How to Clean a Wool Rug?

Wool rugs are renowned for their durability and longevity , with some even being passed down from generation to generation. Wool retains warmth and has natural properties that repel dirt and insects.

However, since they are placed directly on the floor, these rugs require regular maintenance to keep them clean. Since they are often expensive, it is important to protect your investment by giving them a good scrubbing every now and then.

Follow this quick and easy guide to learn how to keep a wool rug in good condition by vacuuming it regularly, doing a deep cleaning about once a year, and removing stubborn stains .

How to Clean a Wool Rug: Basic Tips

The best way to reduce the time it takes to clean a wool rug is to prevent it from getting dirty. Avoid walking on it with dirty or muddy shoes. Vacuum it at least twice a month , or more frequently if the rug is in a high-traffic area or if you have pets. Spot-treat any stains as soon as possible, and use distilled white vinegar to remove pet odors.

Wool carpet vacuum cleaner

Wool rugs are incredibly durable and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. It is recommended to move them every six months so that they wear evenly. With regular vacuuming, a wool rug should only need a thorough cleaning about once a year .

How to deep clean a wool rug?

To perform an annual cleaning, it is best to choose a warm, sunny day so you can take the carpet out . If this is not possible, find a space with a large area of clean flooring that can be dampened, or lay out a clean, waterproof tarp.

Dust and dirt removal

Take out the rug and remove the cover if there is one.
Hang the rug on a clothesline, porch railing, or use sturdy chairs.
Sweep with a stiff broom to remove dust and dirt . You can also use a specially designed carpet beater, available at hardware stores. If necessary, give the carpet a few taps to loosen it and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning.
Do a thorough cleaning using a powerful vacuum cleaner. If the rug has fringes, start in the middle of the rug and vacuum out toward the edges, avoiding the fringes. If necessary, use a small handheld vacuum.
Be sure to turn the rug over to vacuum both sides.

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Clean in sections

Once you're done dusting, prepare two buckets of water.
In one of the buckets, add a small amount of detergent specifically designed for wool. Avoid using regular laundry detergents or bleach, as these can alter the colors of the rug.
Start at one end of the rug and work in small sections. Use a sponge dampened with the detergent mixture to gently dab the rug. Be careful not to over-wet the rug , as wool tends to absorb a lot of water. Avoid letting soap and moisture penetrate deep into the fibers.
After scrubbing each section with the detergent-soaked sponge, immediately rinse each section with a sponge dipped in clean water. Be sure to use only a minimal amount of water and keep the sponges clean to avoid pushing dirt back into the carpet.
Once you have removed as much soap as possible, pat each section dry with a towel.
Repeat this process for each section of the carpet.

Sponge carpet detergent

Let the carpet dry

It is crucial to allow the rug to dry completely to prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the wool fibers. To speed up the process, hang the rug outside or place it near a powerful fan. However, keep in mind that this can take several hours . If you have washed the rug, make sure it is completely dry before putting it back. Also, take the opportunity to clean the floor that the rug normally covers.

How to clean stains on a wool carpet?

Stubborn stains that penetrate deep into the carpet fibers need to be treated properly to prevent them from getting worse. Here are some tips:

Liquid Stains: Gently blot the stain with an absorbent material such as a paper towel. Be careful not to spread the liquid or work it further into the carpet.
Solid Stains: Gently scrape the staining substance off the carpet using a spoon or spatula. However, for mud stains, it is best to wait until they dry to make them easier to remove.

It is important to note that each stain may require a specific cleaning method . There are products specifically designed to remove stains from wool, but it is important to never apply them directly to the carpet . Instead, put a small amount on a cloth or sponge and gently dab the stain. It is recommended to do a test on an inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure that the product will not cause damage.

Complete Guide - How to Clean a Wool Rug?