Caring for your rug
The norsu Edit · Rug Care
Caring for your rug
A beautiful rug is an investment — and with a little regular care it will look its best for years to come. Below are our general golden rules, then the specifics for each of the brands we stock. When in doubt, always check the label on the back of your rug, as care can vary by fibre.
Start here The golden rules Six habits that apply to almost every rug we sell. Get these right and you've done most of the work.
Vacuum gently Vacuum regularly on low suction to lift dust before it settles into the fibres. Never use a turbo or rotating brush head — it causes matting and fluffing. Gentle suction, or a shake outside, is all you need.
Act fast on spills Remove spills immediately. Blot — never rub — with a clean white cloth and a gentle detergent, then dab dry. For embedded stains, call a specialist who works with handmade rugs.
Rotate regularly Foot traffic and sunlight wear a rug unevenly. Rotate every six months (more often in busy or bright rooms) so wear and any fading stay even across the whole piece.
Mind the sunlight Dyed and natural-fibre rugs are prone to fading in strong, direct sun. Keep them out of prolonged exposure where you can — window coverings and rotation are your friends.
Never pull pop-ups Loops or yarn ends that rise above the pile are normal in woven rugs — not a fault. Snip them level with scissors or push them back through. Pulling can damage the weave.
Expect some shedding Loose fibres are normal in new rugs, especially natural ones. Shedding settles over time — gentle vacuuming hastens it along, and stubborn tufts can simply be trimmed.
The one rule above all Whatever the fibre, the brush or turbo head is your rug's enemy. Gentle, low-suction vacuuming with the pile keeps every rug looking its best.
Baya Care & cleaning
Vacuuming Vacuum regularly on low suction to stop dust and crumbs settling into the roots of the fibres. Avoid a turbo or brush head, which causes matting on shaggy rugs and fluffing on tufted and flatweaves. Gentle vacuuming or a shake outside restores the pile.
Spills & cleaning Always check the back of your rug for fibre-specific advice. As a general rule: don't wash, bleach, dry clean or tumble dry. Remove spills immediately, blot with a clean white cloth and gentle detergent — dab, never rub — then dab dry. For embedded stains, use a skilled specialist.
Pop-ups Loops or yarn ends occasionally appearing above the pile are a common, fault-free part of woven designs — in wool, jute or any fibre. Don't pull design elements or loose ends; trim or push them back through.
Shedding & pilling Loose fibres are normal with new rugs, particularly natural fibres, as outer fibres detach in early wear. It isn't forever and settles over time. Vacuum gently along the pile (never a brush or turbo head), trim stubborn areas with scissors, or use a de-pilling comb.
Colour migration Avoid placing dark dyed items on light flooring, as colour can migrate. A rug underlay helps prevent any transfer onto your floor.
Sun & rotation Dyed and printed natural fibres fade in high-UV spots, so avoid exposed sunlight. Rotate your rug every six months for even wear.
Outdoor rugs Clean with a garden hose, or a damp cloth and warm soapy water, then hang to dry. Spot-clean spills immediately; use textile cleaning solution for oil-based marks. Don't dry clean. Bring rugs indoors when not in use and keep out of prolonged direct sun.
GlobeWest Care instructions
General care Vacuum weekly (more in high-traffic areas), changing direction regularly, and never with a rotating or brush head. Keep out of continuous direct sun. Clean spills immediately — absorb with a dry cloth, then dab with a clean damp cloth. Don't rub, scrub, soap, bleach or saturate.
Furniture & underlay Use furniture pads under heavy pieces and avoid castors or rollers, which flatten the pile. An anti-slip underlay adds softness and stops the rug moving. Rotate often to distribute wear.
Professional cleaning Over time, built-up dirt can dull a rug despite vacuuming — water alone won't fix it. A professional cleaner is recommended for these, and every six months for rugs in high-traffic areas.
Focused care by fibre Each fibre has its own needs — see the fibre guide below for wool, viscose & bamboo silk, jute and outdoor (PET). Following these keeps your rug at its best for longer.
Tribe Home Care & maintenance
Vacuuming Strictly no rotating heads or beater bars on handmade rugs. Vacuum patiently at low power with a suction head, and avoid sweeping vigorously across fringing and edges. Tip: find the pile direction by running your hand across the rug, and always vacuum with the pile, not against it.
Pop-ups & sprouting An imperfect, characterful behaviour of handmade rugs, especially in high traffic. Simply snip the tuft, taking care to avoid surrounding yarn, or push it back through — never pull. Persistent ones can be reinforced with fabric glue; overlocked edges can be trimmed.
Spot cleaning Respond quickly. Blot and absorb with a plain white cloth, lifting any solids with a spoon — never rub. Avoid dry powder cleaners, oxygen/"oxy" cleaners, hydrogen peroxide, alkaline cleaners and bleach, all of which can severely damage a rug.
Shedding, pilling & fluffing Wool and similar fibres inevitably shed — balls of fluff, fuzzy layers and loose tufts are natural in handmade rugs. Regular vacuuming reduces it, as does trimming the top layer with scissors. It eases over time but never fully stops. Always trim, never pull.
Fading Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods — window coverings are crucial. Periodic rotation keeps any UV colour variation to a minimum.
Professional cleaners An annual quality clean gives a spotless finish. Choose carefully: the cleaner must be qualified with handmade rugs and understand the pile composition, as each fibre is treated differently.
Weave Home Washing & care
Vacuuming Vacuum before dirt embeds — ideally twice a week for the first few months — on low suction. A flat-head attachment avoids agitating the fibres.
Shedding & pilling All Weave rugs are natural fibre, so some shedding and pilling is a normal characteristic. Regular vacuuming with a quality, flat-head cleaner lifts loose fibres. Shedding can vary with traffic, furniture and vacuuming — rotate regularly for even wear.
Spills — wool, cotton & jute Treat immediately with warm water and a paper towel. If the stain persists, contact a professional rug cleaner as soon as possible. Never scrub, as it can cause permanent pile damage.
Spills — viscose & bamboo silk Do not spot clean or use any liquid (including water) on viscose or bamboo silk. Blot initial spills immediately with a paper towel or colourless cloth — don't scrub — then arrange a professional dry-clean as soon as possible.
Pop-ups A normal characteristic of flat-woven rugs — simply a loose thread end working its way out as the weave was tucked in. Not a fault. Leave it, gently cut it off, or push it back into the structure.
Sun, outdoor & protection Rotate regularly to minimise sun fading. Shake or vacuum outdoor rugs on low suction, avoid heavy rain and standing water, and dry both sides in sunlight. Weave also offers the Unmarkable Spot Cleaner and recommends professional fibre protection (MicroSeal / Fiber ProTector) for new rugs.
Know your fibre Care by fibre Along with the general rules, each fibre has its own quirks. Match the advice to what your rug is made of.
Wool Shedding is natural and not a fault; regular vacuuming gradually reduces it. Gently push yarns back into the rug — never pull or cut loose threads.
Viscose & Bamboo Silk Highly absorbent — never saturate with water. After a large spill, blot and dry as much as possible, then turn the rug upside down to dry so water doesn't permeate the fibres.
Jute A natural fibre that should never go outdoors or in alfresco areas. Don't use rug or spot cleaners, which can stain or discolour it — dab and blot with water or a mild detergent only.
Outdoor (PET) Avoid heavy rain; if saturated, hang to dry completely or fibres deteriorate. Rotate often, avoid over-scrubbing, and never machine wash or dry. Store clean and dry over winter or in severe weather.
Storing your rug, and what to avoid
Don't fold for storage — roll it instead, with the pile facing inwards. Wrap the rolled rug in plastic or a sheet to protect it from dust and dirt. Store only when completely clean and dry, in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing rugs standing up, or for extended periods. Never wash, bleach, dry clean or tumble dry unless the label says so. Never use a turbo or rotating brush head when vacuuming.
Still choosing? Find your perfect rug Not sure on size, material or colour? Our full guide walks you through every decision, with diagrams and shoppable picks for each space. Read how to select a rug
Need a hand? Let our team help Our rug virtual styling service pairs you with a designer to choose a rug that feels balanced, functional and right for your home. Explore virtual styling
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Posted on January 01 2023
