Short answer: Yes, but it depends on the materials, dyes, and how you care for it.

Long answer? Let’s get into it.

Most Moroccan rugs—whether it’s a plush Beni Ourain, a colorful Azilal, or a geometric Boucherouite—are made with natural wool and dyed using either vegetable-based dyes (traditional) or chemical dyes (modern).

What Causes a Moroccan Rug to Fade?

☀️ Sunlight – Direct exposure to the sun can bleach out those rich, deep colors over time. If your rug sits by a big window, expect some fading.
🚿 Overwashing – Too much water (especially hot water) or harsh cleaners can strip the dye from the fibers.
🧴 Harsh Chemicals – Bleach? Bad idea. Strong detergents? Also bad. Stick to mild, pH-balanced soaps.
👣 Foot Traffic – Over time, dirt and wear can cause some colors to look duller, especially on high-traffic areas like hallways.

How to Prevent Fading?

✔ Rotate the rug every few months so it fades evenly.
✔ Keep it out of direct sunlight (or use curtains to block UV rays).
✔ Vacuum regularly but gently—too much friction wears down colors.
✔ Spot-clean with cold water and mild soap instead of harsh chemicals.

Fading isn’t always a bad thing—some vintage Moroccan rugs have a naturally faded, worn-in look that makes them even more unique. So, if your rug is starting to lose its vibrancy, don’t panic. Think of it as developing character. 😉

How to Fluff Up a Moroccan Rug?

Stepping onto your Moroccan rug should feel like walking on a cloud, not a pancake. If your once-plush rug is looking sad and flat, here’s how to revive it.

Why Do Moroccan Rugs Go Flat?

🔹 Heavy furniture – That sofa leg has been pressing down for way too long.
🔹 Foot traffic – Daily use naturally compresses the wool.
🔹 Moisture & dirt – Trapped dust and humidity can weigh down the fibers.

Fluffing It Up Like a Pro

🌀 Shake It Out – Take the rug outside and give it a good shake. This loosens dust and fluffs up the fibers.

🧹 Vacuum Gently – Use a vacuum on the low setting (no beater bar!) to lift the fibers back up.

💨 Steam It – A gentle steam treatment helps restore volume. No steamer? Hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower—let the steam do its magic.

🖐 Brush It – Use a rug rake (or even a wide-tooth comb) to lift up compressed areas.

🌬 Air It Out – Wool loves fresh air. Hang your rug outside for a few hours to let the fibers breathe.

🐑 Pro Tip: Use Wool Wash – A tiny bit of wool-safe detergent mixed with water can soften the fibers and restore bounce.

If all else fails, give it a good stomp with bare feet—sometimes, old-school methods work best. 😆

The fading of a Moroccan rug can be a sign of wear over time. To understand how long a rug can last with proper care, read more in our guide on rug lifespan and what influences durability.

Is a Rug Ruined If It Gets Wet?

Cue dramatic music. Your beautiful Moroccan rug just got soaked. Now what?

Is it ruined? Not necessarily—but how you dry it makes all the difference.

The Good News:

Moroccan rugs, especially wool ones, are naturally water-resistant to an extent. Wool fibers repel moisture at first, which means you have time to act before it soaks in too deep.

The Bad News:

If left wet for too long, your rug can:
☠ Grow mold & mildew (hello, musty smell)
📏 Shrink or warp (especially with heat)
🌀 Lose its softness if dried the wrong way

What to Do If Your Rug Gets Wet

1️⃣ Act Fast – The longer it stays wet, the worse it gets.
2️⃣ Blot, Don’t Rub – Use clean towels to soak up as much water as possible.
3️⃣ Air Dry Immediately – Lay it flat outside (but in the shade—direct sun can fade colors).
4️⃣ Use Fans – If you can’t dry it outside, use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying.
5️⃣ Avoid Heat – Never use a hairdryer or heater—it can shrink wool and set stains.
6️⃣ Check for Odors – If it starts smelling funky, sprinkle baking soda on top, let it sit, then vacuum.

When to Call a Pro

If your rug got completely soaked (like, flood-level soaked), it’s best to take it to a professional cleaner. Better safe than sorry!

So, is a rug ruined if it gets wet? Not if you act quickly. But if you ignore it? Well… you might have just created a science experiment. 😬