Cleaning Instructions for Your Moroccan Rug
Don't let the care instructions for a Moroccan rug deter you from making a purchase; the beauty lies in its simplicity.
General Cleaning
Sheep don't need constant bubble baths to keep their coats white, and neither does your rug! Here’s how to keep it clean:
- Airflow is your friend: It might sound old school, but remember, this is what they used to do for centuries before synthetic material rugs came on the scene. Shake your rug outside, hang it, and hit it with a broom. You’ll be shocked at how much dirt is removed without the need for harsh soaps!
- Vacuuming: Vacuum from side to side and on the back side. Don’t forget to raise your vacuum to the highest setting to avoid unnecessary friction.
Stain Spot Cleaning
If the stain just occurred, blot with a towel to absorb as much as you can. Then, do the same with a wet towel and blot with water (do not rub, or the stain will spread!). If the stain is still visible, dilute mild, wool-safe detergent with water and repeat the process. In the case of dog or cat pee, be conscientious of removing the full amount, as the remaining ammonia in the urine can be damaging over time.
Whole Rug Cleaning
Depending on the age of your rug, you run the risk of the colors of the natural dye bleeding. For whole rug cleaning, it is best to send it to a professional cleaning service. Not sure where to send it? Send us a note, and we can point you in the right direction of a service in your area.
If you do tackle this at home, test a small area to ensure that the dyes in your rug will not bleed. Use as minimal soap as possible and ensure that the soap is fully removed from the rug. Residue left in the rug can lead to stickiness and cause the rug to absorb more dirt and debris.
Wet wool has a strong smell. Don’t worry about this smell; it goes away completely once dried and means that you have a genuine wool rug!
Shedding
Synthetically made fibers are standard sizes, manufactured from oil derivatives to be a specific size, and eventually are susceptible to a clean breakage point. Natural fibers, however, have natural layers that make up a staggered fiber structure, which gives it its natural strength.
Depending on the age and weaving pattern of your rug, there may be subtle shedding throughout use. These are the smaller fibers along the edge naturally shedding. As you use your rug, this will subside and eventually become very rare as the fiber’s structure becomes more established. If your rug is shedding, simply sweep it up and marvel at the beautiful character of natural fiber rugs.
Rug Pad
Using a rug pad will further extend the life of your rug. We recommend rubber/felt rug pads, which work with any type of flooring!
Enjoy your beautiful Moroccan rug, and remember, its care is as timeless as its design!