woven-and-hand-knotted-rugs-what-to-know-about-these-hand-made-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-hand-knotted-and-hand-woven-rug/
- https://rugsource.com/hand-knotted-vs-hand-tufted-rugs-how-can-you-tell-the-difference/
