Rug fringe care

What the fringe is

On a hand-knotted rug, the fringe is the ends of the warp threads, the long threads that run the length of the rug and hold every knot. It is not an add-on. Cutting it off weakens the ends.

On many machine-made and hand-tufted rugs, the fringe is a separate strip sewn onto the ends. Looking at the back is the quickest way to tell. Our guide to handmade rugs explains what to look for.

Vacuuming around fringe

Fringe tangles in a spinning brush roll. Turn the brush off or use a suction-only setting near the ends, and vacuum away from the fringe rather than across it.

If the vacuum catches a strand, switch it off before you pull the fringe free.

Cleaning fringe at home

Fringe is usually white or natural cotton, so it shows dirt first. Comb it straight with a wide-tooth comb, then spot clean it with a little mild soap and cool water on a cloth, and blot it dry.

Do not soak the fringe or the rug ends. Cotton that stays wet for a long time can turn brown, and water can carry dye from the rug into the white fringe.

Avoid bleach. It weakens cotton and can strip color from the rug where it meets the fringe.

Why fringe yellows or browns

Dirt, slow drying after a spill or a wash, and old pet accidents are the usual causes. A professional rug wash often brightens fringe safely, because the cleaner can wash it and dry it quickly.

When fringe needs repair

Fringe wears away with traffic and vacuuming. Once it wears down to the knots, rows of knots can start to come loose, and the rug gets shorter over time.

A rug restorer can secure the ends with a binding stitch, or rebuild the fringe with new warp threads. Catching wear early keeps the repair small.

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