Maintenance & Care

Rug Care Guide

Authentic Moroccan rugs are handwoven from 100% natural, high-grade sheep’s wool. With proper care, your Dar Tizgui piece will not only last a lifetime but will also grow softer and more beautiful over the years. Below is a comprehensive guide to maintaining the integrity, texture, and vibrant colors of your rug.

Routine Maintenance

1. Vacuuming

Vacuum your rug regularly to prevent dirt from settling deep into the fibers. Always use the suction-only setting. Never use a beater bar or motorized brush attachment, as these can pull, fray, or severely damage the hand-spun wool fibers. For high-pile (Beni Ourain) rugs, we recommend using an upholstery attachment and vacuuming side-to-side across the width rather than up and down the length.

2. Shaking & Airing Out

Traditional Moroccan care involves taking the rug outside once a month, shaking it vigorously to remove loose dust, and draping it over a railing to air out for a few hours in indirect sunlight. This refreshes the wool naturally and prevents dust buildup.

3. Rotating

Rotate your rug 180 degrees every 3 to 6 months. This ensures even wear over time and prevents fading in specific areas if the rug is exposed to direct sunlight.

4. Shedding (Important)

Shedding is entirely natural for new, high-quality wool rugs and does not indicate a defect. You may notice loose fibers during the first few months of use. This will subside gradually with regular vacuuming and foot traffic.

Handling Spills & Stains

The Golden Rule: Act quickly and NEVER rub.

  • Blot Immediately: Use a clean, undyed white cloth or paper towel to press down and absorb as much liquid as possible. Rubbing will push the stain deeper into the wool and distort the pile.
  • Dilute (If Necessary): If a stain remains, lightly dab the area with a small amount of cold water. Do not saturate the rug, as natural wool takes a long time to dry and can develop mildew if left soaking wet.
  • Mild Soap Only: For stubborn stains (like wine or coffee), you can use a tiny drop of a mild, pH-neutral wool-safe detergent mixed with water. Apply with a clean cloth, blot gently, and rinse by blotting with plain cold water.
  • Drying: Elevate the damp section of the rug so air can circulate underneath until it is completely dry.

Professional Deep Cleaning

Depending on foot traffic, we recommend having your rug professionally cleaned every 1 to 3 years.

Critical Warning: Never machine wash, steam clean, or dry clean your Moroccan rug. Harsh chemicals will strip the natural lanolin oil from the wool (which acts as a natural stain repellent) and ruin the rug's texture and color. Always take it to a specialized oriental rug cleaner who hand-washes rugs using traditional water-immersion methods.