Placement of the wool rug
When placing the wool rug, make sure it’s on a dry, flat surface and avoid exposing it to strong, direct sunlight to prevent fading. Large furniture placed on the rug can leave a mark on the surface. To minimize this, rotate the rug frequently so the elastic wool fibers can regain their original shape. Protect the wool rug from moths and other pests by moving, airing, and cleaning it regularly, paying special attention to areas under furniture.
The self-cleaning property of wool
Wool fibers contain lanolin, or wool wax, which is preserved during wool processing because of its benefits for the finished rug. Dirt is less likely to accumulate on wool fibers coated with lanolin, as lanolin is antistatic and repels dust, thus giving it self-cleaning properties. This self-cleaning effect doesn’t mean the rug doesn’t need cleaning, but in everyday use, it doesn’t require any extra maintenance effort.
Vacuuming, lint removal, shaking out
To keep your rug clean, vacuum it on a weekly basis without using the vacuum brush head. Vacuuming should be made from side to side as this allows the vacuum to most efficiently remove dirt and debris between the rows of knots. During major cleanings, the backside of the rug can also be vacuumed. High pile rugs can pose a challenge for robot vacuums, as they simply cannot climb onto them. If this is a concern for you, look for rugs with lower pile and short fringes.
Apart from vacuuming, it’s a good idea to manually remove any hair, fluff and lint that accumulate on the wool surface once or twice a week. This takes only a few minutes and yields noticeable results. If you like well-groomed rug surfaces, you can also use a rug rake for this.
All the above can be combined with shaking or airing the rug out in fresh air from time to time. A garden rug beater and a pair of strong hands make a good help for this, but even the railing of a balcony will do the trick as long as there's no neighbors enjoying their coffee downstairs.
Shedding and compacting of wool rugs
Hand-knotted wool rugs, especially new ones, tend to release wool fibers. This is a completely normal circumstance. When a new rug is put into use, it takes 3-4 months (sometimes even longer) for it to compact. During this time, vacuum it gently, at a lower level, not to damage the fiber structure. Don't be alarmed if the vacuum bag quickly fills up with wool fibers; this does not affect the lifespan of your rug.
The process is usually noticeable: the rug surface becomes more compact and slightly felted. Consequently, the amount of shedding typically decreases or stops altogether.
To protect the fiber structure, it is a good idea to place a rug pad made of a natural material (e.g., felt) underneath your rug. Such pads can be found in most home furnishing and DIY stores.
Professional cleaning of wool rugs
Every year or two, we recommend using a professional carpet cleaner to give your wool rug a thorough clean. Choose a cleaner that has experience with hand-knotted Moroccan rugs (especially regarding wool dyes and color fixing). It is essential to confirm with the cleaner whether they recommend gentle wet cleaning or dry cleaning for the particular rug. We are happy to recommend a reliable cleaning company that we trust with our carpets. Professional cleaning refreshes the fiber structure of the rug, resulting in a fluffier wool surface.
Stain removal
If something has spilled on your rug, the most important thing is to absorb it immediately and gently (without rubbing), working inwards from the edge of the stain. It is important not to soak the stain, as this may increase its size. When spot cleaning at home, it's best to avoid chemical detergents as they can damage wool fibers and colors. Whatever you use, test it on a small surface or the back of the rug first. Always make sure to allow your rug to dry completely after spot cleaning. For more serious stains, such as red wine, it's safer to use a professional cleaner.
A special case: the Boucherouite rug
Boucherouites are free-spirited knotted rag rugs with vibrant colors and a mix of materials. They are very durable pieces, so they can be used in high traffic areas, and they tolerate more frequent cleaning very well. To keep your Boucherouite clean, vacuum it on a regular basis, which can be done on a high setting from the beginning. Combine this with shaking and airing out in fresh air from time to time.
Since Boucherouites are mostly bold colored rugs, some are afraid of color running when washing the rug. This problem arises less frequently than we might think, as these rugs are made from recycled textiles that have been cleaned many times in their previous lives. That said, although some pieces can be washed in a washing machine, it is better to be careful and let it clean by a professional rug cleaner.