Worrying Over Wool? Simple, Eco-Friendly Solutions To Clean And Care For Your Wool Area Rug

2 October 2015
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As a homeowner, you most likely understand the importance of maintaining accents and décor. From cleaning window treatments and polishing stainless appliances, these tasks are important for your home's appeal and value. Unfortunately, you may not be placing enough time and energy into your area rugs. Considering a wool area rug can cost $300 and up, proper cleaning and care is essential for protecting this large investment.

Of course, many of the cleaners sold in stores contain harmful chemicals that can damage your expensive wool rug. Thankfully, protecting your rug with safe, non-toxic cleaning tips is possible. Using this guide, you can clean and maintain your wool rug in an effective, eco-friendly manner.

Vacuum

You most likely vacuum the carpeted areas of your home without any issues, but you should use precaution when running the vacuum across your wool rugs. The high-powered suction of modern vacuums are too strong for your wool rug.

In many cases, using these vacuums can pull the wool threads loose from the back of the rug. Since wool breaks down over time, using these stronger vacuums causes the rug to feel dry and look faded. For a safer, more gentle alternative, use your handheld vacuum attachment to remove dirt, dust, and debris from your wool rugs.

In addition, turn the rug over and vacuum the underside to remove dirt, reducing your risk of trapped-in moisture.

If your rug has fringe on the side, run the handheld attachment carefully across the fringed material.

Spills and Stains

Spills are common in homes, especially if you have children or pets, so learning to clean them immediately is imperative to avoid heavy stains.

As soon as a spill occurs, place a microfiber cloth down on the liquid and press down firmly. This will soak up the majority of the liquid, preventing it from spreading across your rug. Do not rub the spill, as this will move the liquid deeper into the wool fibers of your rug.

Even after blotting up the liquid, you may still notice some small spots and discoloration. To clean this discoloration without the use of harmful carpet-cleaning sprays and foams, add the following to a spray bottle:

  • 2 cups of warm water
  • ¼ cup of white vinegar

Shake the bottle to mix before spraying on discolored areas of your rug. Use a cloth to scrub the vinegar solution into the stain, but allow it to soak for a few minutes. Then, use a clean microfiber cloth to blot up the liquid.

While gentle for use on your expensive wool rug, white vinegar is also strong enough to eat through tough dirt and stains. Not only is it an effective cleaner, but its antibacterial and antiviral properties will kill any bacteria left behind.

Odor Remover

Your wool rug can quickly absorb smells in your home from pets, cooking, smoking, using scented products, or from spilled food and drinks. The overall look of your area rug is important, but ensuring it is free from these foul odors is also necessary.

To deodorize your rug in a natural manner, consider baking soda. This  product is a must-have for your  natural cleaning arsenal because it dissolves away tough dirt, debris, and residue. In addition, baking soda absorbs odors left behind on your wool rug.

After vacuuming, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over your wool rug. Allow it to sit and rest for an hour. Do not allow anyone to walk on it while the baking soda is deodorizing. After the time, shake the rug off outside before vacuuming up any leftover baking soda.

Investing in a wool area rug is smart for your home's interior design and comfort, but proper care is imperative. Using these tips, you can clean and protect your wool rug in a natural, eco-friendly manner. 

For more help cleaning your wool rug, contact a carpet cleaning company like Final Touch Carpet & Upholstery Care Inc.