How to clean tufted area rugs

Machine-tufted area rugs are fairly easy to identify since most of these rugs aren’t styled with fringe. If they do have fringe, it will be attached to the back. These rugs also have a cotton or linen canvas glued to the back of the rug. Lastly, a big identifier for tufted rugs is the pattern on the front will not be visible on the back of the rug like it is with oriental rugs.

While making tufted rugs is faster than true oriental rugs, these rugs can still be very valuable and require special maintenance and care. They are frequently made from natural fibers and contain glues and adhesives that secure different areas of the rug together. While a professional clean is always the safest, you can also help clean and maintain your tufted rug with these tips:

Check the Manufacturer's Instructions - As you do for machine-made rugs, check the rug label to see what the manufacturer recommends for cleaning your tufted rug.
Air Dry - If you spot treat, make sure to air dry the rug. This will prevent any moisture from being left behind and stop mold or mildew from forming.
Do Not Pull Yarn Tufts - If yarn tufts become loose or “sprout” on the rug, do not pull on them as a way to remove them. You should cut yarn tufts when absolutely necessary and be extremely diligent not to cut beyond the loose tufts.
Rotate Every 1-2 Months - Rotating your tufted rug will help with balancing wear and tear as it does for oriental and machine-woven rugs.
Test Cleaning Products Before Full Use - Some tufted rugs will require dry-cleaning or the use of commercial cleaning products. For best practice, always test a small area of the rug before using products all over.