Care and Cleaning: As a general rule, the safest recommendation we offer regarding cleaning any type of rug is to have it done professionally using the steam extraction method. The frequency of cleaning will vary according to the traffic a rug receives. Just like clothing, rug should not be cleaned either too often or too seldom. Caked on dirt is difficult to remove. Note that latex backed rugs (this includes almost all hand hooked rugs) must not be cleaned using petroleum based solvents. The solvents destroy the latex glue on the back of the rugs. The rug will lose its body and the pile will become loose when solvents are used for cleaning. Reversible rugs should be turned over then around, like rotating a mattress. Once both sides are dirty, have both sides cleaned. Many customers claim that Scotch-guarding or applying a Teflon stain resistant product has helped their rugs stay cleaner, but be sure to apply it before the rug is used.