Harsh chemicals and synthetic rug treatments are not good for natural fibers. Scotchguard is terrible for your rug as it can trap stains deep in the fibers, making it difficult or impossible to clean.
Sunlight, vacuuming, and cleanliness prevent moths. Mothproofing leaves behind a residue that can be harmful both to people and pets.
Once you’ve cleaned up a spill, have your rug cleaned as soon as possible, to prevent stains or rotting. If the stain is from an animal, clean it with water and vinegar. If it is not, simply dab dry and clean with a water and detergent mix.
For insurance or sale purposes, you should have your rug appraised by a professional. Your rug will be more valuable if it was made prior to WWII. All hand-made rugs have their own specific value.
In rug terms, dye lot variation within a rug is commonly known as an “abrash.” This is completely normal.
Clean your rug every one to three years. Rugs where there is higher traffic will need to be cleaned every year. If you have pets, have your rug cleaned annually.
Neither. Rugs are actually cleaned in a water bath, where they are flushed with water to remove dirt. Dry cleaning and steam cleaning can damage the fibers and the colors of a rug. Steam cleaning, in particular, can cause shrinkage. Professional cleaners should not use harsh chemicals to clean your rug.