Materials & Care

This is general guidance for caring for a rug. It is not a promise about any particular rug. Material, construction and care instructions are listed on each product page when available, and the care label on your rug comes first. If the label and this page disagree, follow the label.

AI-assisted illustration of a hand resting on a soft low-pile rug surface. Mood image, not a photo of a specific rug.
A soft low-pile surface, shown as a mood illustration. It is not a photo of a specific rug.

For every rug

  • Check the care label. It tells you what the maker recommends for that rug. Keep it, or take a photo of it.
  • Vacuum regularly. Vacuum with the suction on and the beater bar or brush roll off or raised, and go with the direction of the pile. Use the edge attachment near fringe and bound edges.
  • Blot spills right away. Press a clean, dry white cloth on the spill, working from the outside in. Do not rub, because rubbing can push a spill deeper or spread it.
  • Test first. Before using any cleaner, try it on a small hidden spot and check for color change.
  • Rotate occasionally. Turn the rug now and then so wear and light fall evenly.
  • Limit direct sun. Prolonged direct sunlight can fade colors over time.
  • Use a pad where it suits the rug. A pad can help keep a rug from sliding. Choose one that matches your rug and your floor, and read the pad's label, since some pad types are not recommended for some floor finishes.
  • Some shedding is normal. New rugs, especially cut-pile and shag styles, can shed loose fibers at first. Regular vacuuming usually helps it settle.
  • Let creases relax. A rug that arrived rolled may show creases. Lay it flat and give it a little time.
  • When in doubt, ask a professional. For large stains, delicate rugs or anything you are unsure about, a professional rug cleaner can advise.

By rug type

Washable rugs

Some rugs are made to be washed. Whether a particular rug can be washed, and how, is on its product page and care label. Follow the stated method, such as machine wash or spot clean, water temperature, drying method and any size limit for your machine. If a rug does not say it is washable, do not assume it is.

  • Shake out or vacuum the rug before washing.
  • Dry completely before putting it back on the floor or on a pad.
  • Do not use bleach unless the label allows it.

Indoor/outdoor rugs

Some rugs are intended for use on patios, porches or other covered or uncovered outdoor spaces. Use a rug outdoors only if its product page says it is suitable for outdoor use.

  • Sweep, shake out or vacuum to remove dirt and debris.
  • If the care label allows, rinse with a garden hose and let it dry fully, flat and off the ground, so that moisture does not stay trapped underneath.
  • Do not leave a rug lying wet on a deck or floor, which can stain or damage the surface under it.
  • Bring it indoors or roll it up in harsh weather, if you can.

Kilim and flatweave rugs

AI-assisted illustration of a flatweave rug in a mustard and cream geometric pattern, close up. Mood image, not a photo of a specific rug.
A flatweave pattern, shown as a mood illustration. It is not a photo of a specific rug.

Flatweave rugs have no cut pile, so dirt tends to sit on the surface and they are usually easy to vacuum.

  • Vacuum without a beater bar, which can pull at the weave and the fringe.
  • Shake out or beat gently from time to time, if the rug is sturdy enough.
  • Spot clean gently, and check the care label before using water or any cleaner on a flatweave, because some constructions and dyes react badly to wet cleaning.

Shag rugs

Long pile traps dust and crumbs and can hold on to spills.

  • Use suction only, with the beater bar off. A beater bar can pull and tangle long pile.
  • Fluff the pile by hand or with a rug rake after vacuuming or after furniture has sat on it.
  • Blot spills right away, and do not rub.
  • Shake out outdoors now and then, if the rug is a size you can handle.
  • Expect some loose fibers when the rug is new.

Natural weave rugs

Natural weave rugs are woven from plant-based fibers. Fiber and construction are listed on the product page, and care depends on them.

  • Keep these rugs dry. Many natural fibers can absorb water, which can lead to stains, shrinking or other changes.
  • Vacuum often, going with the weave, to lift grit from between the fibers.
  • Blot spills right away with a dry cloth, and avoid soaking the rug.
  • Do not use them in damp areas such as bathrooms, unless the product page says they suit it.
  • A little shedding and variation in color and texture is common with natural fibers.

Questions about a specific rug?

Call (833) 962-0777 or email joe@jgens.com. See also the Rug FAQ and the Rug Size Guide.