Caring for Hook Rugs

Many of us have heard of hook rugs but aren’t very familiar with them. This is a more recent invention that started in the 1800’s. They surfaced mostly in New England and Eastern Canada. They typically belonged to the middle class of that time and were made with the most common fabrics and material available. The underlying base material is burlap or a heavy sturdy fabric.

A design is sketched or stenciled into the burlap material. Hooking tools are then used to hook small strips of wool material into the base. Hook Rugs are either placed on walls or the floor. They can be made into a variety of shapes, designs and colours.

Caring for this type of rugs requires extra time. For weekly care vacuum the rug with low suction. Do not use a brush roll setting as it can create pulls and unravel sections of the rug. Dab stains with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Dry the rug flat in a well vented area to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

A traditional method for hook rug cleaning is to use snow. Bring the rug outside in the winter and add lose snow to the rug. Brush away the snow on the rug. Repeat on the other side. For areas that don’t see winter or if you want the rug cleaned during the rest of the year bring your rug to a professional rug cleaner.

The reputable rug cleaning companies can provide a gentle deep cleaning for your hook rug. Hook rugs tend to be delicate because they are hand-made and can be very old. Professional rug cleaners are able to assess the fabric of your rug. This is especially handy when hook rugs are made from several materials. The rug cleaner will prevent bleeding and warping and extend the life of your rug.