Rug underlays, placement and sunlight: protecting a handmade rug at home

Why underlay matters

An underlay stops slipping, cushions the knots against grit and lets air move under the rug. A thin felt or felt-and-rubber pad suits most knotted rugs. Kilims are thin and need a non-slip layer. Avoid cheap PVC grids, which can stick to floors and stain them.

Light and fading

Direct sun fades dyes unevenly, and faded areas cannot be restored. Use curtains or UV-filtering film on windows, and rotate rugs every six to twelve months.

Furniture and traffic

• Use cups or pads under furniture legs
• Move heavy furniture occasionally so the pile can recover
• Keep the fringe out of doorways and away from vacuum brushes
• Place runners so the heaviest wear falls evenly

Heating and damp

Underfloor heating dries wool, so a breathable underlay helps. Damp floors, plant pots and pet accidents cause rot and colour runs. Never put a rug back on a floor that is still wet.

A simple routine

Vacuum weekly without the beater bar, and from time to time vacuum the back. Turn the rug every few months and look under furniture for moths. Have it professionally washed every few years, depending on use.

A note on this guide

This is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. It is not a valuation, authentication or conservation treatment. For valuable or fragile pieces, consult a qualified conservator or appraiser.