Congrats – You’re now the proud owner of a gorgeous handcrafted Moroccan rug. Your new piece was handmade by a skilled craftsperson, and as a result, was made to last for decades.

That being said, you’ll want to know a few special strategies for preserving the details and character of your rug, including its unique dyes, colors, and patterns.

1. Pay Attention to the Pile

Cleaning a low-pile rug – such as an Azilal or Kilim – may be done quickly and easily. However, a high-pile rug – such as a Boujad or Beni Ourain – may require additional time and care (See #6).

2. Your Rug Will Shed

If your rug is new, it will likely shed natural fibers. This is perfectly normal, and over time, your rug will stop shedding.

3. Be Aware of Natural Dyes

Your rug may have been tinted with natural dyes. That being the case, avoid chemical cleaners that may strip your rug of its vibrant color. Instead, use products such as baking soda and vinegar (as explained below).

4. Standard Care

To regularly clean your Moroccan rug, we recommend you take it outdoors and shake it out to remove dirt. You can also vacuum your rug using short strokes across the width (not length) of the rug.

5. Spot Clean

If it’s a recent spill, blot the affected area with paper towels or even a little baking soda to absorb liquid, and then vacuum. If the stain is stubborn, try scrubbing a blend of baking soda and vinegar into the spot as you would a regular household carpet cleaner. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting again.

6. Deep Clean

To deep clean your rug yourself, first remove the dirt by shaking out and/or vacuuming your rug. Then, lay it across a ladder or prop (outdoors) where you can spray wash your rug and allow the water to run downwards. For high-pile rugs, we recommend using a power washer to remove as much dirt as possible. If you like, you can also use a scrub brush to spot clean, or try a gentle soap on your rug (Try it on a small area of your rug first, to make sure it doesn’t remove natural dyes).

Finally, let your rug dry in the sunshine for 12-24 hours. To speed up the drying process, you can roll it up when it’s damp to remove excess water.

7. If All Else Fails...

If your rug is extremely dirty, take it to a professional tribal rug cleaner. They’ll know how to clean your rug without affecting quality and color. 

Questions? Shoot us an email at hello@amasouk.com and we're happy to assist!