Clean & Clear

Care and Cleaning of Rug

At Scandic Knots, we believe that your rugs are not just floor coverings, but they are natural and hand-made, which is meant to bring a touch of warmth, texture and character to your house. They will be a beautiful character to you with proper care. This is how to make them look fresh and healthy.

Daily Maintenance: The Foundations

  • Vacuum gently and regularly

Use a vacuum without a rotating or beater brush head, or one that lets you switch that off. High-speed brushes can pull wool, jute or hand-spun fibers loose. Go for suction only.

  • Initial shedding is normal

When a rug arrives, especially a hand-loomed wool rug, you may see loose fibers. That’s simply the natural shedding of new yarns. A gentle vacuum over the first few weeks will remove that fuzz and help the surface settle.

  • Rotate for even wear

Get your rug, live on it, and after a couple of months, turn it upside down (or about 180 degrees) so that one side does not fade or flatten too much due to foot traffic or sun rays.

Material-Specific Treatments

Due to the fact that Scandic Knots carpets are made of high-quality materials, i.e. wool, occasionally combined with cotton or even jute or vegetable dyes, each one of them requires a separate treatment.

Wool

Wool fibers are tough fibers which contain lanolin, making them have a built-in resistance to stains. That said:

  • Blot spills immediately, so don’t rub.
  • Spot clean with mild pH-neutral soap in cold water.
  • Avoid soaking the rug; excessive water will risk “browning” at the base of the fibers.
  • Air-dry flat, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Jute, Hemp or Vegetable-Dyed Natural Fibers

These are beautiful and more absorbent and less tolerant to heavy moisture

  • For dry debris: it should only be vacuumed using suction.
  • For spills: blot the surface fast, then use a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner—very sparingly.
  • Do not steam clean them unless a professional specialist ensures that the material can withstand steam cleaning.

Silk Accents / Fine Fibres

If your rug contains silk or fine yarns:

  • Use vacuum on the minimum setting, or a gentle handheld.
  • For any serious stain, you should arrange professional cleaning—silk demands specialist handling.

Dealing with Spills & Stains

Accidents happen; it is only the speed and accuracy with which you act that counts.

  • Act fast. Use a clean absorbent cloth and blot from the edge of the spill inward so you don’t spread the stain.
  • Use the right solution. For food or drink spills: dilute a pH-neutral solution, apply lightly, blot. For oil-based spills (like butter or lipstick): use table salt or cornstarch to absorb first, then vacuum, then clean lightly.
  • Avoid “home remedies” that damage: vinegar, bleach, wine, and strong acids might look like a quick fix, but they can de-color wool or alter vegetable dyes.
  • Know when to stop and call pros. Ink, strong dye transfers, serious urine damage or moth-holes: once you see these, the home kit stops being enough. Seek a professional rug specialist.

Pest Prevention & Long-Term Protection

Your Scandic Knots rug is built to last, but small steps now can prevent big problems later.

  • Vacuum under and around the rug. Dust, eggs and fibers gather under rugs and can attract moths or carpet beetles. Even the best materials aren't immune if neglected.
  • Avoid mothballs. They might mask the problem temporarily, but they leave residue and often don’t reach the larvae hidden beneath.
  • Use an under-lay. A breathable rug pad keeps fibers supported, slippage down and air circulation up. That helps reduce moisture build-up, which can invite insects or mildew.
  • Keep the room ventilated. Humidity and shade-only lighting create ideal conditions for pests. Natural light and occasional airing help.

When to Call Professional Cleaning

We recommend professional cleaning at least once every 12 to 18 months for rugs under moderate traffic and more frequently for high-use zones like entryways, living rooms or commercial spaces.

Why? Because:

  • Stage 1 is everyday vacuuming and spot-cleaning; stage 2 (professional) tackles deep-seated dust, fibers settled into the backing and invisible soiling you can’t reach with your vacuum.
  • A qualified specialist understands the dyes, fibers and construction of handmade rugs, knowing what routines will preserve (not damage) them.
  • They also handle structural repairs: fringe rewinding, edge binding, and moth-hole patching. It’s preventative care with long-term savings.

    • When you contact a pro: choose someone who uses low-moisture cleaning (or dry cleaning where appropriate), confirms dye-fastness, and provides a post-cleaning inspection.

    Simple Checklist for Rug Longevity

    • Vacuum on low or no beater-bar at least once a week (twice for high-traffic rooms).
    • Rotate rug every 3–6 months.
    • Use an underlay suitable for your flooring surface.
    • Spot-clean spills immediately using pH-neutral soap; avoid strong home remedies.
    • Schedule professional cleaning every 12–18 months (sooner if kids, pets or heavy traffic).
    • Inspect annually for moths/pests—vacuum beneath rug and edges.

    For any serious damage (ink, dye transfer, large stain, burn mark), stop home-repair attempts and call a specialist.

    Why This Matters

    Your rug from Scandic Knots is more than decoration—it’s a textile investment, handmade with care, supporting ethical production and natural materials. Keeping it properly maintained means:

    • You retain the clarity and brightness of the design and dyes.
    • You preserve the plush feel underfoot.
    • You prevent fibers from breaking down prematurely or losing loft.
    • You retain resale value (whether you keep it for decades or eventually move it on).
    • As one rug-care specialist put it: “Regular maintenance is cheaper than replacement.”

    Take care of your rug as you would a good piece of furniture or a favorite coat. Treat it with attention, rotate it, clean it thoughtfully, and your home will reward you with years of comfort, style and durability. If ever in doubt: professional cleaning beats DIY panic fixes. And when you’re ready to rotate into a new look, browse our collection for the next Scandic Knots piece you’ll love.