How to Wash a Handwoven Rug and Kilim?

How to Wash a Handwoven Rug and Kilim? A Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Handwoven rugs and kilims — the most valuable pieces in your home — can last for generations with proper care. However, "handwoven" means "delicate care." Unlike machine-made rugs, these pieces contain natural dyes and natural fibers such as wool or silk. So how do you wash a handwoven rug at home? Here are the key tips:

1. Preparation: Removing Dust

Before moving on to washing, you need to remove the dust and sand particles that have settled into the fibers of the rug.

• Tip: Rather than shaking the rug, vacuum it on low suction in the direction of the fibers. Avoid harsh brushing.

2. Perform a Color Test (Critical Step)

The greatest risk with naturally dyed rugs is colors bleeding into one another.

• Test: Press a clean white damp cloth onto a small corner of the rug. If color transfers onto the cloth, you should not wash the rug at home and must take it to a professional dry cleaner instead.

3. Choose the Right Shampoo

Never use bleach, harsh detergents, or general-purpose supermarket cleaners.

• Recommendation: Opt for rug shampoos specially formulated for handwoven rugs with a balanced pH level, or natural soap-based cleaners.

4. The Washing Process: Step-by-Step Application

Never leave the rug sitting in water. Acting quickly is the fundamental rule.

1. Wetting: Wet the rug with cold water only — never warm or hot water.
2. Shampooing: Lather the shampoo with water. Using a soft brush or sponge, gently wipe in the direction of the fibers without pressing too hard.
3. Rinsing: Rinse quickly with cold water until no shampoo residue remains. You can use a soft-edged squeegee to drain the water.

5. Drying: Stay Out of the Sun

Incorrect drying can cause the rug to stiffen or its colors to fade.

• Do not wring: Roll the rug up and stand it upright to allow the water to drain out.
• Dry flat: Lay the rug on a flat surface. Hanging it can cause it to lose its shape.
• Choose shade: Do not expose the rug to direct sunlight — this causes natural dyes to fade. A shaded, well-ventilated area is ideal.

Golden Rules for Cleaning Handwoven Rugs

• Stay away from hot water: It causes the fibers to shrink.
• Act on stains immediately: Once a stain dries, it becomes much harder to remove from a handwoven rug.
• Professional care once a year: Rather than washing your rug every year, having it cleaned by experts every 2–3 years will extend its life.

Editor's Note: If your rug is antique or contains silk, we recommend against taking the risk of washing it at home.