Moroccan rugs are more than just floor coverings—they’re timeless works of art, crafted by skilled artisans using centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re the proud owner of a handwoven Berber rug or considering your first purchase, this guide will help you understand how to properly care for your rug, learn how it’s made, and recognize whether it’s truly authentic.

  1. How to Clean a Handwoven Rug

Handmade rugs, especially those crafted from wool, are durable but delicate. To maintain their beauty and integrity, proper care is essential.

Routine Maintenance

  • Vacuum lightly once a week without using a beater brush. Always vacuum in the direction of the weave to protect the wool fibers.
  • Shake and air out the rug outdoors every few months to remove dust and refresh the fibers.
  • Rotate regularly to ensure even wear and sun exposure.

Spot Cleaning Tips

  • Blot stains immediately with a clean cloth—never rub.
  • Use a mild soap and water solution (e.g., natural Marseille soap or wool-safe detergent) for small stains.
  • Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry. Allow to air dry completely, flat and away from direct sunlight.

Deep Cleaning

  • Once or twice a year, lightly sponge the rug with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak it.
  • Avoid using chemical cleaners, machine washing, or excessive water pressure.
  • For valuable or large rugs, professional cleaning by specialists in wool rugs is recommended.

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  1. From Loom to Living Room: How a Moroccan Wool Rug Is Made by Hand

Each Moroccan rug carries the spirit of the artisan who wove it. From rural villages in the Atlas Mountains to design-forward homes across the globe, the journey of a Moroccan rug is a testament to tradition, patience, and skill.

Step 1: Raw Wool Preparation

The process begins with shearing sheep, cleaning and drying the wool. It is then hand-carded to align the fibers and make it soft and spinnable.

Step 2: Hand-Spinning the Wool

Local artisans spin the wool by hand, often using traditional drop spindles. This gives the wool its rustic, textured character.

Step 3: Natural Dyeing

The wool is dyed using natural pigments such as saffron, pomegranate skins, indigo, or henna. These earth-derived dyes create soft, organic tones that are both elegant and sustainable.

Step 4: Loom Weaving

Using a vertical loom, the rug is woven entirely by hand—knot by knot. A medium-sized rug may take weeks or even months to complete, depending on the complexity of the design.

Step 5: Trimming & Washing

Once removed from the loom, the rug is trimmed and washed. This final wash helps set the fibers and soften the rug, giving it its final look and feel.

Step 6: Journey to Your Home

Each rug is then ready to be delivered to its new owner, where it becomes a statement piece—a blend of tradition, functionality, and aesthetic beauty

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  1. How to Tell If a Moroccan Rug Is Authentic

With the growing popularity of Moroccan rugs, many mass-produced imitations have flooded the market. Here’s how to ensure you’re buying a genuine Moroccan rug:

  1. Look at the Back

An authentic hand-knotted rug will show irregular knots and weaving patterns on the reverse side. Machine-made rugs often have uniform backing.

  1. Examine the Wool

Genuine Moroccan rugs are made from 100% sheep wool—often hand-spun. The texture will feel slightly coarse but warm. Fake versions may use synthetic blends or cotton.

  1. Assess the Design

Each traditional Berber rug tells a story. The designs are often symbolic and feature tribal motifs, such as diamonds, zigzags, or ancient Amazigh patterns. Handmade designs will be asymmetrical and slightly imperfect—proof of human touch.

  1. Fringes Are Part of the Weave

If the fringes are sewn on, it’s a red flag. In an authentic rug, the fringes are an extension of the warp threads used during weaving.

  1. Smell and Feel

Wool has a distinctive, natural scent. If the rug smells like plastic or chemicals, it’s likely synthetic. The feel should be firm but not rigid.

  1. Ask for the Origin

A trustworthy seller should be able to tell you exactly where the rug was made, what tribe or region it comes from, and whether it’s vintage or newly crafted.

Not sure if the rug you’re buying is the real deal? Read our full guide