Care for a hand-knotted rug.
A hand-knotted rug is not fragile. It is designed to be walked on, lived on, and improved by use. These are the only rules you need.
Daily care
- Vacuum weekly with a suction-only head — no beater bar. Go with the pile, never against it.
- Rotate the rug 180° every 6 months to even wear and sun exposure.
- Use a non-slip underlay to prevent movement and protect the pile from below.
- Keep direct sunlight indirect where possible — UV fades all dyes over time, including natural ones.
- Allow the rug to breathe. Avoid storing it under sealed plastic for long periods.
What to avoid
- Beater-bar or brush-roll vacuum attachments — they damage pile structure.
- Steam cleaning — heat and water penetration loosen knots over time.
- Leaving wet items on the rug for more than a few minutes.
- Dragging heavy furniture across the pile — lift and place.
- Folding the rug for storage — always roll from the fringe end, pile inward.
Spot treatment
Act immediately. The faster you respond, the better the outcome. For all spills:
- Blot — never rub — with a clean white cloth. Work from the outside of the stain inward.
- Use cold water only. Warm water sets protein stains (wine, milk, blood).
- Mild pH-neutral soap (a drop of washing-up liquid in cold water) for most stains.
Water & soft drinks
Blot immediately. Cold water. Dry flat. Most water-based spills leave no trace if caught quickly.
Red wine
Blot immediately. Cold water + mild soap. Do not scrub. If dried: professional cleaning recommended.
Oils & fats
Sprinkle baking soda, leave 15 minutes, vacuum gently. Then cold water + soap blot.
Professional cleaning
We recommend professional hand-washing every 2 to 3 years, depending on traffic. CarpetArtisan works with a network of specialist rug conservators in Switzerland, Germany, the UK, and the US.
To find a recommended cleaner in your region, email care@carpetartisan.com.
What to avoid: standard commercial carpet cleaners, dry-cleaning chemicals, and any machine washing. These loosen knots, damage pile, and can cause dye migration.
Lifetime care programme
All CarpetArtisan rugs include free repair for the first 5 years from delivery — including fringe repair, pile re-knotting, and moth treatment if caught early. After 5 years, repairs are offered at cost.
To initiate a repair, email a photo to care@carpetartisan.com with your order number.
Care concierge
Have a specific question about your rug? Our care team responds within 24 hours.
Contact the care team →