Any space will look better with wool rugs, but keeping them clean requires particular attention. Unlike artificial carpets, wool is a delicate natural fabric that requires mild treatment to preserve its beauty and lifespan.
Although professional cleaning is advised every few years, you can take actions at home to keep your wool rug looking great between thorough cleans. From basic maintenance to stain treatment, this guide will help you through the safe cleaning of your wool rug.
Know the special properties of wool rugs.
Wool is a protein fiber with special qualities that make it delicate but robust. Perfect for heavy traffic areas, it is naturally stain-resistant and can store up to 30% of its weight in wet conditions without feeling damp.
Wool rug Cleaning challenges
Wool rugs, even if they are very durable, need particular attention when cleaned. The fibers could be vulnerable to strong chemicals and too much moisture. Furthermore, wool rugs may have different hues and dyes that might bleed if not properly cleaned. For costly or ancient wool rugs, this is why many professionals, including Fresh Maple, stress the need for competent cleaning.
Knowing these qualities is essential as we begin the doable action of washing your wool rug. With the correct strategy, your rug will remain beautiful and have a much longer lifetime.
Getting ready for cleaning
Good preparation is essential to guarantee the best outcomes for your wool rug, even before starting the cleaning procedure. You must accomplish the following:
- Wool-safe soap
- Use white towels or paper towels.
- Protective equipment (gloves and goggles)
- Adjustable suction vacuum cleaner
- A bucket with the cleaning solution.
- Using a detergent meant especially for wool rugs is crucial, as ordinary cleaners might damage the fragile fibers.
Cleaning the Space
Clear the rug of any furniture, then transport it to an ample space where you might work comfortably.
Examining Colorfastness
Test for colorfastness in a discreet section of the carpeting before using any cleaning agent.
Blot with a white cloth a little bit of your wool-safe detergent solution. If any color comes through the material, stop and see a professional cleaner such as Melbourne Rug Wash.
How do you clean a wool rug at home?
Like any other rug, a wool rug will acquire dust, dirt, and trash over time. If not maintained clean, the rug could show signs of excessive wear patterns and be challenging to remove stains. Using these wool rug cleaning methods, you can deep-clean your wool rug.
To remove any loose dirt from the rug, shake it.
A first step in cleaning wool rugs is gently shaking them. Getting rid of any weakly embedded dirt helps one vacuum wool rugs. When hanging your wool rug outside on a sunny day, give it several mild taps with a rug beater (a broom and tennis racket might be substitutes when there is no rug beater). You may also use this opportunity to clean the flooring under the rug by vacuuming over it.
Vacuum a wool rug
Next, vacuum your rug. Once the wool rug is laid flat on your patio or deck, use a vacuum to remove tough stains, dust, dirt, and trash. Flip the rug over and vacuum the other side. We advise you to sweep your wool rug twice a week to prevent dirt buildup.
Use a light detergent solution.
Wool rugs are rather delicate, hence you should avoid using any strong chemicals that can damage the fibers of the rug. For this reason, you should mix a mild detergent solution with a bucket of water—ideally a product designed especially for wool carpets.
Scrub the rug carefully with a sponge.
Be careful to follow the rug’s nap—that is, the way the rug feels smooth after you slide your hand over it—and scrub the rug gently with the sponge immersed in the solution. Work your way, in sections, from one end of the rug towards the other. Frequent rinsing of the sponge helps to avoid particles reinfesting the wool fibers.
Moisten the wool rug.
Drying the wool rug marks the last and fundamental stage. The rug has to be hung on a clothesline outdoors. And one would like a beautiful and pleasant day. Keep in mind not to let the rug get direct sunlight as it will fade. Bring a wool rug inside at night to prevent mildew and mould from developing, as it may take several days to dry completely.
Can I use vinegar on a wool rug?
Try vinegar if you believe your stain requires more than a little water to treat. This typical domestic cleaning solution is mild on most textiles, including wool. Vinegar especially helps to remove pet stains as it neutralizes the urine smell. You might also consider using vinegar for minor food stains.
For best outcomes, always combine vinegar with warm water. One good ratio is ¼ cup white vinegar mixed with two cups of water. Again, apply and wipe the stain completely using a spray bottle and a fresh rag. Start blotting with a dry towel once you can notice the discoloration is lifting. With a moist cloth on the wool, you can wait up to 15 minutes, but the danger of mould and mildew growth is more than that. Make sure the area is blotted as dry as you can, then let your rug air dry.
Professional wool rug cleaning
Choosing a detergent for your rugs depends on picking safe items for your house and the surroundings. Biodegradable plant-based surfactants and natural enzymes are highly suggested for efficient cleaning without damaging the rug or spewing harmful chemicals into the air. For households with children or pets, these environmentally responsible choices are especially important, as many inexpensive detergents have strong chemicals that may damage health.
Fresh Maple provides a variety of choices for those looking for expert wool rug cleaning services. reasonably priced rug cleaning, environmentally friendly rug cleaning, and pet stain rug cleaning. We are ready to handle all of your needs, from antique wool rug cleaning to Persian rug cleaning to Oriental rug cleaning. Our knowledge covers silk and wool rug cleaning, guaranteeing the best treatment of your priceless rugs.
Wool carpets must use wool-safe detergents if they are to avoid color fading or fiber damage. These mild yet powerful detergents guarantee that, following washing, your rug’s inherent beauty is maintained. Imagine yourself seeking dependable rug cleaning or top-notch rug cleaners. In such a situation, the professional cleaning services of Fresh Maple offer a deep clean that rejuvenates your rugs.
We provide cheap prices on local rug cleaning services for customers looking for rug cleaning discounts or bargains. Locals find it handy to have their rug cleaning businesses nearby, as we are well-known for offering local rug cleaning services, preserving the longevity and cleanliness of their carpets.
How much does a professional charge to clean a wool rug?
Depending on numerous criteria, the cost to clean a wool rug usually falls between $3 and $8 per square foot:
Size
Small rugs might cost between $60 and $150. Depending on the location and the vendor, larger or massive wool rugs might cost anywhere from $200 to $600 or more.
Type
Although in-home cleaning often costs less, certain cleaners would not advise this for wool, given the need for regulated drying.
Off-site washing is usually advised for wool rugs as it is more thorough. This might raise expenses as it entails moving the rug to a facility.
Extra House Cleaning Services
Specialized treatments for stains, smells, or pet damage might cost extra, usually between $10 and $50 per stain.
Should the rug require fringe work, fixing, or repair, these expenses might be very costly.
Place
The region affects prices. Higher living expenses or urban places offer better cleaning rates.
Techniques of Cleaning
Though dry cleaning might not be as thorough as wet cleaning, expenses usually fall lower. High-end wool rugs may require hand washing or deep cleaning, which can be more costly given the delicate nature of the operation.
Rug Condition
Should the rug be dirty, more extensive treatments or extra cleaning may be necessary, increasing the cost.
Getting an estimate from a qualified rug cleaner can help you receive an exact price, as elements like the age, condition, and degree of soiling will affect the cost.
How do Fresh Maple Clean Wool rugs?
Our experts strive to guarantee your wool rugs are kept safe, as we know they are a valuable, costly investment in your house. We undertake the following to guarantee our cleaning technique does not ruin your wool rug or carpet:
As you can “cook” the fiber, causing the epidermis to become brittle and finally break off, your heat should be decreased to no more than 150°F.
There is no forceful agitation here. We do not over-agitate; we use the softest brushes. Felting is a process that can involve alkalinity, heat, and/or agitation. Felting is the process whereby the outer scales of one wool fiber connect with the surrounding scales of other wool fibers. There is no correcting for this lifelong problem.
We start dry strokes right away and set fans. Wool absorbs more moisture than other fiber varieties, so drying it takes more time. Extra dry strokes and fan use will help shorten this time.
Before cleaning, we look below the rug. Wool rug producers have recently seen a comeback in jute backings. Using natural materials like jute will raise the possibility of cellulose browning, yellowing, and shrinkage. To determine whether this will be a problem, we look at the label, back of the carpet, or rug. Browning will not take place without jute (or another cellulosic) being employed.
Call us or schedule your appointment online to get your wool carpets and rugs professionally cleaned. We guarantee 30 days of Must Love It® and are insured!
