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How to Clean Moroccan Rugs

How to Clean Moroccan Rugs

The first thing everyone wants to know after buying a Moroccan rug is how you actually clean them. It is without a doubt the most often-asked question we receive, especially since we put them in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and kitchens.

These Berber rugs are considered high pile (can they be vacuumed?) with bright colors (can the colors bleed?) and wool (how do I remove stains?) That is, they demand a little more thinking before putting a harsh-chemical cleaner on them or running any old vacuum over them on a daily basis. But I assure you that cleaning these shag rugs is not as frightening as it appears!! After all, they were built to last, which is one of the reasons we adore them. Instead of giving you basic answers on how to clean them, we felt it would be more beneficial to provide you with some recommendations from experts who know far more about these wonderful investment items than we do.

From vacuuming to stain removal to professional cleaning, we compiled a list of the most often-asked questions and we obtained all of the answers!

 


"How Can I Regularly Remove Dust and Other Allergens From Moroccan Rugs? Can I Vacuum Them?"

 

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Yes, you are free to vacuum your Moroccan rug! Preferably, use a vacuum that does not have a beater bar, but if it does, set it to the highest level to create the least amount of friction to the wool. Clean from side to side, and don't forget to turn it over every now and again to vacuum the back.

You can also clean your Moroccan rug the old fashion way, and that's by shaking your rug outside or hanging it, and if possible, whacking it with a broom handle to fully annihilate dust. Make sure you're not doing it in your freshly cleaned living room: gobs of dust will fly around (wear protection if possible)!

 


"Can I “Wash” My Moroccan Shag Rug Myself? How?"

 

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In-home cleaning is never advised for any rug, let alone a large, high-quality one like a Moroccan rug. Though, If you want to clean the rug at home, use the finest non-corrosive shampoo, set it outside, and use a hose to clean and rinse it back-to-back to remove all of the cleaning substance.

You want to avoid quick re-soiling while self-cleaning. When rugs are cleaned and a lot of residues are left behind, they quickly re-soil. Whether you clean the rug yourself or have a rug cleaning service come to your house, not only is the dust and dirt not removed from the rug but a significant amount of shampoo residue (approximately 20% to 30% at best) remains in the rug. Leaving shampoo in your hair and not properly washing it under fresh water may create a sticky residue, and the rug will re-soil (recollect dirt) extremely quickly and become sticky.

 


"How Do I Remove Small Stains From Moroccan Rugs and Spot Clean Them?"

 

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If the stain is new, I would begin by blotting it with a cloth to absorb the spill or wiping away whatever is on the rug. I would then try adding a little water and blotting it dry. If the stain is still visible, I would make a solution of water and a little amount of a light detergent (like dish soap) and do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous part of the rug. You should then leave it in the sun, for between 2-5 days depending on how big the rug is. If the rug seems colorfast, I would test it on the stain. If you still can't get it out, I'd get it professionally cleaned.

 


"Do Moroccan Rugs Shed? Is It Possible to Avoid This?"

 

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Shedding is a common thing among wool rugs, especially when they are freshly made. Most older vintage rugs on the other hand don't shed much, but they do develop dust and extremely microscopic fiber particles over time. It is not uncommon for a fresh high piled Moroccan rug to shed, and a good quality rug should fade with time. If a rug is shedding, you can lightly brush it with a dog brush to remove extra strands.

 


"Do the Colors on a Moroccan Rug Bleed or Fade?"

 

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The majority of authentic Moroccan rugs are naturally dyed and will not fade or bleed. Some fresh, low-quality rugs fade quickly and colors bleed after washing. Colors should not alter if your colorful rug is a real vintage one. However, some Moroccan rugs on the market are made to resemble vintage rugs by being washed with chemicals, although the original colors remain deep in the weaving.

 


"When It Comes to Cleaning Moroccan Rugs, What Is an Absolute “No”?"

 

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Never dry-clean your Moroccan rug! Dry cleaning is a chemically based method that not only destroys the integrity of the material and color but also often creates a lingering odor.

 


"How Should I Care for a Moroccan Rug Over Time? What Should I Know About Professional Rug Cleaning?"

 

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These Berber rugs were built to last after all and WILL last a lifetime if properly cared for. The best thing you can do for your Moroccan rug is to be proactive. Keeping dust and dirt particles out of the wool helps keep the fibers from deteriorating, so remember to vacuum the back side of your rug on a regular basis. It's also a good idea to get it professionally cleaned on a regular basis, even if there are no stains. Check that the cleaner has expertise with Berber rugs and the ability/knowledge to fully test dyes before washing. (If the dyes in your rug cannot be safely "washed," a professional can utilize other cleaning procedures.)

Note, Please make sure to use a rug pad!! It is crucial to extend the lifespan of your rug. We would recommend a felt/rubber combination pad because it can be used on any type of flooring.


Many people avoid buying Moroccan rugs because they are afraid of cleaning them. I hope the answers above helped to alleviate those anxieties! It's easy to forget that buying an authentic Moroccan rug made of natural materials is a terrific sustainable addition to your interior home that will last for a long time with only a little more attention than other options! Our rugs are among the most treasured and long-lasting art pieces you could find.