At Endless Knot, we love how a striking rug can tie your entire space together — and we know that when you invest in a high-quality wool or silk carpet, you want it to last forever. Thankfully, hand-knotted rugs are extremely durable.
Because of a naturally occurring oil in wool called lanolin, rugs with wool fibers are stain-resistant and well-suited to entryways and other high-traffic spaces. Similarly, silk fibers lend themselves to dense knotting that creates a sturdy, detailed design.
To make sure you get the most out of your hand-knotted rug, follow these routine maintenance and special care instructions.
Vacuum — or sweep — your rug regularly using suction only
Dirt, dust, and other grit can quickly work themselves deep into your rug’s fibers if given the chance. Their abrasive texture can ultimately result in loss of your rug’s pile — also known as fiber density — which leads to a faded and worn look.
The best way to prevent this is to regularly vacuum or sweep your rug. We recommend this routine cleaning once every one to two weeks, especially if your carpet is in a high-traffic area.
An important note: never vacuum your rug using the vacuum’s beater brush or bristles, since they will remove a small number of your rug’s fibers with every pass. Over time, this can destroy your carpet entirely. Be sure to use just the suction attachment, and if your rug is particularly fine or fragile, consider sweeping it instead.
Rotate your rug regularly to protect it from uneven fading and wear
Sunlight can cause even the most vibrant rugs to fade over time, especially as the trend of natural light continues to grow in corporate spaces. Many modern windows are specifically designed with low-emissivity coatings to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that shines through the glass, but while this helps protect carpets, it doesn’t eliminate the problem entirely.
In addition to UV light, traffic patterns can quickly damage a rug. If people consistently walk on the same section of fibers, that area will wear out to an uneven color and texture before the rest of the carpet.
Thankfully, the best way to protect your rug from uneven sunlight and human traffic is simple: rotate it 180 degrees every three months. This quarterly routine will make a big difference in your carpet’s appearance.
Clean up spills immediately
If liquid or food spills onto your rug, clean it up as soon as possible. The longer the spill is able to seep into the carpet, the harder it will be to remove completely.
Blot up excess liquid first, taking care not to rub the spill deeper into the rug’s fibers. You can then spot clean the area from edge to center with a damp — but not soaking wet — cloth.
Do not use soaps or cleaning products, since they can affect your rug’s dyes and cause permanent discoloration.
Keep your rug dry to prevent mold and odor
Keeping excess moisture away from your rug will help prevent mold, mildew, and dry rot, so make sure your rug has the opportunity to dry completely any time it gets wet.
For small spills or wet footprints, you’ll be fine absorbing excess liquid with a towel and allowing the rug to lay flat. In the case of large spills where the rug is saturated all the way through, you will want to elevate the wet spot until it is dry.
Have your rug professionally cleaned every few years
Depending on the foot traffic your rug is regularly exposed to, we recommend getting it professionally cleaned every two to five years. It’s important to send your carpet to a reputable service with experience cleaning fine rugs. To ensure proper cleanliness and protect the colors from fading or bleeding, make sure your rug is never dry or steam cleaned.
Use a rug pad if your carpet is on a hard-surface floor
Rug pads can extend the life of your rug in a few ways. They hold your carpet securely in place to minimize wrinkles, and this stability also prevents slipping accidents that can cause damage not only to your rug but to guests and other furniture as well.
A few added bonuses of rug pads? They make your carpet feel softer to walk on and protect your hardwood or LVT flooring from scratches.
