(For woolen rugs) The beauty and life of handmade rugs depend largely on cleanliness and care. Handmade rugs should be washed regularly every three to five years depending on the use and the amount of traffic they bear. The best method is to get them cleaned when they look soiled. WARNING Never clean handmade rugs chemically or by steam. They remove the natural oils and cause the material to become brittle and wear more rapidly. Do not wash handmade rugs in a machine. Do not wring out or squeeze a handmade rug. Do not, unless absolutely necessary, submerge a handmade rug in water. Surface cleaning is usually all that is required. The best way to clean the whole rug is for it to be washed using cold water and a mild detergent. This should be done by a competent cleaning expert and should not be tried at home.