When decorating your living space, a wool rug or carpet is a great investment. Why? Because, for one, they are made from a natural material. They also have a remarkably long life span if cared for properly. That is why it is important to know how to clean wool rugs if you are going to make that investment in your home interior. Keep reading for some professional advice.
Read also: How to Clean Upholstery Stains.
What you Need to Know About Wool Rugs
In order to properly care for your new wool rug, you will need to know a bit more about it. Wool contains something called lanolin. It is secreted by sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals. This natural ingredient deters dust mites and bacteria from embedding themselves into the fibres of your rug.
When you buy your new wool rug, don’t be alarmed if it is shedding quite a bit. This is completely normal. It should clear up within the first few months with regular vacuuming. But don’t go over the top with hoovering and don’t use a high-suction vacuum. You could end up damaging your rug.
Vacuuming the underside of your rug once every 1-2 months is a good idea. The top side can be hoovered once every week or two after the initial shedding stops. Before that, once or twice a week will do the job.
How to Clean Wool Rugs
You will need to gather your equipment and detergents. Organisation is key. So first we will give you a list of things to get together.
You will need:
- Vacuum;
- Bucket;
- Laundry detergent for gentle fabrics;
- Microfibre cloths;
- Sponge;
- Clean white towels. Towels that colours don’t run are also suitable for the job.
How to clean wool rugs:
- If the wool rug is not so large that you can’t wake it outside and give it a good shaking, then do it. You could also hang it over something and beat it with a flat head brush.
- Now vacuum, to get rid of stubborn bits of dirt that have embedded themselves deep into the fibres of the wool carpet or rug.
- Get your detergent and mix a capful into a big bucket of cool water.
- Now get your sponge and start working the carpet with the soapy water. Move from the outer corners inwards. Be careful not to soak the rug with. Lightly dip the sponge in the water and dab the carpet to avoid doing so.
- After completing stage 4 of the cleaning process, dispose of the soapy water. Rinse out the bucket and fill it with cold, clean water.
- Now get your microfibre cloths and dip them in the new bucket of clean water. Rinse out as much of the soapy water from the rug. Again, be careful not to soak it.
- Get your towels. Use them to soak up as much of the water as possible. You don’t want your wool rug sitting in moisture. It could damage the fibres and colour of your floor covering.
Need Professional Rug or Carpet Cleaners?
Sometimes our rugs and carpets are too delicate for DIY cleaning. Other times, they just need a bit of professional care and attention to bring back the life in them. Professional carpet cleaners in Putney use special methods and treatments to make sure no damage comes to your beloved floor coverings as well as making them look brand new. Crown Cleaners are here to breathe a bit of life back into your home.
Check out also: The Best DIY Cleaning Solutions for Your Home.