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How to Clean a Moroccan Rug

how to clean moroccan rug
November 22, 2022

Buying a Moroccan rug is good for your interior, but you also need to consider how you will clean it. Cleaning Moroccan rugs is very important because you will likely put them in an area that sees quite a lot of foot traffic, like your kitchen or living room.

These are high-pile Berber rugs with wool and bright colours. Because of all this, they require a bit more consideration than running a vacuum over them or applying a harsh chemical cleaner. But you should not fret about how to clean Moroccan rugs. An authentic Moroccan rug is built to last for a long time and grace any interior with its beautiful presence. There are some things you should consider, to ensure that is the case.

From simple vacuuming, to dry cleaning and getting the rug professionally cleaned, here is a list of important things to know about cleaning Moroccan rugs. But before we get to that, if you want professionals to handle your Moroccan rug cleaning in London so you don't have to worry about anything, we are here to help. Feel free to call and request your free quote.

How to remove dust and dirt particles from Moroccan rugs?

Feel free to vacuum your wool rugs as often as you like. It is the safest and easiest way to remove excess dirt and keep Moroccan rugs clean. It is best to use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar; if it has one, you should set it to the highest level. The goal is to create the least amount of friction with the wool rug. You should vacuum from one side to the other. Now and then experts recommend you turn the Moroccan rug over and vacuum the underside.

An alternative way to clean Moroccan rugs is to take yours outside, hang the rug vertically and give it a good beating with a broom handle. This should rid the entire rug of dust and dirt. To keep yourself safe from flying dust and other debris, wear protection.

Can you wash wool rugs on your own?

grey shaggy wool rug

In-home deep cleaning is not what professional cleaners recommend, especially when it concerns an expensive boucherouite rug or another good quality rug. If you wish to try it, get a non-corrosive shampoo.

Take the rug outside, lay it flat and rinse it thoroughly after applying the shampoo. The goal is to remove all of the shampoo residue. If there is any sticky residue left, the rug will accumulate soil again. Make sure the rug is fully dry before you use it again. You can use your nose, as wet wool develops a specific smell.

How do you spot-treat Moroccan rugs?

If it is a fresh stain on the wool rug, begin by blotting it right away with a cloth or a paper towel. You can then add just a little water and blot it dry. If the stain persists, mix mild detergent and cold water to spot and treat the stain.

For new rugs, you should always test a spot-cleaning mix like water and dish soap on a small and concealed area of the rug first. The goal is to know if the treatment causes any damage to the natural materials of the rug. If it is fine, you can proceed to treat small stains with the solution and a paper towel. For a tougher stain, you may need to call the professionals.

What to do when Moroccan rugs shed?

Moroccan rugs shed over time, especially when they are new. Older vintage rugs do not shed as much, but they tend to develop dust and microscopic fibres in time. Wool rugs shed, but if you find it problematic, you can use a soft bristle brush to remove the excess strands. That is a fine way to keep your wool rug looking spiffy at all times.

Do Moroccan rugs bleed and fade in colour with time?

A good quality flat weave rug or a Beni ourain rug is made using natural dyes that do not fade or bleed. If your Moroccan rug bleeds or fades in colour, it is likely because it is a lower-quality one. You need to be careful in your purchase and be mindful of rugs that only resemble the vintage look.

How to care for a Moroccan rug over time?

girl sitting on moroccan rug

Berber rugs are made to last, which is what they will do if you care properly for them and take cleaning seriously. You have to be proactive in your care, meaning that keeping dust and dirt away from your vintage rugs will wear them out less.

Stay on top of vacuuming not just the upper side, but also the back side of the Moroccan rug. Using a rug pad is another simple action that can extend the life of your rug.

Even if there are no stains on the rug, you should get a professional rug cleaner to renew your beni ourain rugs. They have the knowledge on how to approach a colourful rug so that they don't bleed or fade the colours.

How do you remove pet stains from rugs?

Follow these instructions to deal with pet stains:

  • Mix 1 part distilled vinegar and 1 part water
  • Get the diluted vinegar in a spray bottle
  • Spray the stained area
  • Use a soft brush to work the mix into the fibres
  • Allow it to sit for 15 minutes
  • Blot the excess liquid with a paper towels
  • Allow enough time for the area to dry completely

If this doesn't work, you can add baking soda to the mix. Start by applying paper towels to the stained area and removing as much of the liquid as possible. Sprinkle baking soda and wet the stain with vinegar and water.

Everything you should know about professional cleaning of Beni ourain rugs

If there is one thing these rugs are well known for, it is that they will last for a very long time with proper care. This means being preventative about dust and dirt collection, as well as exercising the right cleaning practices. But to solidify those efforts, you should have your beautiful rug professionally cleaned, even if there are no stains on it currently.

It is important to ask the cleaners if they have knowledge of cleaning a beni ourain rug. The cleaners you get for the job should know what is required to get your beni ourain rug looking like new.

Experts know what tools to use, such as a power washer without applying excess water. Additionally, in the case of a colourful rug, they will test a cleaning solution to ensure it doesn't ruin the colour and the wool fibres.

How to deep clean Moroccan rugs in 4 easy steps

If you want to try deep cleaning without resorting to a professional cleaner, regardless of how big the rug is, you can follow this process.

  • Begin by removing excess dirt on the Moroccan rug by taking it outside and giving it a good shake. After that, lay it flat and use your vacuum on the rug starting from the top and going all the way to the bottom on both sides of the rug. Pull any stubborn dirt around the edges with a hand attachment.
  • Hang the rug over a tall ladder or something else, then use a power washer to spray the rug. Watch as dirty water runs off the fibres. Start from the top and spray all the way down.
  • Work on dark spots with a scrub brush, as well as the backside. Once you loosen the dirt, spray it again. You can also add gentle soap to assist in the cleaning process of the wool fibres.
  • Dry the rug in the warm sunshine. First, ensure the excess water has run off and then place it so that direct sunlight can do its job. Ensure the low pile has dried fully before returning the rug to your dining room.

When the rug is fully dry, you will notice how different it looks. You can follow this procedure every so often when you notice the rug has lost its beautiful look.

How to manage dust and debris on the rug

Little girl with digital tablet on the clean moroccan rug

Vacuum rag rugs regularly to keep dust and dirt from the area. You can also be a little proactive with these steps:

  • Get a doormat to wipe your feet at
  • Don't go with shoes inside
  • Groom your pets outside of the house
  • Close the windows on days with wind
  • Make some house rules for everyone to follow

Keeping dust off is a family effort and everyone needs to follow these rules for it to work. Don't forget about professional cleaning every several months for optimal results.

Frequently asked questions

What to avoid when cleaning Moroccan rugs?

Dry cleaning has the potential to deal some damage to your Moroccan rug. It relies on chemicals that can not only destroy the material and ruin its integrity but also creates a very specific smell that can linger for a long time.

Can I wash my Moroccan rug?

Yes, you can wash a Moroccan rug, but you need to do so with care. Washing is a good way to remove deep stains and dirt particles. You need to follow the right in-home cleaning methods to prevent possible damage. It is best to get professional rug cleaning just to be sure.

Why do Moroccan rugs smell?

Rugs of the Moroccan style often develop the problem of noxious odours. A possible source of these odours is the bleaching chemicals used in the production of the rugs. Other times it could be due to the dying process. The issue is non-existent in Moroccan rugs of high quality.

How do you clean a rug without ruining it?

Mild dishwashing detergent diluted with cold water works well for area rugs. Using dye-free dish soap is great for removing stains without any risk of damage to the carpet fibres.

Feel free to get in touch with our professional carpet cleaners in London for any carpet and rug cleaning you may require.

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