Caring for a rug
None of this is difficult, and most of it is just doing the ordinary thing gently.
Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming is good for a rug. Dirt that filters down into the pile is what causes premature wear, so getting it off the surface before it settles matters more than any deep clean.
Use the plain nozzle. Power brushes and beater bars rake the pile, and they are worst on the fringes, where a rotating brush can shred the threads or catch them outright. Vacuum with the nap, and keep the brush off the fringe entirely.
Rotating
Rotate the rug at least every 3 to 6 months, and sooner if the high-traffic areas are starting to look dirty or the nap has lost its direction. Rotate for sunlight as well as for footfall. Even wear is what keeps a rug looking like itself, and it holds its value.
Padding
A pad stops the rug sliding, cushions the pile against the floor, and makes the rug better to walk on. A heavy thick rug may not need one. A thin or soft rug does, and so does an older rug, or one that has been rewoven, patched, or has a weakened foundation.
Cut the pad about an inch smaller than the rug so it does not show.
Spot cleaning
Treat a spill before it dries. Work on the spot itself rather than brushing at it, which only spreads the stain outward. Blot the liquid up with paper towels or a clean cloth, and lift any solid material with a tablespoon.
Blot dry, then sponge the area several times with rug shampoo, or with a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent, and 2 cups tepid water.
The vinegar is not incidental. Most Oriental rug dyes are acid reactive, and a slightly acidic solution reinforces the bond between the dye and the wool, which helps keep the color from lifting.
Finish by sponging with cool clean water. Use absorbent towels or a firm non-shedding sponge, never a stiff brush, which pulls fiber out of the pile. Put towels underneath and let the rug dry completely before you check the back.