Rotation: Frequently rotate your rug to equalize the effect of the sun and normal wear. On bright sunny days, use window shades, shutters, or curtains to help reduce the effects of direct sunlight which can lighten the natural dyes in the fibers.

Hanging: Do not use nails or staples at the top of a heavy rug to hang for long periods of time. Instead use strong poster holders or proper clamps to distribute the weight evenly. The best way to hang a rug is to fasten it to a metal rod with rope and attach the rod to the wall with curtain hooks.

Storing: If you will be storing your rug for a long period of time, it is best to use a sheet or cloth to wrap it. Never use an airtight plastic bag because handmade rugs need to breath or else they can rot or grow mildew in a plastic bag. Rolling your rug and keeping it in a chest with some moth crystals (make sure to renew the crystals every few months) will ensure your rug a long lasting life.

Padding: Good quality padding protects the rug, especially on hard surfaces like tile, stone and hardwood floors, and keeps it from moving or wrinkling. If the rug is going to be used on a hard surface, good quality pads can double the life of your rugs. Pads for rugs placed on wall to wall carpeting are only necessary to keep the rug from moving or bunching up.