Care & Claning

Designed with people in mind, we consider the spaces and activities that our rugs reside in. Basic care for any rug involves regular vacuuming, using a low suction setting and avoiding cleaning heads to prevent fibre damage. We also recommend professional cleaning at least once a year. Some shedding can be expected when unrolling your rug for the first time. This results from excess fibres in the production process coming loose and can be resolved by a simple vacuum. Similarly, during the shearing process, threads may occasionally be missed and appear longer. Simply cut with a sharp pair of scissors to the pile height.

                        Fading

The Rug Company uses only the best dyes that offer the most resistance to fading. However, there are no dyes that are completely photostable or impervious to fading in sunlight. Over time, any material left in strong sunlight will fade. Traditionally, the best way to mitigate this effect is to turn a rug from time to time so that at least any fade is even.

                            Wool

Since our inception, we have valued wool and its natural durability. All the wool we use in our rugs is refined by hand, meaning that it is exceptionally rich in lanolin - a waxy substance that works as a natural stain barrier.

For large stains and spills, we recommend contacting a professional cleaning service. However, small accidents can usually be resolved at home. To spot clean, use a pH-neutral liquid soap such as Woolite, diluted in lukewarm water. Be careful not to use excessive amounts of water as this can cause ‘browning’, where the wool becomes oversaturated and leaves a brown stain.

As a British brand, we're no stranger to muddy footprints. Mud should be left to dry and gently brushed to expose the stain, which can then be spot cleaned or dealt with professionally. This process can be followed for stains left from wax, pets or babies.

                      Silk

Throughout history, silk has remained one of the most sought-after luxurious materials, while simultaneously being lauded for its durability. Rugs should be vacuumed regularly on a low setting to avoid dust dulling the lustre of the material.

Silk can be spot cleaned like wool; however, water must be cold and kept to a minimum to avoid drying the fabric. If a stain feels rougher after treatment, use soft brush strokes to relax the fibres.

                   Bamboo Silk

The fasting growing plant on the planet, this material provides an alternative to silk with its soft and tonal finish. We recommend placing bamboo silk away from areas prone to spillages. If a spill does occur, blot immediately using a clean absorbent material to gently soak up excess liquid. If a stain remains, use a pH-neutral soap with minimal water. On the whole, we recommend a professional cleaning service for this material.

                Fluff and Vacuuming

New rugs can shed a bit of fluff, which is created from excess fibres that were not properly incorporated into the yarn during spinning. This is normal, and is not a sign that your rug is falling apart! It is best to vacuum a rug often at first until the fluffing ceases. If you are able to control the power of your vacuum cleaner, ensure that it is not at the most powerful setting. Do not use a cleaner head with teeth as this will damage the rug.

                      Loose Threads

If a thread becomes loose in your rug, do not pull it, but carefully cut it with sharp scissors. This will not damage the rug.