How to Clean and Care for nuLOOM Rugs

Vacuum regularly, especially in high-traffic rooms

nuLOOM rugs are mostly machine-made from synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and polyester, which makes them durable and easy to maintain. The most important habit is a regular vacuuming schedule. The EPA recommends vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture every week to reduce dust and allergens, and more frequent vacuuming in rooms that get heavy use.

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter if anyone in your home has allergies or asthma. The EPA notes that a HEPA filter on carpet and fabric-covered furniture helps reduce dust build-up, and suggests that people with asthma or allergies leave the area being vacuumed. For loop-pile and low-pile rugs, turn off the beater bar or use a suction-only setting to avoid pulling loops. See vacuuming techniques for more detail.

New rugs may release loose fibers for the first few weeks, which is normal. Synthetic fibers shed less than wool, but a quick weekly vacuum handles most of it. If shedding continues, see our guide to rug shedding.

Spot clean spills as soon as they happen

The next step is spotting spills quickly. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Blot the spill with a clean cloth, working from the outside in, and avoid rubbing because friction pushes the stain deeper into the pile.

Most nuLOOM rugs respond well to a mild detergent mixed with water. The EPA advises following label instructions carefully when using household cleaning products and increasing ventilation when using products that release VOCs. Open a window or run a fan while you clean. For a fuller explanation, see our guide to choosing a rug cleaning solution.

Some nuLOOM rugs have stain-resistant treatments, which give you more time to clean up. Even so, the same blotting method applies. For more on what makes a rug stain resistant, see rug stain resistance, and for foam-based spot cleaning, see spot cleaning with foam.

Wash only when the care label allows it

Many nuLOOM rugs, especially in the washable collections, can go in the washing machine. But not every rug can, so the label is the final word. Look for the care code and fiber content printed on the label. If the code says machine wash, use cold water and a gentle cycle, then dry flat. For a rundown of what care codes mean, see rug cleaning codes.

If your nuLOOM rug does not have a washable construction, or if it is too large for your machine, do not force it. Oversized rugs are better served by professional cleaning. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends periodic professional cleaning to maintain peak performance and beauty. For a schedule, see how often to deep clean.

For rugs you plan to wash at home, start with our picks in the best washable area rugs guide.

Read the label for fiber content and care codes

The label on any nuLOOM rug tells you a lot. Under the Textile and Wool Acts, the FTC requires most textile products to carry a label with the fiber content, the country of origin, and the identity of the manufacturer or the business responsible for marketing the item. The FTC also requires care labels on clothing, and rug makers follow similar conventions on their tags.

Read the fiber content before you buy. Polypropylene and polyester rugs are easy to clean and resist moisture, while cotton rugs may shrink if washed incorrectly. A rug with a blend needs care that matches the most sensitive fiber. For help decoding labels, see how to read a rug label.

Handle stains and smells without damaging the rug

Inevitably, something will spill or leave a mark. For coffee, wine, or pet accidents, act fast and use the right cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners work well on organic stains like urine or blood, and they also help remove odors. The EPA warns that some cleaning products emit VOCs, so always ventilate the room and follow the product's directions.

For odors, a simple home method is to sprinkle baking soda over the rug, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum thoroughly. This neutralizes many smells. If the odor comes from a pet accident, an enzyme cleaner is more effective because it breaks down the proteins. Our guide to deodorizing rugs with baking soda walks you through the process.

Never use bleach or strong solvents on a nuLOOM rug unless the label explicitly allows it. These chemicals can discolor the fibers and may damage the backing. When in doubt, test any cleaner on a hidden corner first.

Preventive care and professional cleaning

Preventive care keeps a nuLOOM rug looking new longer. Rotate the rug every few months so it wears evenly, especially if a sofa, bed, or table sits on one side. Use a rug pad underneath to reduce friction and keep the rug flat. See rotating rugs for even wear.

Professional cleaning is worth scheduling for large rugs or rugs in heavy-use rooms. The Carpet and Rug Institute certifies cleaning products, equipment, and service providers through its Seal of Approval program and recommends periodic professional cleaning. If your rug is very large or has set-in stains, hire a professional cleaner.

For everyday upkeep, the table below summarizes the main tasks.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How often should I vacuum a nuLOOM rug?

At least once a week, and more often in high-traffic rooms. The EPA recommends vacuuming carpets and fabric-covered furniture weekly and using a HEPA filter vacuum if you have allergies. For loop-pile rugs, avoid the beater bar.

Can I machine wash a nuLOOM rug?

Many nuLOOM rugs in the washable collections can be machine washed, but check the care code on the label first. If the code says machine wash, use cold water and a gentle cycle, then dry flat. Non-washable rugs should be spot cleaned or professionally cleaned.

What should I use to spot clean a nuLOOM rug?

Blot the spill immediately with a clean cloth, working from the outside in. Use a mild detergent mixed with water, and increase ventilation while cleaning. Avoid rubbing, which pushes the stain deeper.

Do nuLOOM rugs shed?

Synthetic rugs like polypropylene shed less than wool, but new rugs can release loose fibers for the first few weeks. Regular vacuuming removes them. If shedding continues beyond that, see our guide to rug shedding.

When should I hire a professional rug cleaner?

The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends periodic professional cleaning to maintain peak performance. Schedule it for large rugs, rugs in heavy-use rooms, or rugs with set-in stains that home cleaning cannot fix.

How do I remove odors from a nuLOOM rug?

Ventilate the room and sprinkle baking soda over the rug, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum. For pet accidents, use an enzyme cleaner designed for that purpose. See our guide to deodorizing rugs with baking soda for details.