How to Wash a Rug? Key Tips You Should Know Before Washing a Rug
Short answer: A rug should not be washed unless necessary; for routine cleaning, wiping is enough. If washing is needed, there are three methods: traditional (the healthiest), industrial (fast and economical) and dry cleaning. The rule for washing at home: a flat surface, minimal chemicals, one direction, plenty of rinsing, and drying out of direct sunlight. Handwoven rugs are the ones most tired out by washing.
Let us begin this article with a confession: we will give a piece of advice you would not expect from a rug seller. Do not wash your rug unless you have to. Because washing processes tire the rug; especially in handwoven rugs it can cause the knots to loosen. As the author of this content, I also serve as Halıcızade's general coordinator, and we have been using the rugs in our own home for more than 20 years — in all that time we had to have them washed only once, when the house was flooded.
Should a Rug Be Wiped or Washed?
A rug should be wiped whenever possible; washing should always be the last resort. If your rug or kilim is not stepped on with shoes, has not developed a stubborn stain (fruit juice, sugary tea, coffee, oily food, wine) and has not suffered a major problem such as a flood — then for routine cleaning, wiping is more than enough.
What Are the Rug Washing Methods?
- Traditional rug washing: Done by hand, with separate care given to each rug. In big cities these masters have become quite scarce; it is costly but the healthiest method.
- Industrial rug washing: A standard process done with industrial machines, without special care for the yarn and weave; it is fast and affordable.
- Dry cleaning: The application of the garment method to the rug; it is effective at removing stains but few firms offer this service and its cost is high.
What Are the Key Tips for Washing a Rug?
- Material suited to the yarn: The shampoo to be applied to a wool rug differs from that for a silk rug, and the brush to be used differs from rug to rug.
- Care in drying: The rug or kilim should not be exposed to direct sunlight during drying.
- Residue-free rinsing: Soap, shampoo and detergent residues should be rinsed out well.
- One direction: Circular motion causes the pile to be damaged and curl; the intervention should always be in one direction.
Do not be fooled by how easily we write these points — in Turkey it has become quite hard to find a craftsman washing master who pays attention to these tips. We share this information so you can request care from the firm before receiving a washing service. Think of a handwoven rug like a hand-knitted sweater: the soundness of the knots depends on the gentleness of the process.
What Is a Rug Washed With?
Plant-based, biodegradable rug shampoos; granular white soap with the least chemical content, and plenty of water — these are the right materials for washing a rug. A soft rug brush and white cloths for rinsing will also do the job. Note: affordable rug shampoos are usually for synthetic rugs; if you have natural yarns such as wool, bamboo or tencel, use a purpose-specific shampoo. And after washing, make sure no solution remains between the rug's threads.
Washing Notes by Yarn Type
How Are Bamboo and Tencel Rugs Washed?
Bamboo and tencel are washed gently. The most important feature of these yarns is their softness and delicacy; they should be washed avoiding chlorinated water, with the least chemicals and the greatest gentleness.
How Is a Plush Rug Washed?
During washing the fibers should be cleaned with a soft brush, and after washing they should all be combed in the same direction so the fluffiness continues. Wrongly washed plush rugs can lose their fluffiness.
Are Handwoven Rugs Washed?
They should be washed only by masters of the craft who work in a way suited to natural yarns. Densely knotted handwovens can be washed with peace of mind in the right hands; but every wash tires the rug — so the first choice should always be wiping.
How Is a Rug Washed at Home?
You vacuumed, you wiped, but you insist on washing; then six rules:
- Wash on a flat surface.
- Use the least chemicals possible.
- Protect from direct sunlight during washing and drying.
- Work in one direction with a soft rug brush.
- Rinse carefully with plenty of water so no chemical residue remains.
- Air out in the open until the moisture is completely gone.
Rugs and kilims sold as machine-washable can be washed on a delicate program, without spinning, at 30 degrees at most.
What to Consider Before Getting a Rug Washing Service
- Agree in advance with the firm on paying attention to the key tips; learn the details of the service.
- Look at previous customer reviews on social media and search engines.
- Before handing it over, take photos of your rug; record its color and any stained area.
- Find out from the start whether the firm you speak with is a direct washer or a collector.
- Before price, evaluate the content of the service and the experience of those providing it; a per-m² price comparison can be misleading.
Note: for some rugs bought from Halıcızade, depending on the situation, we can help with washing and cleaning; you can consult our team for advice specific to your rug's condition. And let us end with our advice from the start: love your rug, and wash it — or have it washed — as little as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a rug be washed?
As little as possible — wiping is enough for routine cleaning. Except in cases such as stubborn stains or flooding, washing is not needed; every wash tires the rug a little.
Can a handwoven rug be washed at home?
Not recommended; a handwoven rug's knots can loosen with washing. If necessary, a master of the craft who works in a way suited to natural yarns should be chosen.
Which shampoo should be used for washing a rug?
Plant-based, biodegradable shampoos or granular white soap are recommended. Affordable shampoos are usually for synthetic rugs; for natural yarns a purpose-suited product should be chosen.
Is a rug dried in the sun?
No; direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade. A rug should be dried in the shade and open air until the moisture is completely gone.
Which rugs can be washed in a washing machine?
Only rugs and kilims sold with a 'machine-washable' label; on a delicate program, without spinning, at 30 degrees at most.
How is a rug washing firm chosen?
Look at customer reviews, find out whether the firm is a direct washer or collector, take photos before handing it over, and evaluate the service content before the price.
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