How to Clean a Wool Rug at Home: Easy & Effective Tips

You can confidently say that wool rugs are a fantastic addition to your home. They’re made from renewable wool, which naturally resists bacteria and dust mites thanks to lanolin. Wool rugs feel warm and soft underfoot, blend beautifully with indoor decor, and can last long if you take good care of them. Machine-woven wool rugs can last 20–30 years, while tufted wool rugs can last up to 60 years. They also maintain their fresh appearance with proper maintenance. The reason people prefer to buy wool rugs is that they are a perfect option for those who are more prone to allergies. Wool rugs trap allergens and prevent them from spreading in your home. 

Taking proper care of your wool rugs can keep them beautiful for years to come. If you want to keep your wool rug in its best condition, vacuum it regularly and clean up any unwanted stains right away. It can be a good option to clean it once a year. Let’s learn about how to clean a wool rug and how to handle stains as soon as they happen, even those that are set in.

What You Need?

Equipment	Materials
1. Vacuum 2. Soft-bristled carpet and upholstery brush.  3. Large non-abrasive sponge 4. Broom or other long-handled tool.	1. Large tarp 2. 2 utility buckets 3. Fan 4. 2 Towels 5. Light – coloured cloth 6. Wool-safe cleaning solution 7. Dry carpet shampoo granules

Instructions to Clean

There are some steps you can follow when cleaning a wool rug, no matter how long it’s been since they have been cared for:

Shake the Rug

If your rug’s size and your outdoor space allow, take the rug outside and shake it well to remove unwanted hair, dirt, dust, and other soils embedded in the fibres. Next, hang the rug on something strong, like a porch railing or the back of chairs, and use a broom handle to beat the rug and loosen the dirt.

Vacuum Both Sides of the Rug

Once you are done bringing your rug back indoors, vacuum both sides thoroughly. If the area is highly trafficked, vacuum regularly or once a week to get rid of unwanted dust or dirt. Consider the rooms and spaces that are used frequently. Then, flip the rugs over and vacuum the underside for a thorough cleaning.

Use a Dry Rug Shampoo

When you are done beating and vacuuming both sides of the rug, check what else can be done. If the rug has stains that look awful, you can spot-treat or shampoo it. However, use a dry carpet shampoo if the rug only needs some freshening. Before doing anything, remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions to use the right amount of carpet shampoo. Then, apply the shampoo to the carpet. Use a soft-bristled brush that can thoroughly spread the granules to the rug’s fibres. Let them sit for some time. 

After that, you can vacuum both sides of the rug to eliminate all the dry shampoo residue. If your rug is small enough, you can also take it outside and shake or beat it to remove the dry shampoo.

Spot-Treat Stains

If you see some minor stains on the rug, use a wool-safe detergent or go with a wool carpet stain remover to remove them. Apply the stain remover to a damp, light-coloured cloth and then slowly dab at the stain until it disappears completely. Avoid scrubbing, as it can cause the wool to fray and pill. Once the stain is gone, gently blot the area with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any leftover detergent. Let the rug dry, and use a vacuum to restore its texture if necessary.

Deep-Clean Rug

If your wool rug has large stains or appears dirty from regular use, it’s time for a deep clean. For wool rugs, it’s best to clean by hand rather than using a carpet cleaning machine to avoid damage.

Professional Cleaning

Of course, no method can beat the professional cleaning process. All you need to do is take your rug to the professionals, and they will handle the rest. They will spot the stains, use the right cleaning methods, and be done. So, next time you feel like you can’t clean the wool rugs by yourself, let the experts do it for you.

The Do’s and Don’ts for Wool Rug Cleaning

Do’s	Don’ts
1. Only Use Cold Water 2. Power Wash Your Rug 3. Vinegar is good, but not everything	1. Don’t Dry Clean Wool Rugs 2. Don’t Use Baking Soda 3. Don’t Steam 4. Don’t Use a Carpet Cleaning Machine

Preventive Measures

• Clean your rug regularly, even before it gets dirty.
• Vacuum frequently to remove any unwanted particles.
• Clean it frequently if there is any dirt or dust trapped.
• Choose cleaning products carefully to prevent damage to wool rugs.
• Use window coverings to reduce sunlight exposure to prevent rugs from fading.

Hire Professional Cleaners to Save Time

Hiring professional cleaners has many benefits. It saves you time and effort, helps remove allergens and bacteria for better health, extends the life of your rugs, makes your home look nicer, and ensures expert care and high-quality results. Don’t miss out on these advantages—schedule a professional rug cleaning service today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I clean my wool rug at home?

Ans: Follow these steps to clean your wool rug at home: 

• Vacuum Regularly
• Spot Clean Stains
• Deep Clean
• Dry Properly

Q: Is vinegar safe on wool rugs?

Ans: Vinegar can be used on wool rugs, but you need to do it cautiously. Use white vinegar and test it on the small, hidden areas. Vinegar can help with cleaning and deodorising.

Q: Does baking soda clean wool rugs?

Ans: Baking soda is commonly tagged as a natural cleaner for various surfaces, but there may be better choices when it comes to wool rugs. Wool is a delicate fibre, and using baking soda might not effectively clean the rug while causing damage over time.

Q: Are wool rugs harder to clean?

Ans: Wool rugs can be slightly more difficult to clean than synthetic rugs because they are delicate and can be sensitive to harsh chemicals.