How to Clean and Maintain Wool Rugs

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your wool rug looking fresh and extending its lifespan. Here’s what you should do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis:

Vacuum

Regular vacuuming is essential for wool rugs, as dirt and dust can get trapped in the fibers, causing wear over time. However, vacuuming wool rugs requires a gentle approach to avoid damaging the fibers.

Use a Vacuum with Adjustable Height: Set the vacuum to a higher pile setting so that the brush doesn’t tug on the fibers. Avoid using the beater bar, as this can pull and tear the wool.

• Vacuum Both Sides: Vacuum the front and back of the rug at least once a month to remove dirt and dust trapped underneath.
• Go Slowly: Wool fibers are dense, so take your time when vacuuming to ensure thorough cleaning.
• Vacuum Weekly: For high-traffic areas, vacuum the rug once a week. For less trafficked areas, vacuum every two weeks

Rotate the Rug

Rotate the rug every 6 months to a year to ensure even wear and prevent one area from becoming more worn than the rest. This is particularly important for rugs placed in high-traffic areas and under furniture.

Shake the Rug

For small wool rugs, shaking them out regularly can help remove loose dirt and dust. Take the rug outside and give it a good shake to dislodge debris.

For larger wool rugs, take them outside, turn them face down and vacuum the backside of the rug. Set the beater bar on the vacuum cleaner to the lowest setting that touches the rug to beat the dirt out from the back of the rug.

Then turn the rug back over to the front side, raise the beater bar to the highest setting so it doesn’t touch the rug and vacuum the loose dirt. Never use the beater bar on the front of the rug because it can tire and distore the fibers.

Spot Cleaning for Wool Rugs

Accidents happen, and when they do, quick action can prevent stains from setting into your wool rug. Here’s how to spot clean your wool rug without damaging it:

Blot, Don’t Rub

As soon as a spill occurs, gently blot the area with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers and cause damage to the wool.

Use Cold Water

For most spills, clean water is often enough to lift the stain. Use cold water, as hot water can cause the stain to set. Dampen a cloth with cold water and blot the stain from the outer edge toward the center to avoid spreading it.

Use a Wool-Safe Cleaner

If water alone isn’t enough, opt for a wool-safe cleaner. These cleaners are pH-balanced to ensure they won’t damage the wool fibers. Mix the cleaner with water as per the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it with a clean cloth.

• Test First: Always test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the rug before applying it to the stain to ensure it won’t cause discoloration.
• Blot and Rinse: Apply the cleaner sparingly, blot the stain, and then use a clean cloth dampened with water to rinse the area. Ensure all cleaners are removed to prevent residue from attracting more dirt.

Dry the Area

After spot cleaning, ensure the area is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use a fan or a hair dryer on a cool setting to speed up the drying process. Avoid using heat, as it can damage the wool.

Deep Cleaning a Wool Rug

Even with regular maintenance, wool rugs will eventually need a deep clean to remove dirt and grime embedded deep within the fibers. Wool rugs should be professionally deep cleaned every 1 to 3 years, depending on the amount of traffic it gets.

If your rug is in a guess room of low traffic area your rug should be cleaned at least once every 3 years.

If you rug is in high traffic areas like your family room, or hallway, or if you have pets you’re wool rugs should be cleaned every year.

Preventing Future Damage

Proper care can help prevent damage to your wool rug. Here are a few tips to keep it looking its best:

• Use a Rug Pad: A rug pad not only prevents slipping but also protects the rug’s fibers and backing from wear.
• Keep Pets’ Nails Trimmed: Pets can cause snags and wear on wool rugs, so keep their nails trimmed.
• Address Spills Immediately: The quicker you clean up spills, the less likely they are to cause stains or damage.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause wool rugs to fade, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight or use window coverings to protect them.