How to clean and care for a rag rug

A rag rug is one of the most practical and characterful floor coverings you can buy but like any textile, it needs a little care to keep it looking its best. The good news is that most rag rugs are among the easiest rugs to clean and maintain. They are reversible with no stiff backing and they are mostly made with washable fabrics. 

What is a rag rug made from? 

Our recycled rag rugs are handwoven from offcuts sourced from the garment industry. Some are made entirely from natural cotton fabric whilst others are woven with a mix of fabrics including polycotton, polyester or nylon.  Be prepared to find threads of different materials in the weave. That's the nature of recycled fabric and part of what makes your rag rug completely unique.

Can you wash a rag rug?

In most cases yes -  and the flat woven, reversible construction makes this much easier than with backed or tufted rugs. A cool machine wash (30°C) or colder is usually safe.  A care label may give instructions but remember that rag rugs might have varying materials so use your own instinct too! 

For larger rag rugs, a bath is ideal - fill it with cool water and a mild detergent, give the rug a good soak and rinse (or shower!) before hanging to dry.

A note on colour transfer

Do look out for colour transfer, which may occur if a wet or damp rug is placed on a lighter surface. To reduce the risk, always use cool water when washing, and dry your rug by hanging rather than laying flat. We often drape ours over a washing line, fence or railing - or spread it out on some decking (brilliant when the sun is out!).

How to remove stains from a rag rug

Rag rugs are incredibly forgiving and with all the colours and patterns it can be hard to spot a spill!  Blot rather than rub to avoid spreading the stain. A mild washing up liquid diluted in warm water works well on most stains. For tougher marks, a gentle stain remover applied before washing usually does the trick.

Avoid harsh bleach-based products as these can fade the vibrant colours that make rag rugs so distinctive.

How to keep a rag rug looking its best

• Rotate your rug every few months to ensure even wear, particularly in high traffic areas like hallways
• Use a rug underlay to prevent slipping and reduce wear on the base of the rug
• Shake regularly to remove dust and debris
• Avoid strong vacuuming as it may loosen or snag the weave. 
• Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the colours

How long do rag rugs last?

With proper care, a good quality rag rug can last many years. The garment offcuts used in production are already durable, tested textiles -  and the flat woven, reversible construction means there's no backing to crack, peel or deteriorate over time. The natural variation in colour and texture is part of their character and often becomes more beautiful with age.

Why choose a recycled rag rug from Second Nature Online?

We have a long relationship with our rag rugs and our weavers!  And we are massive fans of rag rugs ourselves!  What greater endorsement can there be!?  If you need extra encouragement remember that rag rugs are an ancient form of floor covering and the habit of weaving old clothes and textiles into rugs is centuries old.  It's only our modern throwaway society that has forgotten this!

Finally our rag rugs are ethically sourced, GoodWeave certified and handwoven in India by skilled artisans. Made from recycled fabric offcuts from the garment industry, every rug is completely unique. No two are ever exactly alike - and that's exactly why we love them!

Shop our full rag rug collection here.