How should I clean and care for an oriental rug?

Regular gentle care goes a long way. Vacuum on a regular basis without a beater bar, or with it raised, and avoid vacuuming the fringe, which can catch and tear. Rotate the rug periodically so wear and sun fading stay even, and use a good rug pad to reduce slipping and wear.

Treat spills promptly by blotting, not rubbing, with clean, white cloths. Avoid harsh household cleaners, which can damage wool and silk and cause colors to run. For anything beyond a small spill, such as pet accidents or a deep stain, call a professional.

For deep cleaning, choose a cleaner that specializes in hand-made rugs and hand washes them, rather than a general carpet cleaning service. Ask how they test dyes before washing. If you store a rug, clean it first, roll it with the pile inward, wrap it in breathable material, and keep it somewhere dry and protected from moths.