A good rug is an investment, and like any investment it lasts far longer when you look after it. The good news is that carpet care is mostly simple, low-effort stuff. Do a little regularly and you’ll almost never need to do a lot.
Here’s the routine we recommend to customers, plus a bit of India-specific advice for the monsoon that most guides skip.
The everyday and weekly basics
Vacuum once a week, gently. For most rugs a normal vacuum is fine, but for a plush or shaggy pile, use low suction or a handheld so you don’t drag at the fibres. And rotate the rug every few months so it wears evenly and doesn’t fade on one side where the sun hits.
Spills: act fast, don’t panic
The single most important rule with a spill is to get to it quickly. A fresh spill lifts out easily. A dried-in one is a fight.
- Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and frays the fibres.
- Work from the outside of the spill inwards so it doesn’t spread.
- Use a little mild detergent in water. Skip harsh chemicals, they can strip colour.
- Blot dry with a clean towel and let it air out fully.
Different materials, different care
Not every rug wants the same treatment, so a quick reference:
| Type | Vacuuming | Spot cleaning | Deep clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaggy | Low suction only | Blot gently, don’t scrub | Once a year |
| Wool | Regular, gentle | Mild detergent | Once a year |
| Viscose | Very gentle | Barely damp cloth | Professional only |
| Silk | Soft brush | Professional help | Professional only |
The monsoon problem nobody warns you about
This is the one that catches Indian homes out. Through the monsoon, damp is the enemy. A rug that stays even slightly humid for weeks can start to smell or, worse, grow mould underneath where you can’t see it.
So during the wet months, air your rugs out on drier days, make sure the floor underneath is completely dry before laying them back, and keep the room ventilated where you can. If a rug does get properly wet, dry it fully before it goes back down. A little attention here saves a rug that would otherwise be ruined.
When to call in the professionals
Once a year, most rugs benefit from a proper deep clean. For wool and shaggy you can often manage it yourself; for viscose and silk, leave it to someone who knows those fibres. It’s a small yearly cost that adds years to the rug’s life.
Look after them well and our rugs are built to last. Browse our shaggy carpets, hand-tufted rugs and viscose rugs, all backed by a full year’s warranty and free shipping across India.