How to Clean Specific Types of Rugs

Cleaning Different Types of Rugs 

Rugs in different styles, sizes, and materials need different care to keep them looking their best. We do recommend checking the manufacturer's care instructions for your specific rug before starting the cleaning process. 

Pile rugs

Pile rugs are the most commonly used type of carpeting material in homes so it’s very likely you’ll have one to clean. But cleaning and maintaining your pile rug should simply follow a similar routine to how you would care for a wall-to-wall carpet.

First of all, keep up with vacuuming regularly (at least twice a week) to make sure all dust and dirt is removed. For all spills, you should deal with them instantly, according to the rug’s specifications, so there is no long-lasting damage (refer to our guide for stain removal for rugs for extra tips and tricks). Finally, we suggest a professional clean once a year will provide a deep clean and can help improve and extend the lifetime of your rug.

Featuring our Rise Rust Rug. 

Shaggy Rugs 

Shaggy rugs add warmth and texture to any space, but their long fibres trap dirt, making regular cleaning essential. Vacuum using a suction-only setting, as beater bars can damage the fibres. For a deeper clean, take the rug outside, shake it, or beat it with a broom handle to remove embedded dust.

For spills, blot immediately with a clean, white cloth. If needed, mix a mild detergent with lukewarm water and dab the stain gently, avoiding excess moisture.

Occasionally, a professional deep clean is the best way to maintain softness and remove stubborn dirt without damaging the fibres. If cleaning at home, ensure the rug dries completely in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

With regular care and the right cleaning methods, your shaggy rug will stay soft, fresh, and inviting for years to come.

For a more detailed step-by-step, read our guide on how to clean a shaggy rug. 

Featuring our Polar Cream Shaggy Rug. 

Flat Weave Rugs

Then onto the durable and long-lasting rig type - Flat weave rugs. Ideal for busy households as they are typically very low maintenance, and fantastic for allergy sufferers, Flat weave rugs are low maintenance, especially when it comes to cleaning. 

This is because the flat texture makes these rugs easily able to prevent dirt and dust from becoming trapped. They are also easier to wipe spills and if the rug is small enough it can easily be taken outside and any surface debris can be removed simply by shaking the rug. However, always check the tag before cleaning flat weave rugs as some are dry clean only.

Featuring our Terrazo Grey Rug. 

Natural Fibre Rugs

Natural fibre rugs like jute, seagrass, and sisal require gentle care, as they’re prone to water damage. Regularly vacuum to remove dust and debris. For spills, blot immediately with a dry cloth - avoid soaking. Use a mild, dry-cleaning powder for stains and ensure proper ventilation to prevent mould and mildew.

Featuring our Origins Sisal Light Beige Rug. 

Oriental Rugs

There are rugs you can clean yourself, but to some rug types, this will be detrimental. For oriental rugs, we recommend you hire a professional instead. This is due to the fact oriental rugs have delicate fibres so therefore they have that beautiful and elegant look, but they need to be cared for in a way that compliments that.

Regular vacuuming will still help remove a lot of the dirt and debris, but it won’t do a thorough job. We advise a professional rug cleaning company as they will have the equipment and solutions to deal with both machine woven and handmade rugs.

Featuring our Nomad Oriental Weavers Rug. 

Wool Rugs

Professional cleaning is ideal for wool rugs, but you can clean them at home with the right approach. Regular vacuuming is key - use a suction-only attachment, moving side to side rather than lengthwise. High-traffic areas may need more frequent cleaning, and once a year, vacuum the underside as well.

For spills, act fast by blotting with a dry cloth to prevent staining. Wool rugs should be deep cleaned every 12-18 months, following care label instructions. If cleaning at home, first take the rug outside to shake out loose dirt, then vacuum both sides.

To wash, lay the rug on a dry surface and hose it down. Mix a diluted wool laundry solution and apply it gently with a clean sponge or mop, working in sections. Rinse thoroughly, then roll the rug in towels to remove excess moisture. Let it air dry in a shaded area, as direct sunlight can cause fading. Drying typically takes about a day.

Featuring our Morris & Co Trent Red House Rug. 

More Expert Rug Cleaning Tips

Consistently care for all your rugs no matter the material you choose by regularly vacuuming them to remove the surface dirt and debris. It is also advised to rotate your rugs on a regular basis (every six months if your area allows) to prevent unwanted uneven wear and flattening from high traffic.

If you have made a considerable investment into a rug for your home, we would always recommend a yearly professional cleaning to maintain the splendour of the material and to extend the lifetime of your rug.

Finally, before cleaning any rug, we always suggest checking the care labels for information on the specific materials your rug is made from. 

This article is written as a suggestion for cleaning and caring and if you have a stain or problem with a rug, professional cleaning advice should be sort before any action is taken. We by no way suggest our ideas are perfect and do not warrant that these ideas will resolve your specific problem. 

Save Time and Energy With a Washable Rug

Explore our stunning collection of washable rugs that can simply be put in your washing machine when they need cleaning. Shop yours today and get free UK delivery on your order.