- Colours bleed in moisture test
Do not wash at home — take to a professional
- Loose threads or faded areas
Handle with extra care or leave untouched entirely
- Previous repairs
Repaired areas may react to water differently from the original material
- Rug is dyed with natural dyes
Natural dyes bleed easily — the colour test is mandatory
What you'll need
- Soft vacuum without a rotating brush head
- pH-neutral wool wash
- Cold water only
- Soft brush or sponge (no stiff bristles)
- Clean white towel (coloured towels can transfer dye)
- Large flat surface for drying
Inspect the rug before you begin
Look closely for loose threads, faded areas, or previous repairs. These areas need extra care — or should be left untouched entirely. Check for a care label if there is one — many hand-knotted rugs don't have them.
Test colourfastness — this step is non-negotiable
Press a damp white towel against different coloured areas and hold it for a few seconds. If colour transfers to the towel, the rug bleeds — wet cleaning without a professional is not safe. Natural-dyed hand-knotted rugs are particularly prone to bleeding.
Vacuum gently on both sides
Vacuum without a brush head, on low suction. No pulling or tugging. In hand-knotted rugs, the knots can loosen if suction is too aggressive or the brush catches on the pile.
Work in small sections
Never wet the entire rug at once. Work one section at a time: dampen, apply mild detergent solution, brush lightly with the grain, rinse, and press dry before moving to the next area. This slows the process but significantly reduces the risk of colour migration.
Rinse repeatedly
Detergent residue is the long-term enemy of natural fibres and dyes. Rinse multiple times with cold water until the water runs completely clear.
Press dry — never wring
Press the rug dry with clean white towels. No twisting, no squeezing. The knots in a hand-knotted rug can be permanently damaged by mechanical force when wet.
Dry flat in shade — slowly
Lay the rug flat on a clean surface. No hanging, no direct sun, no heat sources. A hand-knotted rug can dry unevenly and distort if hung while wet. Allow 48 to 72 hours.
The practical rule: if the rug is valuable, unique, or hand-knotted with natural dyes, don't experiment at home for the first time.
Watch out
- If colour transfers in the test — stop. Continuing can permanently ruin the rug's colours.
- Knots are vulnerable to mechanical stress when wet. No wringing, no stiff brushes.
- An old, fragile, or very valuable rug goes straight to a professional. Home washing is not an option.