A handwoven wool Moroccan rug is made to be lived on. Wool is naturally strong, springy and resistant to dirt, which is why Berber families have used these rugs on their floors for generations. With a little regular care, your rug will stay soft and beautiful for many years.
Here is the simple routine we recommend.
1. Vacuum gently and regularly
Regular vacuuming is the most important thing you can do. Dirt and grit that sit deep in the pile slowly wear the wool fibres down.
- Vacuum once a week, or more often in busy areas.
- Use suction only, or set the vacuum to its highest pile setting. Avoid a strong rotating beater bar or brush roll, which can pull at the wool and the knots.
- Vacuum in the direction of the pile. Run your hand over the rug: the smooth direction is the way the pile lies.
- Never vacuum the fringes. They can get caught and pulled. Gently shake or comb them by hand instead.
Every few months, vacuum the back of the rug as well. This helps loosen dirt that has worked its way down to the base.
2. Expect a little shedding at first
New and freshly washed wool rugs naturally shed some loose fibres during the first weeks or months. This is completely normal for a handmade wool rug and does not mean the rug is damaged. Regular, gentle vacuuming removes the loose fibres, and shedding slows down over time.
3. Deal with spills straight away
Wool is naturally quite resistant to stains, but acting quickly makes all the difference.
- Blot, don't rub. Use a clean, white, dry cloth or paper towel and press firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage the fibres.
- Work from the outside in, so the stain doesn't spread.
- If a mark remains, dab it with a little cold water and a small amount of mild, wool-safe detergent, then blot again with clean water to rinse.
- Let the area dry completely, flat, away from direct heat.
Avoid: hot water, bleach, strong household stain removers and harsh chemicals. They can fade natural colours and damage wool. Always test any product on a small hidden corner first.
For solid spills such as food or mud, let mud dry, then gently scrape and vacuum it. Scoop up food with a spoon before blotting.
4. Shake it out and air it
Smaller rugs and runners can be taken outside and shaken out every so often to remove dust. On a dry day, you can also hang a rug outside in the shade for a few hours to air it. Avoid long periods in strong direct sunlight, which can fade the colours over time.
5. Rotate your rug
Turn your rug 180 degrees every six months or so. This spreads out foot traffic and sun exposure, so the rug wears and fades evenly instead of in one area.
6. Use a rug pad
A good rug pad underneath stops the rug from slipping, adds comfort, and reduces friction between the rug and the floor, which helps the rug last longer. It also lets air circulate under the rug.
7. Deep clean professionally
Depending on how much use your rug gets, a professional deep clean every one to three years keeps it fresh. Choose a cleaner who has experience with handmade wool rugs. Avoid machine-washing a large wool rug at home or soaking it yourself: it is very heavy when wet, and uneven drying can cause damage or colour bleeding.
8. Storing your rug
If you need to store your rug:
- Make sure it is clean and completely dry.
- Roll it, don't fold it. Folding can create creases and stress the foundation.
- Wrap it in breathable cotton fabric, not plastic, so moisture can't get trapped.
- Store it in a cool, dry place, and check on it from time to time.
Quick care checklist
| How often | What to do |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Vacuum gently, suction only, in the direction of the pile |
| Immediately | Blot spills with a dry white cloth, never rub |
| Every few months | Vacuum the back, shake out small rugs, comb fringes by hand |
| Every 6 months | Rotate the rug 180 degrees |
| Every 1–3 years | Professional deep clean by a handmade rug specialist |
A rug made to last
Every Rahba rug is handwoven in 100% sheep wool and washed with natural methods before it reaches you, so it arrives clean and ready to use. For more details, see our care instructions.
Looking for your next rug? Browse our vintage Moroccan rugs, large Moroccan rugs and Moroccan runner rugs. You may also like our guides on choosing the right rug size and how to tell if a Moroccan rug is authentic.