Short answer: vacuum a tufted rug once or twice a week on a low setting with the beater bar off, blot spills straight away, spot-clean with mild soap and cold water, and always air dry it flat. Never machine wash, tumble dry or soak a tufted rug – water and heat weaken the glued backing that holds the yarn in place.

Weekly care

• Vacuum on low suction. Turn off the rotating brush (beater bar) or use a hand attachment so it doesn't pull at the yarn.
• Go with the pile. Run the vacuum in the direction the yarn naturally lies to keep the surface even.
• Shake or flip small rugs. Bedside and bathroom-size rugs can be taken outside and gently shaken.

How to remove a spill

1. Blot immediately with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Press – don't rub, which pushes the stain deeper and frays the yarn.
2. Mix a mild cleaner: a few drops of gentle dish soap in a cup of cold water.
3. Dab the stain with a cloth dampened in the mix, working from the outside in.
4. Rinse by dabbing with a cloth dampened in clean cold water.
5. Dry flat. Press with a dry towel, then let the rug air dry flat, away from direct heat.

What to avoid

• Machine washing, tumble drying or soaking the rug.
• Hot water, bleach and harsh carpet chemicals, which can fade colours.
• Steam cleaners on the backing.
• Pulling loose strands – trim them level with scissors instead.

Is shedding normal?

Yes. New tufted rugs often release loose fibres for the first few weeks. Regular gentle vacuuming clears it, and shedding slows down as the pile settles.

Keep it flat and in place

Rugzi tufted rugs have an anti-slip cotton backing that grips wood, tile and low-pile carpet. If a rug arrives with fold lines from shipping, lay it flat for a day or two and they will relax.

What about printed photo rugs?

Printed photo rugs are different: Rugzi's custom photo rugs are machine washable on a gentle cold cycle. Not sure which type you have? See Tufted rug vs printed photo rug.