The Truth About White Knots in Rugs

Lovejoy Carpet Care Uncovers the Beauty Behind the Blemish

You bought a beautiful rug—woven by hand, rich in color, full of character. But then one day, you notice tiny white specks appearing on the surface. Are they stains? Damage? Mistakes?

At Lovejoy Carpet Care, we believe every rug tells a story—and we’re here to help you understand all the chapters, including the often misunderstood phenomenon of white knots.

White Knots?

White knots—sometimes called foundation knots—are part of the rug’s hidden structure. When a rug is handwoven, it’s built on a grid of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads. These threads, often made of white cotton or wool, form the skeleton of the rug.

During the weaving process, these threads can occasionally break. When that happens, the weaver ties them back together by hand to maintain the rug’s strength and structure. Those tiny knots can stay hidden for years—but after a professional cleaning, they may rise to the surface visually.

Why Do White Knots Show Up After Cleaning?

After one of Lovejoy’s deep rug spa treatments, your rug’s fibers are refreshed, colors pop, and embedded dirt is removed. But here’s the thing—dirt and grime can act like camouflage for foundation knots. Once it’s gone, those knots may become more visible.

This isn’t damage—it’s clarity. It’s like discovering the fingerprint of the artisan who made your rug. In fact, the visibility of white knots is a testament to your rug’s authenticity and craftsmanship.

What Can Lovejoy Do About White Knots?

Blend Them In: We use custom dyeing techniques to tone down noticeable white knots so they blend in with the surrounding colors.
Leave Them Proudly: Many collectors see white knots as a badge of authenticity. Choosing to leave them honors your rug’s story.
Prevent Excess Wear: Routine maintenance helps preserve your rug’s integrity and keeps white knots from becoming more prominent.

We’ll walk you through the options and help you make the right choice for your rug and your space.

Don’t Be Alarmed by Rug Sprouting

Another common trait in hand-knotted rugs—especially those made with hand-spun wool—is sprouting, where individual fibers pop up above the surface.

It’s not a defect, and it’s nothing to worry about. In most cases, sprouting fibers can be carefully trimmed to restore a smooth, even appearance. If your rug is sprouting, we’ll take care of it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can white knots be permanently removed from my rug?

White knots are part of your rug’s structure and can’t be removed without damage. However, we can reduce their visibility using specialty dyeing techniques.

Will white knots get worse over time?

Not necessarily. With proper care and gentle use, their visibility can remain stable. Poor cleaning methods or high foot traffic can make them more noticeable.

What should I do if my rug is sprouting?

Don’t pull the fibers. Contact Lovejoy Carpet Care and we’ll safely trim the sprouts to restore your rug’s surface.

Your Rug Has a Story—Let’s Help It Shine

At Lovejoy Carpet Care, we treat your rugs like the valuable heirlooms they are. Whether you’re restoring a family treasure or preserving a recent investment, we’re here to help your rug age gracefully.

Let’s talk rug care—schedule your rug cleaning today.