Rugs are a simple way to add a pop of color, a little texture, and create a particular ambiance within a room. Without a rug, a room would almost seem empty despite the other aspects of the area. They bring warmth and comfort to each area they are placed in, and they truly enhance the aesthetics of any space.
Unfortunately, no matter how much you pride yourself on being a clean and organized person, your rug is going to get dirty. Regardless of the fabric, the location, or whether you have children and animals running through your home, area rugs need to be properly cleaned regularly. You can own the best, top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner and rent a high-powered steam cleaner from your local hardware store, and still not clean your rug the right way. This is especially true if you own a plush wool rug, as the natural fibers that make up this type of rug require extra love and care. Those who own a wool rug must be conscientious about maintaining it without ruining it so that it will last as long as they want it to.
Steps to Cleaning a Wool Rug Yourself
There are just a few simple steps to cleaning a wool rug yourself without having to spend money on hiring professionals. With some time and effort, it’ll be fresh and pristine once again.
Materials
- Rug beater or broom
- Vacuum
- Woolite or similar product
- Large sponge(s)
- Two five-gallon buckets
- Rags or bath towels
- Room fan
Step One
Beware for those who have allergies! Take the rug and rug pad outdoors and shake it out while beating it with either a broom or rug beater to loosen up the trapped dirt.
Step Two
Vacuum the front and back of the rug thoroughly, going over it a few times. This is something that should be done every week, and it is also an important step in the deep-cleaning process.
Step Three
Prepare a bucket of cold water and pour the recommended amount of wool cleaner (Woolite or another brand) into the bucket. Fill the other 5-gallon bucket with cold water only. Take a sponge and test a small portion of the rug for colorfastness.
Step Four
Without soaking the rug, sponge the cleaning solution into the fibers, concentrating on one small section at a time. Experts recommend that you only lightly dampen the rug –– no more and no less. You will do this in the direction of the nap, or the natural way the fibers lay.
Step Five
Once finished with sponging in the solution, you will repeat this same method but with clean water only (no cleaning solution). Use caution to not soak the rug.
Step Six
Take the large rags or bath towels and begin blotting the rug in small sections until you’ve covered it in its entirety.
Step Seven
The hard part is done! Open some windows and turn on multiple fans if possible to speed up the drying process. Do not walk on the rug until it is completely dry. You may also hang the rug in the sun to dry it that way.
An Extra Tip for Liquid Spills
A liquid spill from time to time is inevitable. To clean these messes, simply mist water onto the spill and blot. Wool can be damaged by using ammonia or high-alkaline cleaners.
A Wool Rug Is a Smart Investment
Wool fiber is considered one of the most durable and resilient fibers available in the world of rugs. Most people who are on the hunt for a new rug intend on investing in one that will last at least a decade, if not more. Wool’s resiliency allows it to keep its original appearance and continue to look fresh even after normal wear and tear. When choosing a wool rug over one with synthetic fibers, you’re getting your money’s worth over time. Instead of having to replace rug after rug, wool rugs are durable and long-lasting, leaving money in the bank and keeping a satisfied customer.
With that long-lasting durability and resiliency comes some maintenance. Due to the type of natural fiber, wool rugs are prone to shedding. They are also less stain-resistant than synthetic fibers because of their absorbency. Because of these factors, regular upkeep needs to be done and specific measures need to be put into place when cleaning a wool rug.
If you’re an owner of a wool rug, it would be beneficial for you to understand the signs that it needs a good cleaning. However, that doesn’t mean you need to reach for your vacuum cleaner and general cleaning products. There are appropriate ways to clean a wool rug at home without ruining it and without having to pay a hefty bill for professional cleaning.
Signs That Your Wool Rug Is In Need of a Deep Clean
Similar to other surfaces and areas within your home, your wool rug that brings the room aesthetically together needs to be deep cleaned every so often. Despite the random spill or accident, wool rugs must be cleaned –– and they must be cleaned in a particular way as to not damage them.
You must be aware of when to clean your wool rug. There isn’t necessarily a set schedule, although you can set one if you’d like. Experts recommend a deep cleaning one to three times per year depending on the traffic level within that room and if you have children and animals. Simply be aware of the look, smell, and feel of the rug when it is at its best. If it looks dull, has a smell, or seems matted down, then it is time for a cleaning.
Allergies are also a sign that you may need to take care of your rug. Dander, dust mites, and dirt can get trapped in wool fibers, even though wool is relatively good at keeping soiling at bay. If you find yourself having an allergy attack in the particular room the wool rug is in, it’s time to get cleaning.
While some people decide to hire a professional to clean their wool rug, regular maintenance is still involved and rug owners need to know what to do properly and what to avoid. Here is an example of white moroccan wool rug that could be cleaned properly with the instructions below.
Is Your Wool Rug Dirty?
Go clean it! You now understand what it takes to properly clean your wool rug without damaging it, so feel confident and go forth!
It’s quite simple to do –– it just takes a bit of time and effort. Remember that as long as you are dusting and vacuuming weekly, as well as immediately taking care of any spills or mishaps, you should only need to deep clean your wool rug a couple of times a year.
But perhaps you don’t own a wool rug just yet and are learning more about them before you make that smart purchase. If this is you, head on over to Resonnaire’s fine selection of wool rugs ––you won’t be disappointed.