Care Guide

A well-made natural-fiber rug will last for decades with simple, regular care. Here is how to look after your Bond Street rug.

Everyday care

  • Vacuum regularly with suction only, or with the beater bar turned off. A rotating brush can pull and fray natural fibers, especially loop pile and silk.
  • Vacuum in the direction of the pile. Run your hand across the rug: the smooth direction is the direction of the pile.
  • Rotate the rug every six months so it wears and fades evenly.
  • Use a good rug pad. It keeps the rug in place, reduces wear and adds comfort underfoot.
  • Protect from strong sun. All natural dyes soften with prolonged direct sunlight. Silk is especially sensitive.

Spills and stains

  1. Act quickly. Blot, never rub, with a clean white cloth, working from the outside of the spill inward.
  2. For liquids, blot with cool water, then blot dry. Avoid hot water, household detergents and carpet stain removers, which can set stains or strip color.
  3. Lift solids with a spoon or dull knife before blotting.
  4. For anything more than a small spill, call a professional rug cleaner.

Professional cleaning

We recommend professional cleaning every one to three years, depending on traffic. Choose a cleaner who specializes in handmade rugs and hand-washes them. Silk, cashmere and alpaca should always be cleaned by a specialist. Never steam clean or machine wash a Bond Street rug.

Care by fiber

  • Merino wool: the most forgiving of our fibers. Naturally resilient and stain-resistant.
  • Alpaca: vacuum gently. Alpaca pile is long and soft, so avoid a beater bar entirely.
  • Cashmere: best in bedrooms and low-traffic rooms. Vacuum gently and blot spills immediately.
  • Silk: keep out of direct sun and away from water where possible. Silk pile can look darker or lighter depending on the direction you view it; this is natural.
  • Linen: blot spills quickly, as linen absorbs liquid readily.

What's normal

  • Shedding: new wool, alpaca and cashmere pile rugs shed loose fibers for the first few months. Regular vacuuming reduces it over time.
  • Sprouting: a single fiber may rise above the pile. Trim it level with scissors. Never pull it.
  • Shading: pile that is brushed in different directions will look lighter or darker. It is not a stain.
  • Abrash: subtle tonal variation is a mark of hand-dyed, handmade rugs.
  • Loop pile and pets: claws can catch loops. If a loop pulls, trim it rather than pulling.

Flatweaves

Flatweaves have no pile to crush, which makes them easy to live with. Vacuum both sides occasionally, and turn the rug over periodically if it is reversible to even out wear.

Questions about caring for your rug? Email hello@bondstreetrugs.com.