Rugs are one of the most impactful layers in a home. They ground a space, add warmth and texture, and often represent a meaningful investment. Proper care not only preserves their beauty but extends their life for years to come.
Below is a guide to cleaning and maintaining some of the most common rug materials we specify for our clients. We also recommend consulting your manufacturer’s guide to see if they have specific tips pertaining to the specific material.
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are a designer favorite for good reason—they’re naturally durable, resilient, and age beautifully. Praised for being one of the most durable fibers in the rug industry, wool can withstand high-traffic spaces and resists stains and wrinkles. The fiber’s scale-like qualities keep dirt near the surface of the rug, making wool rugs easy to clean.
Routine Care:
- Vacuum regularly using a suction-only or cloth setting (no bristle beater bar).
- Rotate every 6–12 months to ensure even wear (depending on the amount of traffic or sunlight on the rug).
Spills & Spot Cleaning:
- Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth—never rub.
- Use cool water and a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent if needed.
Professional Cleaning:
- Have wool rugs professionally cleaned every 12–24 months, depending on traffic.
Viscose Blend Rugs
These rugs offer the look of silk with the durability of wool, but they require a gentler approach. Celebrated for its soft touch, viscose is an affordable fiber that is often used as a substitute for silk. Produced from wood pulp often derived from pine, eucalyptus, or even bamboo, viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber that is made from regenerated cellulose via chemical processes.
Routine Care:
- Vacuum regularly using a suction-only or cloth setting (no bristle beater bar).
- Avoid heavy foot traffic where possible.
- Rotate every 6–12 months to ensure even wear (depending on the amount of traffic or sunlight on the rug).
Spills & Spot Cleaning:
- Blot immediately with a dry cloth only.
- Avoid heavy water, steam, or household cleaners—these can cause permanent discoloration.
Professional Cleaning:
- Always use a professional experienced with viscose fibers.
Silk Rugs
Silk rugs are true luxury pieces, prized for their sheen and softness.
Routine Care:
- Light vacuum using a suction-only or cloth setting (no bristle beater bar).
- Keep out of high-traffic areas and direct sunlight.
- Rotate every 6–12 months to ensure even wear (depending on the amount of traffic or sunlight on the rug).
Spills & Spot Cleaning:
- Blot immediately with a dry cloth.
- Do not use water or cleaners.
Professional Cleaning:
- Professional cleaning only, never attempt DIY methods. Look for a professional rug cleaning service that specializes in fine rugs.
Jute Rugs
Jute is generally inexpensive and brings warmth and texture, making it a popular choice for casual, layered spaces. A natural fiber made from the outer layers of the jute plant, jute is primarily produced in India and the surrounding countries. Jute is a more affordable option and can be spun and woven to achieve rugs of substantial body.
Routine Care:
- Vacuum regularly to remove dirt before it settles into the fibers.
- For smaller rugs – you can even take these outside occasionally and shake/beat them out.
- Rotate every 6–12 months to ensure even wear (depending on the amount of traffic or sunlight on the rug).
Spills & Spot Cleaning:
- Blot spills immediately and thoroughly.
- Avoid heavy water—moisture can cause staining and fiber breakdown.
Professional Cleaning:
- Spot clean only; full professional cleaning is generally not recommended.
Tip: Jute rugs are great for high-traffic areas like entryways, living rooms, and dining rooms for durability, or layered with another smaller rug over top in bedrooms or living rooms.
Sisal Rugs
Sisal is extremely durable and ideal for high-traffic areas, but it’s sensitive to moisture.
Routine Care:
- Vacuum frequently to prevent dirt from embedding in the fibers.
- For smaller rugs – you can even take these outside occasionally and shake/beat them out.
- Rotate every 6–12 months to ensure even wear (depending on the amount of traffic or sunlight on the rug).
Spills & Spot Cleaning:
- Blot immediately with a dry cloth.
- Avoid water or liquid cleaners – use baking soda if needed and blot.
Professional Cleaning:
- Dry cleaning methods only.
Polyester Rugs
Polyester rugs are known for being budget-friendly, soft, and relatively easy to maintain. Soft and plush, polyester blends well with other natural fibers, creating rugs that are beautiful, durable and affordable.
Routine Care:
- Vacuum regularly using standard settings.
- Rotate every 6–12 months to ensure even wear (depending on the amount of traffic or sunlight on the rug).
Spills & Spot Cleaning:
- Blot spills promptly.
- Use mild detergent and warm water if needed.
Professional Cleaning:
- Can be professionally cleaned or gently steam cleaned.
Tip: While polyester is stain-resistant, it doesn’t age like natural fibers so regular care helps maintain its appearance.
Different types of rug construction
HAND-KNOTTED
Crafted by skilled weavers, individual knots are hand-tied one by one to create intricate motifs in durable rugs that can weather generations of use. Construction qualities vary for hand-knotted rugs depending on the fibers and number of knots per square inch. The smaller the knot, the more detailed and higher-quality the rug. These rugs are more labor intensive and as a result, have a higher price point.
TUFTED
Tufted rugs are constructed by hand-punching yarn through a stretched fabric with a tufting gun, allowing the detail of a handmade quality to lend delicate precision to intricate motifs with less labor and expense. These rugs are backed with glue and scrim fabric to keep the yard in place and can be produced in days or weeks, unlike hand-knotted pieces.
MACHINE-MADE
Efficiently constructed by machine with the utmost precision, these designs capture unparalleled detail while still being affordable and trend-forward. These rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas because many machine-made rugs are made with synthetic fibers that are easy to clean and sheds very little. They are made by power looms that are automated by computers, they allow for consistent color, unlimited patterns, and endless designs. FLATWEAVE
Created without any knots, skilled artisans often use natural fibers such as wool, jute or cotton and weave in vertical and horizontal directions to create these lightweight, casual, durable and easy-to-layer rugs. Flatweaves come in a variety of styles and colors, often with geometric or symmetrical patterns.
Construction Comparison
| TYPE | HAND KNOTTED | TUFTED | FLATWEAVE | MACHINE-MADE |
| PRICE | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| TRAFFIC | High | Medium | High | High |
| SHEDDING | Low | medium-high | Low | Low |
| Durability | 20+ years | 3-10 years | 20+ years | 3-10 years |
| Manufacturing Time | 5-12 months | 4-6 months | 3-4 months | 1-2 months |
Every rug material has its own personality and its own care requirements. When selecting rugs for our clients, we always consider lifestyle, traffic, and maintenance alongside beauty.If you’re ever unsure how to care for a rug, err on the side of caution and consult a professional. A well-maintained rug doesn’t just last longer, it continues to elevate your home for years to come.