Wool rugs are a popular choice at home with many benefits. They do provide a timeless beauty to any design.
However, wool is delicate and can easily develop stains and damage if not treated correctly. This guide provides you with a thorough home cleaning approach to maintain your lovely wool rugs.
Understanding Your Rug
Wool is a unique material, so it’s a good idea to be aware of its different properties in order to be able to clean it at home.
This brief list has everything you should know:
- Wool fibres are made up of keratin protein scales. This scale structure overlaps on itself and provides the durable nature of wool, which is what it is known for.
- Wool’s structure naturally provides insulation.
- It regulates temperature and humidity levels in your home since it absorbs about 30% of its weight in moisture. This happens without it feeling wet.
There are different types of wool rugs available. Tightly woven styles like Wilton and velvet hide dirt better but are harder to clean than others.
Alternatively, loop pile carpets like shags show dirt more easily. There’s also flatweaves, known to be sturdy yet lightweight in comparison.
With this information, you can appreciate your rug’s specifications more and tailor your cleaning technique accordingly.
Cleaning Challenges
People prefer wool rugs in comparison to many other types because they have various benefits. On the other hand, there are some challenges you will face when you want to clean them such as the below ones.
Sensitivity to Water
The layered structure of wool fibres can lead to felting if exposed to too much moisture. Felting occurs when the scales cling together, which causes the fibres to tighten up, altering the overall texture of the rug.
Vulnerability to Stains
Liquids, dirt, and grime are more easily absorbed into the fibres of a wool rug compared to other types. That’s why they should be addressed as quickly as possible.
Risk of Damage
The strength you use when cleaning a wool rug or carpet is important because if you tend to vigorously scrub a stain, it will break the wool fibres and flatten them.
This causes permanent damage over time. Gentle dabbing at the infected area is recommended.
Mould and Mildew Growth
Another challenge is the drying time you allow wool rugs. If wool remains damp for too long after a clean, mould will develop between its dense fibres.
This ruins the rug and risks spreading the mould around the house. To avoid this, give it plenty of time to dry.
How to Clean Wool Rugs at Home
You are now ready to take on the cleaning process itself now that you have some knowledge about wool rugs and their challenges. To get started, consider the following steps:
- Shake out dirt outside. If possible, take your wool rug outside and use the flat side of a broom to beat loose dirt out of it over a railing or fence.
- Vacuum remaining dirt. Once back inside, vacuum thoroughly to remove any lingering dirt or debris.
- Prepare the cleaning solution. Mix about 1-2 caps of gentle, wool-safe detergent to a bucket of cool water.
- Dampen the cleaning cloth. Dip it into a mixture of soap and water until slightly damp.
- Lightly dab surface. Gently dab the surface of the rug, working in small sections one at a time.
- Rinse cloth. In a second bucket, rinse and wring out the cloth periodically as you work.
- Blot excess moisture. Once complete, blot the entire rug surface with clean, dry towels until it is damp.
- Give it time to air dry. Allow the rug to completely dry in a well-ventilated space before using it.
How to Get Rid of Stubborn Stains
Certain stains are simply too difficult to remove. If so, you can try the below natural techniques that are effective when it comes to wool rugs.
The first one works well with any dried-out stain like grease or wax: baking soda. Sprinkle generously, completely covering the stain, and allow it to sit for a few hours.
That way it will effectively absorb any residues in the rug from the stain. Then, you just need to vacuum the powder normally.
The second method makes use of white vinegar, a common cleaning solution people use at home. For stains that are acidic, such as those from coffee, tea, or soft drinks, this particular method is effective.
Combine equal parts vinegar and water to remove a stain. Spray it directly on the area you wish to treat. After about 10 minutes, give it a gentle dab with a clean microfiber cloth.
Additionally, a helpful method for eliminating especially stubborn stains is to combine baking soda and white vinegar to create a paste.
Start by spot testing the stain with the paste to make sure you don’t ruin the colours. If everything is intact, scoop the paste onto the entire surface of the stain without touching the surrounding fibres.
Let it fizz for a few minutes. Then, vacuum and blot the residue as usual.
Regular Maintenance Tips
To keep your wool rug in the best shape possible, you should remain watchful of certain aspects. The following tips will make it easier for you to do that:
- Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming helps lift and remove excess dirt and dust before it embeds deep in the fibres. Aim to do it in high-traffic areas at least once a week.
- Rotate the rug. Rotating the position of your rug every few months helps distribute areas of high usage to avoid their flattening over time.
- Use area rugs. Place protective area rugs on either side of an entryway to trap dirt before reaching your wool rug.
- Protect it from direct sunlight. Always keep wool rugs away from direct, strong sunlight as much as possible to keep its colours intact.
- Avoid excessive heat. Make sure heat sources like radiators are kept at a safe distance from the rug.
- Spot clean right away. A stain on your wool rug should never be allowed to dry out because doing so will make removal much more difficult.
- Consider professional cleaning annually. For optimal quality, your rug should be cleaned and disinfected by a carpet cleaning company once a year.
Conclusion
Wool rugs are an extremely valuable investment for your home’s overall style and atmosphere. It is important to handle it with care.
Cleaning any material effectively at home requires precise knowledge of how to do it and avoid possible damage. Everything you need to know to clean your wool rug is covered in this article. Happy cleaning!