Essential Tips For Cleaning A Wool Rug So It Looks As Good As New

If you're looking to choose a new living room rug, you probably came across wool rugs. These have a reputation for not only being long-lasting, but the ultimate in luxury. But, rumors say these beautiful floor coverings come at a cost: They're one of the more difficult materials to clean. While wool rug fibers are more likely to catch dust and debris, they can be cleaned effectively if you have a few tricks up your sleeve.

Wool may be a hardy fabric for rugs, but it is a bit sensitive to cleaning agents. When it's time to deep clean your rug, first vacuum it, or take it outside and shake it. This removes any debris on top of the rug while loosening dirt deeper in the fabric. If it still looks dirty or you want to really deep-clean, grab a soft-bristled brush and run it over the rug to further release dirt in the fibers. Next, follow the directions on a wool-safe detergent and mix up a cleaning solution. Gently dab the detergent mixture onto the rug. You may need to rinse your sponge out often to make sure you are not just moving dirt around. When the whole rug is soaped, clean your sponge thoroughly (or grab a new one), get some clean water, and rinse the rug out area by area. Once it's clean, hang it to dry.

If you just need to clean up a small spot or a spill, act fast to prevent anything from staining the fibers. Grab a clean rag and dab up as much of the spill as possible. Keep the pressure light and avoid the instinct to rub: The goal is to pick up as much of the spill as possible without pushing it into the fibers. Then, grab a wool-safe detergent or mix half part white vinegar and half part water and apply to the area. Some stains may require a light rub to activate the cleaner. Rinse with cold water and dry.

If your kids or dog tracked mud over your wool rug, wait for the mud to dry before cleaning. Then, grab a ruler or anything with a straight edge and scrape the dried mud off before proceeding with the cleaning steps. This will make it easier to clean your rug and save you scrubbing time.

If you want to keep your wool rug in pristine condition, there are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind. First, deep clean at least once a year and vacuum weekly at minimum, especially if the rug is in a place people walk through frequently, like your front entryway or hallway. If any food, drink, or other stains appear, clean them up as soon as possible. If you can, try to avoid putting wool rugs right in the sun to prevent fading, or placing heavy furniture on them to protect from tearing the fibers.

A wool rugs requires a different kind of maintenance, but once you have the essential tips on how to keep it clean, making your beautiful floor covering look brand new is simple. Plus, each cleaning task fits right into your regular housework schedule, making keeping your wool rug immaculate easier than ever.