How to Clean a Carpet at Home: Easy Care Guide for Every Type of Rug

A good carpet can stay beautiful for many years if you look after it the right way. The good news is that most carpet care is simple and can be done at home with things you already have.

We have been making carpets in Bhadohi since 1964. Here are the same care tips we give our own customers, with separate advice for each type of rug.

Everyday Care (For All Carpets)

• Vacuum once or twice a week. Dust and grit that sit in the pile slowly wear the fibres down. Use a gentle setting and switch off or lift the rotating beater bar on handmade rugs.
• Shake small rugs outside. Runners and small rugs can simply be shaken out every few weeks.
• Rotate every few months. This spreads out foot traffic and sunlight, so the carpet wears and fades evenly.
• Deal with spills straight away. A fresh spill is much easier to remove than an old stain.
• Keep out of strong direct sunlight. Long hours of harsh sun can fade colours over time.

How to Clean a Spill: The Golden Rule

Blot, don't rub. Press a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel onto the spill to soak it up. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage the pile.

1. Blot up as much liquid as you can.
2. Mix a few drops of mild, wool-safe liquid detergent in a cup of cold water (never hot).
3. Test it on a hidden corner first to check the colour does not run.
4. Dab the mixture onto the stain with a cloth, working from the outside towards the centre. Use as little water as possible.
5. Blot with a cloth dampened in plain cold water to remove the soap, then blot dry with a dry cloth.
6. Let it dry fully in a well-ventilated room, away from harsh sun and heaters.

Common Stains and What to Do

Care Tips by Carpet Type

Hand Tufted Wool Carpets

• Vacuum gently with the beater bar off. A little shedding in the first few weeks is normal and settles with regular vacuuming.
• Never soak, machine-wash or steam-clean a hand tufted carpet. Too much water or steam can damage the backing that holds the pile in place.
• Spot-clean spills only, and get it professionally cleaned by a handmade-rug specialist about once every 12–18 months.
• If a loose strand pops up, trim it level with scissors. Don't pull it.

Shop Hand Tufted Carpets →

Hand Knotted Carpets

• Vacuum in the direction of the pile, and gently vacuum the back of the carpet every few months too.
• Don't vacuum the fringe; shake it or comb it gently by hand.
• For a deep clean, have it professionally washed by a specialist in handmade carpets.

Shop Hand Knotted Carpets →

Shaggy Rugs

• Shake small shaggy rugs outside regularly to remove dust from deep in the pile.
• Vacuum on a high-pile or shag setting, with the beater bar switched off.
• Fluff the pile by hand from time to time to keep it looking full.
• Spot-clean with mild detergent water and let it dry completely before using again.

Shop Shaggy Rugs →

Handmade Dhurries

• Our dhurries are flat-woven from wool and are reversible, so you can flip them over every few months to spread the wear.
• Shake them out or vacuum both sides regularly; being flat and light, they are easy to move.
• Spot-clean spills with mild detergent in cold water. Don't soak or machine-wash a wool dhurrie.
• For a deep clean, use professional cleaning, and always dry flat in the shade.

Shop Handmade Dhurries →

What Not to Do

• Don't use hot water on wool; it can shrink the fibres and set stains.
• Don't use bleach or strong chemical cleaners.
• Don't use steam cleaners or carpet-shampoo machines on handmade rugs.
• Don't scrub hard or use a stiff brush on the pile.
• Don't put a damp carpet back down before it is fully dry.

When to Call a Professional

For deep, old or large stains, or for a full wash, professional cleaning is the safest choice. Tell the cleaner that it is a handmade carpet so they use gentle methods. For most homes, a professional clean every 12–18 months keeps a handmade carpet in great shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a carpet be professionally cleaned?
For most homes, once every 12–18 months is enough. Busy rooms, or homes with pets, may need it a little more often.

Can I wash my carpet with water at home?
Only spot-clean small areas with a little mild detergent in cold water. Don't soak, machine-wash or steam-clean hand tufted and wool rugs, as too much water can damage them.

How do I remove a bad smell from my carpet?
Sprinkle baking soda over the rug, leave it for a few hours and vacuum it up. Airing the rug in a shaded, well-ventilated place also helps.

Can I dry my carpet in the sun?
Dry it in the shade with good airflow. Strong, direct sunlight for long hours can fade colours.

How do I make a shaggy rug fluffy again?
Shake it out, vacuum on a high-pile setting with the beater bar off, and fluff the pile gently by hand.

What should I do if a strand sticks out of my rug?
Trim it level with the pile using scissors. Never pull a loose strand, as it can loosen more of the pile.

Looking for a Carpet That's Easy to Look After?

Tell us about your home, kids, pets or how busy the room is, and we'll suggest a carpet that suits your lifestyle. Every design can also be made in your own size. See our Rug Size Guide or our custom rugs page.

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