Cleaning a Wool Rug: 4 Do's and Don'ts
Are you the proud owner of an authentic wool designer rug? Wool rugs are expensive but they do offer unmatched comfort, durability and ease of maintenance. On top of that, intricate handwoven designs make every rug a unique piece of art that adds a classy touch to the area wherever it is placed.
Authentic, hand-crafted woollen rugs made from natural fibres retain their exquisite look for years. However, these do need regular maintenance. This blog post will explore everything you need to know about retaining the fresh looks of your authentic wool rug.
What Is a Wool Rug?
A real wool rug is made from natural woollen fibres. These are hand-crafted or hand-loomed rugs. You can also find machine-made wool rugs in the market but those typically contain synthetic fibres. These are expensive pieces as it takes a lot of time and effort to design and manufacture these but once you get one, they will last decades. In fact, it's not uncommon to have woollen rugs passed from one generation to the next. These are robust and durable making them perfect for high traffic spaces such as your bedroom, living room or entryway.
Benefits of Owning a Wool Rug
Wool rugs make for an exceptional investment as these are reliable and long-lasting and add a premium touch to any space. The natural wool fibres are capable of withstanding heavy pressure and maintaining their good form for many years. However, natural wool is not flame resistant and can easily catch fire.
Wool is an excellent insulator. It is breathable and absorbs moisture which results in better indoor air quality. It is also effective at repelling stains, hindering the growth of dust mites and harmful bacteria.
How Often You Should Clean a Wool Rug
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the colours and looks of a woollen rug. As far as the frequency of cleaning is concerned, it depends on several factors such as the average number of footfalls, location of the rug, presence of pets in the home and other such things.
Generally, it is recommended to vacuum it 2 to 4 times a month depending on the traffic and pile height. Make sure you use a vacuum with adjustable suction. Also, beater bars shouldn't be used as these agitate the wool fibres deep inside and might cause extensive damage to the rug.
In addition to regular vacuuming, it is also recommended to use the services of a professional cleaner once a year to retain its sharpness and colours.
Things You Will Need
- Vacuum cleaner with adjustable suction
- Water
- Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean cloth
If you have spilled something on the rug, take a clean cloth and dip it in warm water and start dabbing the stain from the edges to the centre. If possible, don't allow the stain to dry.
Don't use an abrasive cloth. If water doesn't work, use vinegar. Vinegar is effective at getting rid of pet stains as well as light food stains. To get the best results, use a mixture of white vinegar and water in the ratio of 1:8.
Blot the stain with this mix and wait for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the stain starts coming off, use a dry tissue to blot it.
In order to remove stains made by ink, nail polish, or shoe polish, you may want to use rubbing alcohol. To use rubbing alcohol, dip a cotton ball in it and apply it carefully to the stain. If it doesn't work immediately, you may let it sit overnight.
If these remedies do not work, don't hesitate to call a professional to ensure a thorough and harmless cleaning.
How to Clean Wool Rugs: Do's and Don'ts
Keeping your wool rugs clean doesn't have to be a cumbersome chore. Preventative care is the key to keeping the rug clean. If possible, do not allow any food or shoes on the rug. In case it is stained, use the tips mentioned above to take care of the stain.
Here are a few do's and don'ts of wool rug care:
- If there is a major spill, do not rub it in as it will push it deeper.
- Do not use alkaline detergents for cleaning as they may cause bleeding in the colours of the rug.
- Never steam clean your wool rug on your own. Most domestic vacuums are not powerful enough to pull out all the moisture inside and that could lead to the growth of mould.
- Do not use a standard rug shampoo for cleaning as moisture is the enemy of your wool rug.
- When there is a spill, pick up the solids immediately and use a clean cloth to blot the liquid slowly.
- Before trying a new cleaning technique, always try it on a small area on the side to ensure it doesn't bleed colours.
- Always get it professionally cleaned at least once a year.
- Place your rug on a mat to enhance its lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Wool rugs are an exquisite piece of art. Each piece is unique and it takes a lot of time and effort to handcraft every single piece. If you learn to take proper care of your woollen rug, you will, one day, proudly pass it down to the next generation. Always use a good quality vacuum to clean it every week or every other week depending on footfalls and the presence of pets in your home. Also, you should get it cleaned professionally once a year to retain its sharpness and colours.
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