Aubusson Rug Cleaning: How to Clean and Care for Your Rug Properly

Last Updated: May 2026

Aubusson rugs occupy a unique place in the world of handmade textiles. Originally woven in the royal workshops of Aubusson, France, and later reproduced by skilled weavers across the world, these flatwoven or lightly piled rugs are distinguished by their elaborate floral and architectural designs, their soft muted palette, and their tapestry-like construction. They are beautiful, delicate, and entirely unforgiving of bad cleaning methods.

This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your Aubusson rug clean, protected, and in excellent condition for decades.

What Makes Aubusson Rugs Different

Before cleaning any rug, it helps to understand what it is made of. Aubusson rugs are typically woven from wool, silk, or a wool and silk blend using a flatweave or very low pile tapestry technique. Unlike hand-knotted pile rugs which have a dense, resilient pile that tolerates moderate cleaning, Aubusson rugs are more delicate. The fibers are more exposed, the construction less forgiving, and the intricate woven designs more vulnerable to damage from aggressive cleaning methods or harsh chemicals.

This is why so much standard carpet cleaning advice does not apply here. Steam cleaning, oxygen bleach, strong commercial shampoos, and scrubbing are all harmful to Aubusson rugs and should be avoided completely.

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuuming is your most important maintenance tool and the one thing you should do consistently. Dirt and fine grit that settle into the fibers act like sandpaper, slowly cutting through wool and silk threads from the inside. Regular vacuuming removes this debris before it causes structural damage.

Vacuum your Aubusson rug once or twice a week using suction only, with no beater bar or rotating brush attachment. The beater bar is designed for wall to wall carpet and is far too aggressive for the delicate woven structure of an Aubusson. Vacuum gently in the direction of the pile on a low suction setting. Keep the vacuum away from the fringes entirely to prevent tangling and fraying.

For a periodic deeper clean without washing, take the rug outside and gently beat it with a rug beater to dislodge embedded dust, then vacuum thoroughly.

Dealing with Spills

Speed is everything with spills on an Aubusson rug. The moment liquid hits the surface, act immediately.

Blot the spill with a clean dry white cloth, pressing firmly and working from the outer edge of the spill inward toward the center. Never rub, as rubbing spreads the stain laterally and pushes it deeper into the woven structure where it becomes far harder to remove. Keep blotting with fresh sections of cloth until no more liquid transfers.

For liquid spills, flush the area gently with plain cold water using a clean damp cloth, then blot dry. Club soda is also effective for fresh spills as the carbonation helps lift the stain from the fibers before it sets.

For greasy or food stains, apply a tiny amount of mild dish soap diluted heavily in cold water to a clean cloth and blot gently. Never apply soap directly to the rug. Rinse by blotting with a cold water dampened cloth, then blot thoroughly dry. Always test any cleaning solution on a small hidden corner of the rug first.

What Never to Use on an Aubusson Rug

This is as important as knowing what to do. The following should never come near an Aubusson rug:

Steam cleaners strip the natural oils from wool and silk fibers and the heat can cause dyes to bleed and fibers to shrink or felt. Despite what you may read elsewhere, steam cleaning is not appropriate for Aubusson rugs.

Bleach of any kind, including oxygen bleach, will permanently damage both the fibers and the dyes. Even diluted, bleach is too harsh for natural wool and silk.

White vinegar and ammonia are acids and alkalis respectively. While occasionally suggested as home remedies, both can permanently alter the dye chemistry of natural fibers, causing irreversible color change.

Commercial carpet shampoos and household cleaning sprays are formulated for synthetic wall to wall carpet, not delicate natural fiber tapestry. The chemicals can permanently damage colors and weaken fibers over time.

Sunlight and Placement

Aubusson rugs are typically dyed in soft, muted tones. These colors are beautiful but vulnerable to UV fading. Direct sunlight will bleach the colors unevenly over time, creating light patches that cannot be reversed.

Keep your Aubusson away from windows with strong direct sunlight, particularly south and west facing exposures. If the rug cannot be moved, use UV filtering curtains or window film to reduce exposure. Rotate the rug 180 degrees every six months to ensure any gradual fading occurs evenly across the surface.

Silk Aubusson rugs in particular should never be placed in high traffic areas. Silk fibers, while beautiful, are more delicate than wool and compress and wear more quickly under heavy foot traffic.

Using a Rug Pad

Always use a quality rug pad underneath an Aubusson rug. A breathable felt or felt-and-rubber pad serves several purposes at once. It prevents slipping on hard floors. It lifts the rug slightly off the floor, allowing air to circulate underneath and preventing moisture from being trapped against the backing where it could cause mildew. It also cushions the woven structure from the abrasive friction of foot traffic against hard flooring.

Choose a pad cut slightly smaller than the rug so it remains invisible at the edges. Avoid cheap PVC or plastic pads which can stick to hardwood floors and trap moisture.

Rotation

Even with careful placement, certain areas of any rug receive more foot traffic than others. Rotate your Aubusson rug 180 degrees every six to twelve months to distribute wear evenly and prevent any one area from deteriorating faster than the rest.

Professional Cleaning

For deep cleaning beyond what regular vacuuming and spot treatment can achieve, always use a professional rug cleaner who specializes in handmade and tapestry woven rugs. This is not a job for a general carpet cleaning service.

Specialists in handmade rugs use cold water immersion, hand washing with mild soap, and careful air drying methods that clean thoroughly without stressing the delicate woven structure. Expect professional cleaning every two to three years under normal conditions, or every one to two years in high traffic areas or homes with pets and children.

Never hang a freshly washed Aubusson rug while it is wet. The weight of the water in the saturated fibers will strain the woven structure and potentially distort the shape permanently. Lay it flat on a clean surface and allow it to air dry completely before returning it to the floor.

Storing an Aubusson Rug

If you need to store your Aubusson rug, roll it rather than fold it. Folding creates permanent creases in the woven structure that are extremely difficult to remove. Roll the rug pile side inward, wrap in breathable cotton or acid free tissue paper, and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Never store in plastic, which traps moisture and creates conditions for mold and mildew. Check periodically and air the rug out if any musty smell develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I steam clean an Aubusson rug? No. Steam cleaning is not suitable for Aubusson rugs. The heat and moisture can cause dyes to bleed, fibers to shrink, and the delicate woven structure to distort. Always use cold water methods and consult a specialist in handmade rugs for deep cleaning.

How often should I vacuum my Aubusson rug? Once or twice a week on low suction with no beater bar or rotating brush. Vacuum gently in the direction of the pile and keep the vacuum away from the fringes.

What do I do if something spills on my Aubusson rug? Act immediately. Blot with a clean dry white cloth from the outside edge of the spill inward. Never rub. Flush gently with cold water or club soda, blot dry, and allow to air dry completely. For stubborn stains consult a professional.

How often does an Aubusson rug need professional cleaning? Every two to three years under normal conditions. More frequently in high traffic areas or homes with pets and children. Always use a specialist in handmade or tapestry woven rugs, not a general carpet cleaning service.

Can I use vinegar or baking soda to clean my Aubusson rug? Vinegar is an acid that can permanently alter the dye chemistry of natural wool and silk fibers and should be avoided. Baking soda is less harmful but unnecessary for routine care. Stick to cold water, mild soap where needed, and professional cleaning for deeper work.

How do I protect my Aubusson rug from fading? Keep it away from direct sunlight or use UV filtering curtains or window film. Rotate the rug every six months so any gradual fading occurs evenly across the surface.

For guidance on caring for other handmade rug types, our complete guide to how to care for a handmade rug covers wool, silk, and kilim rugs in detail. If you are considering an Aubusson-style piece or exploring flatweave alternatives, our kilim rugs collection carries genuine hand-woven flat-weave pieces from Afghanistan and Turkey. For hand-knotted pile rugs that are more forgiving of everyday use, explore our Afghan rugs, Pakistani rugs, and Oriental rugs collections. All orders ship worldwide free of charge.