How to vacuum a rug properly
Regular vacuuming is the single best thing you can do for a rug. Done wrong, it can also cause damage. Here is how to get it right.
How often?
| Rug location | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Hallway, kitchen, busy living room | Two or three times a week |
| Living room, dining room | Weekly |
| Bedroom | Weekly or fortnightly |
| Homes with pets | Two or three times a week |
Settings by rug type
- Wool and hand-tufted: suction only or a gentle brush roll, in the direction of the pile. Expect fluff in the first weeks.
- Shaggy: highest height setting, brush roll off, or a hand nozzle.
- Viscose: suction only, gently, along the pile.
- Jute and sisal: suction only; turn and vacuum the back occasionally to remove grit.
- Flatweave: suction only; stand on one end so it does not get sucked up.
- Synthetic machine-made: most settings are fine, including a brush roll.
Method
- Pick up loose items and small toys.
- Vacuum the front slowly in overlapping lines, in the direction of the pile.
- Avoid the fringes: work towards them, then lift the nozzle. A brush roll can wrap and pull fringe threads.
- Every couple of months, flip the rug and vacuum the back to dislodge grit; then vacuum the floor underneath.
- Rotate the rug 180 degrees every few months for even wear.
Robot vacuums
Most robots cope with low pile and flatweave rugs. They can get stuck on shaggy piles and tangled in fringes, so set no-go zones or tuck fringes under.
Frequently asked questions
Should you vacuum a rug with a beater bar?
Not on wool, shaggy, viscose, jute or fringed rugs. Use suction only.
How do I vacuum a rug without sucking up the fringe?
Vacuum towards the fringe and lift the nozzle at the edge, or use a hand nozzle.
Should you vacuum both sides of a rug?
Yes, the back every couple of months, to remove grit that wears the fibres.
How often should you vacuum a rug?
Weekly in most rooms, two or three times a week in busy areas and homes with pets.
Shop the guide
-
Caruso Wool Rug in Brown
from £274.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Silver
from £169.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Sand
from £169.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Sage
from £169.98
-
Fossay Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Izaline Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Green
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98
Related guides
- Why do rugs shed, and how long does it last?
- How to clean a wool rug at home
- Shaggy rugs: how to choose and care for them
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.