Caring for a rug that was made to outlive trends
A Monolith and Heart rug is built for decades — that is the entire point of buying one made by hand from natural fibre. Care is not complicated, but it is specific: each fibre has its own character, formed by what it was in its first life. Here is everything you need to know, from our workshop floor to yours.
Wool
Wool is the most forgiving fibre we work with — naturally resilient, naturally stain-resistant, built by evolution to shrug off weather. Blot spills promptly with cool water and, if needed, a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent. Vacuum regularly without a rotating beater bar, which pulls at pile and fringes over time. A new wool rug will shed loose fibres for its first few weeks — this is completely normal, the natural settling of a hand-finished pile, and it resolves with regular gentle vacuuming. A professional clean every 18–24 months keeps it at its best for the long decades ahead.
Cotton
Cotton is softer and more absorbent than wool, so speed matters most. Blot spills immediately. Smaller cotton pieces can often be spot-cleaned with mild soap and cool water; larger pieces deserve a professional. Vacuum regularly with the beater bar off.
Jute, hemp and plant fibres
These fibres carry the most honest, organic texture in our collection — and they are porous, so keep them away from heavy moisture. Blot spills fast and use a fan to speed drying if liquid soaks in. Vacuum regularly, occasionally underneath as well, since open natural weaves let fine dust sift through. A stray fibre or raised loop is normal in a handwoven piece: trim it flush with scissors rather than pulling it.
Leather and hide
Wipe clean with a dry or barely damp cloth and let it dry naturally — never soak leather. Keep it out of prolonged direct sun, which dries and bleaches hide over time, and clear of sharp furniture feet and enthusiastic pet claws.
Reclaimed and recycled fibres
Our reclaimed denim, respun-yarn and PET pieces are hard-wearing by nature, but avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning. Each piece is individually finished, so slight variation in surface and tone is a signature, not a flaw. Deep indigo and rich colours can occasionally transfer onto light surfaces if left wet — dry any spill promptly.
The five habits that add decades
- Rotate your rug every few months so traffic and sunlight wear it evenly — the single most effective thing you can do.
- Use a quality underlay. It stops slipping, cushions the pile against grinding wear, and meaningfully extends the rug's life.
- Manage the sun. Strong direct light is glorious and merciless; natural dyes will slowly soften under prolonged UV. Rotate, or sheer-curtain the harshest hours.
- Blot fast, never rub. The first minute of a spill matters more than any technique.
- Roll, never fold, for storage — folding creases the backing and pile permanently.
When to call in a professional
Deep-set stains, pet accidents, or the full periodic clean every 18–24 months belong with a specialist experienced in handmade natural-fibre rugs. Our own Rug Services can help — cleaning, repair, rebinding and restoration by people who understand exactly how your rug was built, because we built it. For fibre-specific spill first aid, see Stain Resistance.