Berber rugs are hand-woven from wool, which is beautiful and soft, but requires delicate handling. Proper care will extend their life by decades.

They often have a high pile, meaning they are thick and have long strands of fibers. Naturally, you may have some concerns about cleaning your Moroccan rug.

• Can a Moroccan rug be machine washed?
• Will a Moroccan rug pill after cleaning?
• Will the colors of a Berber rug start to fade?

There are many valid questions regarding cleaning a Moroccan rug, and we have some general tips for you to help with the process.

Vacuuming Moroccan rugs

Vacuum your Moroccan rug regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Do this once or twice a week, always along the pile, never across it or at an angle. Use an attachment without a rotating brush, which could pull out threads. Flip the rug over every few months and vacuum the underside to remove debris pressed into the weave.

Beating Moroccan rugs

Every once in a while, beat the rug outside to remove debris, dust, and dirt particles. You can hang it on a clothesline and beat it with a broom to get rid of any impurities.

Washing Moroccan rugs

Do not machine wash Moroccan rugs. Although some Moroccan rugs, such as Kilims or Boucherouites, may survive machine washing in cold water, we never recommend machine washing a rug.

Once a year, you can hand wash a Moroccan rug. Lay it out outdoors or in a bathtub. Moisten it with cold water, apply diluted wool shampoo, and gently rub with a soft brush along the pile. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until the foam disappears completely. Wrap it in towels to absorb excess moisture, then lay it flat to dry. Never hang a wet rug vertically, as it will distort the weave.

Immediate stain removal from Moroccan rugs

Spilled liquids should be wiped up immediately. The sooner you act, the better. Gently scrape off solid stains with the dull side of a knife or a spoon. Absorb liquids with a dry cloth, always pressing down. Do not rub, as the stain will spread. Then wash with cold water and a little mild dish soap or wool shampoo. Blot with a towel and leave in a ventilated area. Make sure the rug is thoroughly and naturally dried, away from the sun.

To clean stains on your Moroccan rug, always use a non-caustic shampoo. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia-based agents, or enzymatic powders. They damage the natural fibers and intense dyes characteristic of Berber rugs. Ensure no shampoo residue is left on the rug after cleaning.

Professional Moroccan rug cleaning services

A Berber rug can be taken to professional rug and pile carpet cleaners. If you use such a carpet cleaning or dry cleaning service, always inform them of the material your rug is made of. Although traditional Moroccan rugs are made of high-quality wool, many modern Moroccan rugs are made of inexpensive synthetic materials. Each material has different cleaning requirements.

Storing Moroccan rugs

If you want to store your rug for a longer period, roll it up along the weave (never fold it) and wrap it in packing paper or cotton fabric (never plastic, which traps moisture). Store it in a dry, dark place.

Preventive care for Moroccan rugs

Use non-slip pads under rugs on hard floors to protect the pile and extend the rug's life. Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight, which causes natural dyes to fade.

Summary

For more tips on cleaning Moroccan rugs, contact our team of rug specialists. We are here with recommendations and advice to ensure the durability of your new Berber rug. Write to: hello@riadloom.com