Do you have a wool rug that’s in need of some cleaning? Maybe it’s been stained, or maybe it just needs a good overall cleaning. Either way, this guide is for you!
In today’s blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of how to clean a wool rug like a pro. Wool rugs can be difficult to keep clean, but with our guide, you’ll be able to keep your rug looking new for years to come!
How Often to Clean a Wool Rug
It’s important to vacuum your wool rug at least once a week to remove dirt and dust that can damage the fibers. You should also spot clean stains as soon as they happen. This will help prolong the life of your rug and keep it looking its best.
Assuming you don’t have any major spills or stains on your rug, you should aim to clean it thoroughly at least once a year. If it’s located in a high-traffic area, you may need to clean it more frequently.
How to Deep Clean a Wool Rug
When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, start by shaking out the dirt from a wool rug. Take the rug outside and hang it over a clothesline or fence. Then, beat it with a broom or rug beater. Be sure to do this gently so as not to damage the rug.
Next, vacuum the rug to remove any remaining dirt, dust, and debris. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fibers. Be sure to go over the rug several times to make sure you’ve gotten all the dirt out.
After that, use a mild soap and warm water to spot clean any areas that are particularly dirty. A gentle wool-safe detergent is a good choice for this step. Avoid using anything too harsh, as it could damage the fibers of your rug.
Once you’ve spot cleaned the rug, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning. You can do this by using a wool-safe shampoo or soap and warm water. Work the soap into the rug with a sponge, then rinse it off with clean water.
Work in small sections and be sure to blot the rug dry with a towel after washing it to avoid mildew.
Finally, allow the rug to air dry completely before putting it back in place. This process may take several hours, so be patient! Once it’s dry, your rug will be clean, fresh, and ready to use.
Cleaning a Wool Rug with Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most versatile household cleaning products there is. Not only can you use it to clean your oven or freshen up your fridge, but you can also use it to spot clean a wool area rug.
All you need to do is make a paste out of baking soda and water, and then rub it into the stain with a sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum it up. You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains, but it’s much gentler on your rug than using harsh chemicals.
Also, if you have a wool rug that is starting to look a little dull, you can use baking soda to give it a deep clean. Just mix equal parts baking soda and warm water, and scrub the rug with a sponge. Rinse it well with warm water, and let it air dry. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter your rug will look after just one treatment.
Cleaning a Wool Rug with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural fabric cleaner that is effective on wool rugs. We already wrote about how you can use it to clean sheepskin rugs.
It’s also safe to use around children and pets, so you can feel good about using it in your home. With a little elbow grease, you can have your wool rug looking like new in no time.
To clean a wool carpet or rug with vinegar, start by vacuuming the rug to remove any dirt and debris. Then, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and use it to scrub the rug in small circles.
Be sure to rinse the rug thoroughly with clean water afterwards to remove any vinegar residue. If your rug is particularly dirty, you may need to repeat this process a few times.
How to Spot Clean a Wool Rug
Spot cleaning a wool rug is easy if you know what to do. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Blot up spills immediately. As soon as a spill happens, use a clean, dry cloth to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Don’t rub the spill, as this can spread it and make it harder to remove.
- Treat stains with a mild detergent. If the spill has left a stain, mix a gentle detergent with water and apply it to the stain with a clean cloth. Again, avoid rubbing the stain, and instead blot it until it starts to disappear. Also, never use harsh chemicals or cleaners on your wool rug. These can damage the fibers and cause the rug to become discolored.
- Rinse the area with clean water. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with clean water to remove any detergent residue.
- Allow the area to dry completely. Once you’ve cleaned the spill, allow the area to dry completely before walking on it or placing any furniture over it.
How to Steam Clean a Wool Rug
When it comes to wool rugs, regular vacuuming and spot-cleaning is usually enough to keep them looking fresh and new. But every now and then, your rug may need a deeper cleaning. Steaming is an effective way to clean a wool rug, and it’s also relatively simple. Just follow these steps:
- Vacuum your rug thoroughly. This will help loosen any dirt or debris that’s embedded in the fibers.
- Fill a steamer with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Put the steamer on a low setting since hot water may shrink wool fobers.
- Hold the steamer about six inches away from the rug and move it slowly back and forth. Be sure to go over the entire surface of the rug.
- Let the rug dry completely before walking on it or placing any furniture on top of it.
- Vacuum again to remove any residual dirt or debris.
Conclusion
Wool rugs are a great addition to any room in your house and by following these simple steps, you can make sure that they stay looking new for years to come. Got any other tricks up your sleeve? Share them with us in the comments below!
FAQ
Can you steam clean a wool rug?
You can, but you need to be careful because heat can cause the fibers to contract. Therefore, always put a steamer on a low setting.
Are wool rugs easy to clean?
Wool is a delicate fabric and needs to be treated with care. That being said, wool rugs are not impossible to clean. With a little bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can easily spot clean or even deep clean your wool rug.
Can you clean wool rugs with vinegar?
Yes, you can clean wool rugs with vinegar. All you need is a cup of vinegar and a cup of water. Mix the two together and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the rug and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing it with a sponge. Finally, rinse it out with water and let the rug air dry.
Can you wash a wool rug?
Yes, you can wash a wool rug. You should start by vacuuming it to remove any dirt and debris. Next, mix one cup of water with two tablespoons of wool-safe detergent and apply it to the rug with a sponge.
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire rug, rinse it off with clean water. Finally, hang your wool rug outside to dry. You can find everything you need to know about how to clean a wool rug in our guide above.
