"The finest rugs are not merely floor coverings — they are woven histories that deserve the same care as any work of art."
VandenLoom
Care Standard
New York City
Everyday Care
Daily & weekly essentials
Simple habits that make the greatest difference in the long-term health of your rug.
01
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum on a low-suction setting without the beater bar, 1–2 times per week depending on foot traffic. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile, never against it. For flat-woven or antique rugs, use the suction-only attachment.
02
Rotate Every 6 Months
Rotate your rug 180° every six months to distribute foot traffic and sunlight exposure evenly. This prevents uneven fading and pile wear, particularly in high-traffic corridors and dining areas.
03
Blot Spills Immediately
Act within seconds. Blot — never rub — with a clean white cloth, working from the outer edge of the spill inward. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages pile fibres. Cold water is your first line of defence for most spills.
04
Use Rug Pads
Always place a quality rug pad underneath. A pad prevents slipping, protects both the rug and your floor, reduces pile compression, and allows air circulation beneath the rug — significantly extending its lifespan.
05
Professional Cleaning Every 2 Years
Even with diligent home care, deep-seated dirt and oils require professional hand-washing. VandenLoom recommends a full submersion wash every 18–24 months for rugs in regular use, and annually for high-traffic areas.
06
Protect from Sunlight
UV exposure is one of the leading causes of colour fading in fine rugs. Use window coverings, UV-protective film on glass, or simply rotate the rug regularly to prevent uneven bleaching. Antique and silk rugs are especially vulnerable.
Best Practice
Do's & Don'ts
The difference between a rug that lasts 10 years and one that lasts 100 often comes down to these fundamentals.
Do
Recommended practices
✓Vacuum regularly in the direction of the pile, using low suction and no beater bar
✓Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth — always work from the outside in
✓Rotate your rug every six months to ensure even wear and sunlight exposure
✓Use a quality rug pad on all floor types to prevent slipping and pile compression
✓Have your rug professionally cleaned every 18–24 months
✓Trim any loose threads with scissors — never pull them
✓Store rugs rolled (not folded), wrapped in breathable cotton, in a dry environment
✓Protect furniture legs with felt pads to prevent pile compression and marking
Don't
Common mistakes to avoid
✕Never rub a spill — rubbing spreads the stain and damages pile fibres permanently
✕Do not use a vacuum with a rotating beater bar, especially on hand-knotted or silk rugs
✕Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or enzyme-based products not formulated for fine rugs
✕Do not fold rugs for storage — folding cracks the foundation and causes permanent creases
✕Never place rubber-backed mats directly on top of a fine rug — rubber degrades fibres over time
✕Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without rotation or UV protection
✕Do not drag heavy furniture across your rug — always lift and place
✕Never steam-clean a hand-knotted wool or silk rug at home
Stain Treatment
Common stains & how to treat them
Act quickly. The faster you respond to a spill, the greater the chance of full removal.
Wine & Coffee
1.Blot excess liquid immediately with a dry white cloth
2.Mix 1 tsp mild dish soap with 1 cup cold water
3.Apply with a clean cloth, blotting — do not rub
4.Rinse with cold water and blot dry. Repeat if needed
Pet Accidents
1.Remove solid matter immediately with a spoon or cloth
2.Blot liquid with dry towels — press firmly, do not rub
3.Apply a solution of equal parts cold water and white vinegar
4.Blot, rinse with cold water, and allow to air-dry fully
Grease & Oil
1.Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb oil — leave 15 mins
2.Gently vacuum the powder away
3.Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent to a clean cloth
4.Blot the stain working inward; rinse and blot dry
Mud & Dirt
1.Allow mud to dry completely — never treat wet mud
2.Vacuum or brush away dried particles gently
3.Mix mild detergent with cold water; apply with a cloth
4.Blot and rinse with cold water until residue is gone
For persistent stains or antique/silk rugs, contact our team before attempting home treatment. Incorrect methods can cause permanent damage.
Seasonal Routine
A year in the life of your rug
Follow this seasonal rhythm to keep your rug in peak condition through every climate change.
Spring
Deep Clean
Schedule your annual professional hand-wash. Inspect for moth damage after winter storage. Rotate the rug and replace the rug pad if worn.
Summer
Sun Protection
Use window coverings during peak sunlight hours. Increase vacuuming frequency if windows are open more. Check for fading and rotate if needed.
Autumn
Second Rotation
Rotate the rug 180° to balance the other half of the year. Vacuum thoroughly before bringing in heavier foot traffic from wet weather.
Winter
Moisture Watch
Monitor humidity levels — dry heating causes fibres to brittle. Inspect fringe and edges for wear. Vacuum more frequently due to tracked-in debris.
