There are plenty of resources online that can show you how to properly maintain/clean a handmade rug or tapestry. Here are a few basic steps that can help you with this process:
1) Sweep away any dirt that may have clung to the rug using a straw bristle broom.
2) Soak up any liquid or recent spills using a paper towel. Do not rub or scrub. Lightly press the towel over the spill to
absorb the liquid. Rubbing the area will cause the spill to soak deeper into the carpet.
3) Scrape off solid stains, including dry food using a spoon or a knife.
4) Mix a solution of tap water, 1 tsp. of liquid detergent and 1 tsp. of plain vinegar.
5) Dip the wash cloth in the solution and blot the stain. Do not soak the carpet with the solution.
Use the solution sparingly and rinse between blots with plain water. Dry with a towel.