I know having your Moroccan rug professionally cleaned can be pricey, and it can also be hard to find a reliable oriental rug cleaner in your neighbourhood to trust with your precious rug. So, I thought I’d share my favorite DIY tips for cleaning your own rug. You’ll ideally need a backyard, laundry soap, and a little bit of willpower!

If you’re in the Montreal area and looking to have your rug cleaned – definitely shoot us an email; we have some trusted recommendations. We’ve also saved many rugs from despair, wine spills, dog massacres, and many more crazy stuff!

The first step is determining if your rug is wool or cotton because it will affect the way you clean your rug. If you’re not sure, please read this blog post that will help you figure it out.

Quick Rug refresh routine for wool rugs

To illustrate this method, we’ve created an Instagram Reel; you can watch it right here. This is a monthly routine to ensure your Moroccan wool rug stays clean as long as possible, this way you can maintain it and won’t have to clean it that often.

1- Shake off your rug outside. Turn it upside down and shake it off! For larger rugs, it’s easier for 2 people to shake it off together.

2- Gently brush your rug: Using a plastic brush or a small BBQ brush (I buy mine at the dollar store, they don’t always carry them but they sell them in a pack of 3 small brushes in the seasonal section, there’s 1 plastic brush and 2 metal brushes. I find the metal brushes work wonders!) brushing your rug will remove stuck debris, and yes, it will remove a bit of wool in the process but don’t worry, this won’t damage your rug.

3- Vacuum it! Clients are often afraid to vacuum their precious Moroccan rug, but trust me, I have a very powerful Dyson vacuum and no, it won’t dammage a real high-quality Moroccan rug. Done! This quick refresh really do wonders!

I often get asked how often I should clean my Moroccan rug, but the thing is it really depends! Pro Tip: Don’t wait for your rug to be grey to wash it! If you have furry animals or wilder animals like my two young boys (Ha! IYKYK) you might need to clean your rug more often. But if you’re 2 well-behaved adults, you’ll probably need to wash your rug only once a year.

Moroccan rug washing, DIY in the backyard:
(Suitable for both wool and cotton rugs) This method is for the lucky folks who have a backyard. You’ll need a plastic tarp, a water hose, laundry soap, and optionally Shout spray if you need to get rid of some stains.

Instructions:

1 – Spray Shout on stains. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

2 – Add some laundry soap; you can pour some directly on the rug or use a spray bottle and dilute with water.

3 – You can use your hand to gently massage the rug with soap and water.

4 – Use your hose and rinse throughout both sides.

5 – Roll it tightly to remove excess water.

6 – Hang to dry in the sun.

7- Extra step for wool rugs only: Once it’s completely dry, gently brush it with a small plastic or metal brush.

DIY with a Water Pressure Machine (for cotton rugs only)

If you have a cotton rug and you really want to give it a deep clean or waited too long to wash it and you feel like the white background is grey or stained, a pressure machine can really work well. Of course, we can’t guarantee the result and it’s riskier because if the pressure is too strong, the colors could be affected. Always use cold water and the lowest pressure your machine has to begin with. Again, you can use Shout spray on stains and laundry soap. Roll and remove excess water. Let it dry in the sun.

Machine wash: (for cotton rugs only)

Machine wash is suitable for cotton rugs only. If you’re having trouble determining if your rug is made out of cotton or wool, visit this blog post for guidance. As a rule of thumb, the biggest size of rug you could wash in the machine would be a 5×7 unless you have access to an industrial washing machine (I’ve found some laundromats have industrial-size machines!)

Tumble Dry: (for cotton rugs only)

Tumble dry is suitable for cotton rugs only. The biggest size of rug you’ll be able to put in your dryer would be a 5×7, and that’s if your machine is large. If not, you can hang to dry in the sun.

Cutting out threads:
If you find the rug has more hanging threads after the wash you can cut these threads without damaging your rug. Just make sure you cut only the hanging threads and not the base of the fabric or it will untie and break the rug.

If you need more info on rug cleaning, visit this link where we share our best tips & tricks to clean your Moroccan rug and make sure it stays gorgeous for a lifetime!

Again, I’m here to help! I’d be happy to assist you with advice on rug cleaning. Just email me, and I’ll do my best to help. – Stephanie

Today, I’d love to address FAQs about Moroccan rugs! Hi, I’m Stephanie, the founder of Baba Souk 🙂 I receive lots of questions about selecting the perfect rug, so I thought I’d share the most common ones.

Q: I’m looking for a rug for the kids’ bedroom but I feel your rugs are expensive.

That’s an easy one! My absolute fave Moroccan rugs for a kids’ bedroom are our cotton rugs, and I have many reasons but here’re my top 4:

1. Their patterns are incredibly versatile, complementing various decors and evolving alongside your kids’ bedroom style over the years. This versatility makes them a worthwhile investment, ensuring they’ll be cherished for many years to come! (Say goodbye to cheap, throw-away rugs that pollute our planet anyway!)

2. They are joyful, colorful, and kids adore their fun texture.

3. They are durable and can be washed in cold water (all our washing tips are here).

4. These cotton handmade colorful rugs are made of fabric scraps from clothing factories! How cool is this? The best way to reduce fast fashion waste!

Q: I’m looking for something cozy for my bedroom

If you’re looking to add coziness, warmth, and some feel-good vibes to any space of your home, I could not recommend enough our handmade Beni Ourain rugs. Made of 100% wool, they are the dreamiest rugs you’ll ever step on. Fluffy, thick, high quality, they feel very luxurious. Head over here to shop our current wool rug selection.

PRO TIP: Head over here for my best quick refresh routine for keeping my Beni Ourain rug clean!

Q: I have a dog and 2 kids but I want a Moroccan rug so badly! Which one should I pick?

Hmm! If you know me, you know I always try to recommend the rug that is right for you. I’m a mother of 2 young boys and I totally understand what it means to have a messy/busy-chaotic home! I’ve personally owned many Moroccan rugs (I’ve been obsessed for years!) Speaking from experience, I can assure you the most resistant and stain-resistant rugs are without a doubt our colorful Moroccan wool rugs. You’ll need to embrace colors and pick with your heart! Let me be honest, you don’t want a white wool rug or a white cotton rug in a high-traffic area like the living room. Keep the white Beni Ourain rug for the master bedroom and the white cotton background rug for the kids’ bedroom where there’s no juice spill and dirty shoes going on 🙂

Our colorful wool rug won’t show stains and can also be handwashed in the backyard. Just use a plastic tarp, laundry soap, and cold water from your hose. Let it dry in the sun and brush it with a plastic brush.

Q: My space is just so beige and blah I need help to pick because I love all your rugs!

Awwww, that’s my fave message to receive! I LOVE to help you pick the perfect rug for your space. I’ve helped hundreds (if not thousands) of clients at this point, and it’s super fun and easy for me to visualize the best rug option for a space. If you need help to pick a rug, just email me a picture of your space and I’ll do my very best to help you find the rug of your dreams.

Q: I want to order a custom Beni Ourain rug but I’m not sure what exact size I need for my space!

If you’ve decided you need a custom rug because you can’t find the size you need online, you’re not alone! We make a lot of custom Moroccan rugs for our clients and I know how tricky it can be to decide on the perfect rug size!

I have 3 tips for you:

1. Take some green painting tape and trace the rug size you think you need on the floor, it will help you visualize.

2. If you need a bolder visual help, use a bed sheet and fold it in the desired size on the floor. This is very helpful if you’re the visual type of person like me!

3. If you have other rugs around the house, it can help you to try them out in this new space to help you figure out the size you need

Make sure to always keep some floor space showing for breathing. Please note that Moroccan rugs are made entirely by hand and therefore the final size can vary 2″ on each side.

Good to know: We do not include fringes in the total size of the rug. Fringes are usually around 3-4″, typically on the end side of the rug but they could be on both sides of the rug if you prefer. (That’s an option when you order a custom Moroccan rug)

If you’re still not sure about the size and would love help to decide, email me a picture of your space with the measurements, and I’ll help you figure it out!

As always, I’m right here for you if you need help to pick the perfect rug! Email me with a picture of your space and I’ll get back to you promptly with my most candid advice! -Stephanie

If you’re a hard-core Moroccan rugs lover or color lover in general, this tip might not apply. However, if you find color matching daunting and would love to learn how to incorporate more color into your space, this is the easiest way to do it: paint all the walls white! Haha, you didn’t think I was going there, right? Hear me out: a blank canvas + accessories is the easiest way to go!

Embrace White Walls: A Canvas for Colorful Accents

Start with white walls + light wood accents. Like light wood hardwood floors + furniture. White space with light wood is the perfect base to create a fun Scandinavian feel decor (My personal faves!) The wood greatly helps to warm the space up. Now let the fun begin!

Wait a second, I can feel all the white perfect paint color questions coming in! Let me bust that myth in 2 seconds: The white shade really doesn’t matter! White is white, don’t fool yourself. I would not recommend buying the cheapest paint though; you will regret it.

Moroccan Wool Rugs: Adding Unique Colors to Your Living Room

Moroccan rugs are such a great way to add a splash of color and texture to your home decor! It brings instant personality, lots of warmth, and fun textures which are important to infuse richness to a decor.

My favorites for the living room would be our Moroccan wool rugs that have a multitude of gradient colors. They are one-of-a-kind and are just gorgeous. They will be the show stopper + conversation starters in your home.

For the kids, I know I’ve said this before but the recycled cotton rugs are so fun! Instant joy, a splash of color, and fun to any room.

Affordable Art: Enhancing Home Decor with Colorful Posters

My second favorite way to add some color to your home, instead of painting your walls, is by adding some posters! Posters are so underrated. They are a very affordable way to add some personality to your home. Also, they feel like less of a commitment than real artwork, and you can switch them up with no regrets when you’re ready for a change. I love a gallery wall, but I know they can feel hard to pull together. I say add some posters here and there around your home. The more colorful, the better! I love looking at posters at my friends’ houses; they bring so much interest.

Our popular La Fleur posters have been made to fit exactly in Ikea frames, making them super easy and affordable to hang on your walls. I also feel like they are big enough, 50 cm x 70 cm, about 20″ x 28″, to add some punch to your wall. My favorite frame is the IKEA Lomviken Frame in gold color and the very simple white Ribba frame. For posters, I’m also a big fan of artist Lay Hoon and her colorful, abundant scenes of women living La Dolce Vita. I’ve also been loving Carla Llanos’ floral illustrations for years now and never get tired of her style.

Of course, if your budget allows for original artworks, they are the ultimate way to bring color, texture, and handmade love to your walls. We are currently selling original artworks by local Canadian artist Julie Naima. The colors are just stunning. Go have a look at our current selection right here.

Switch things up and have fun with your home decor

Personally, I love to switch up my decor and even sometimes switch the accessories seasonally or even switch up the room they’re in for an instant change! Pillows, throws, and baskets are very fun to play around and add touches of color here and there. Handmade Moroccan baskets are very fun to add texture and that handmade feel and well-traveled look we all love. Have a look at our basket collection right here. 

The other perk of having all-white walls is that it gives all the attention to the colorful rugs and accessories. Giving them space to shine a bit like a museum usually has white walls to let the art shine bright.

Go ahead and have fun with your space! I’m a little sad when I see hotel-like beige and cold home decor that looks like they’re not even lived in. Your space should be a reflection of who you are; it should tell stories about your favorite place, colors, and style. It should make you feel inspired and boost your mood.

Again, if ever you need help to pick the perfect rug for your space, I’d be honoured to personally help you find the rug of your dreams. Email me, and if you can send me a picture of your space, it will help me guide you in finding the perfect handmade rug for your space. -Stephanie

Moroccan rugs are my number one choice for bedroom decor. If you know me, you know I LOVE color throughout the home. I always say no to boring and beige; it just feels blah and soulless for me. The only exception would be in a bedroom! I love a calm and peaceful bedroom decor. Of course, I sprinkle some color in the accessories, which are easy to switch up for a seasonal change. Surprisingly, my top choice for an adult bedroom would be the coziest rugs I’ve ever stepped on; you guessed it, the classic Beni Ourain.

Made of 100% wool, these thick Moroccan rugs are an absolute dream for your feet. It feels like walking on a cloud, not even exaggerating! There’s something about their fluffy texture in the bedroom; it makes the entire room appear cozy, soft, and so comfy!

The classic Beni Ourain rugs have black lines creating diamonds. They have been loved by designers for decades, and they are still the go-to designer’s choice. I’m also a fan of the polka dots Beni Ourain rugs, which give them a more feminine edge. The cool thing about Beni Ourain rugs is that they will never go out of style, and they fit with all sorts of different decor styles and furniture colours.

Practical Tips: Do You Need a Rug Pad for Your Beni Ourain Moroccan Rugs?

A question I often receive is, do I need a rug pad under my Beni Ourain rug? And my personal answer is no. Our rugs are so thick and heavy that they really do not require a rug pad.

I know that a white rug might feel risky! And when clients ask me about it, I always give them a 100% honest response: A white rug is a white rug; it’s perfect for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms! A grown-up living room would also be appropriate. But if you have 2 young boys like I do, or furry friends (it will be their fave lounge spot, don’t fool yourself), a colorful rug would be easier to maintain.

I have a mostly white rug in my bedroom, and although my kids go in my bedroom sometimes, it’s not a high-traffic area, so it works well. I would never trade that fluffy coziness; Beni Ourain rugs are super dreamy! My secret weapon to keep it fresh is a dollar store BBQ handbrush! I will link to the video showing the brush right here. It’s a brush with metal hair, and it’s fantastic to remove small fibers and debris that can get stuck in the wool.

My quick wool rug refresh that will keep your rug looking like new:
Step 1: Shake off your rug outside.
Step 2: Brush your rug with a small BBQ metal brush. Yes, some wool will stay in the brush, but that’s fine; don’t worry, it will not damage your rug.
Step 3: Vacuum your rug.

For a complete Moroccan rug cleaning guide, head right here.

Recreate the Cozy Vibe: Essential Elements for Your Bedroom Decor

I love the cozy vibe of my bedroom. Here are a few links to recreate the look:
– An authentic 5×7 Beni Ourain Moroccan rug from Baba Souk.
– Our popular La Fleur Poster in green.
– This rattan headboard from SouthShore furniture. Get -10% OFF with coupon code: “BABA10!”
– I absolutely adore my pink nightstand because I can hide a lot of stuff inside like all the current books I’m reading, my creams, and there’s also a while at the back so you can pass your phone cord and hide your phone inside for the night. I 100% recommend it! (Get -10% OFF with coupon code: “BABA10!“)
– I try not to shop on Amazon, but this washed yellow cotton duvet cover is amazing and simple colour duvet covers are hard to find! The quality is surprisingly amazing. The color I picked is Light yellow Ocher, but they have all sorts of lovely colors. The link is right here!

Need a specific rug size?

If you’re looking for a specific Beni Ourain rug size, please email us with the size you need, and we’ll get back to you with the price and lead time. We make a lot of custom rugs for our clients as we work directly with a team of artisans in Morocco to make your rug by hand with the highest wool quality on the market.

As always, if you have any questions, please email me right here, and I’ll personally get back to you. I love to assist clients and help them find or create the rug of their dreams!
– Stephanie

1- Why are Moroccan rugs so expensive?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why are Moroccan rugs so expensive?” let me give you an honest rundown: They are entirely handcrafted by artisans in Morocco. It takes about 75 hours (equivalent to 2 full-time work weeks) for one artisan to complete a single medium-sized rug. It’s a lot of knots and physical labor. If we want to pay the artisan fairly, we have no choice but to sell the rugs at a premium price. And that doesn’t take into account transportation charges, taking pictures of the rugs, marketing the rugs, and shipping a rug to a client. It involves a lot of work.

2 – Moroccan rugs are Made to Last

If you’re anything like me, you’re sick and tired of fast fashion and throwaway culture. Moroccan rugs are high quality and made to last a lifetime. Yes, I know Ikea rugs are cheaper, but how long will it take before they fall apart? In my opinion, cheap stuff highly contributes to polluting our planet. I know this example might seem a little extreme, but have you ever purchased a toy for your kid at the dollar store? They last two days and then they’re good for the trash. I see Moroccan rugs as investment pieces you’ll cherish for years and years to come.

Moroccan rugs are robust. I personally own at least eight rugs, and I’ve had them for years. I know clients who have Moroccan rugs that belonged to their parents and were passed down as family heirlooms. Isn’t that amazing? The key factor to keep your rug looking like new is caring for it. I have listed all my best tips in this article. If you wash it regularly as soon as it needs it, it will look nice for years and years. Moroccan rugs can also be professionally cleaned and repaired by our skilled artisans if needed. Get in touch if you’re looking for a professional rug cleaner or need a repair in the Montreal area.

3 – They are sustainable Rugs – Handmade with Fast Fashion Scraps

I know I’ve mentioned this a couple of times already, but it just blows my mind. Our cotton rugs are made of fabric leftover from Casablanca clothing factories. Little pieces of cotton that would otherwise end up at the dump and pollute the planet. I’m so proud and amazed to see what we can create with some fast fashion leftovers! For this reason, cotton rigs are my ultimate faves. They’re also so fun in kid’s decor! Have a look at our current cotton rig selection right here.

Wallper by Meraki, bunk bed from South Shore Furniture

4 – Are Moroccan Rugs Cheaper in Morocco?

Not really! I’ve been to the Marrakech souk at least 40 times! We no longer buy rugs in the souk as we’ve established relationships with artisans and now order directly from them, avoiding the middleman as much as possible. It’s for sure an adventure to head into the souk, source for hours for a rug you like and then try to negotiate with the vendor who will start the price sky high only to have you negotiate until you can’t say no anymore. You might be able to get a better deal – who knows! Moroccan vendors are agile salesmen who can sense the degree of love you have for a rug…and if you really want it, then it’s going to be very hard to lower the price (Pro tip: Try not to show your emotions!) It’s for sure a very fun and exotic experience, but it’s definitely not easy. Don’t even get me going about bringing it back to the airport 😉 For all my best recommendations for traveling to Marrakech, click here.

5 – They are Just Like a Piece of Art

Most Moroccan rugs are one-of-a-kind handmade creations; they are truly a piece of art you can walk on! As with a painting, the price can be a little subjective; it’s a piece of art you pick with your heart. I always recommend picking a Moroccan rug not as a commodity but as a piece of art you’ll cherish forever. If you need more advice on how to pick your dream rug, head on to this article where I share my best tips on picking the right rug for you.

As always, I love hearing from our customers! Email me right here, and I’ll make sure to personally reply to any questions you may have about our rugs, and I’ll be very happy to guide you so you make the right choice for you!

-Stephanie