Caring for Wool Carpet

Caring for Wool Carpet – Wool is one of the most expensive of carpet fibers so correct care of your wool carpets is important. Wool is a natural fiber and with proper care and maintenance it can last a long time and some say even become more beautiful with age. Here are some tips on how to care for wool carpet in your home.

Preventative Maintenance Using measures to keep as much soil out of the carpet as possible is a great idea to keep carpets looking their best. Welcome or door mats are a useful soil deterrent to have at every entryway. In addition to doormats keep outdoor sidewalk and entryways clean and swept. Doormats should be kept clean as well so they do not become soil lechers instead of soil grabbers. Use protective furniture cups on carpeting with a pad underlayment and cardboard or plywood under heavy items that are being moved. If you have area rugs be sure to clean them frequently and fluff the carpet pile underneath. Protect wool carpet from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight with the use of window coverings.

Vacuuming A good vacuum cleaner is a wool carpet owner’s best friend. It is best to find a high quality vacuum with optimal suction and correct beater bar height. Some vacuums are manufactured for the care of wool carpets. If your vacuum has a bag it is best to change it when it is half full or dirt canisters when they become half full. Carpet becomes soiled simply from everyday life especially foot traffic. The longer a carpet is walked on the more chance of soil becoming deeply embedded in the fibers. To prevent soil from going deep into the carpet it is best to vacuum high traffic areas daily, light traffic areas twice weekly, and all other areas once weekly. Wool carpet is prone to shedding so it is vitally important to have the right vacuum cleaner with the bar set correctly.

Stain Removal There are many carpet stain removal products in the stores but not all are safe on your carpet, in fact many of them are formulated for a majority of synthetic fiber carpets. The best stain removal products for wool carpeting you may already have at home on your shelf. Make a simple cleaning solution from 1/2 a teaspoon of clear bleach free dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle. Also keep on hand a mixture of one part white distilled vinegar to four parts water, nail polish remover, and dry cleaning fluid. When removing stains from wool carpet it is crucial to remember not to saturate the carpet. Wool carpeting does not stand up well to excessive amounts of moisture. It is a good idea to have a stack of clean dry cloths specifically for stain treatment on hand. For more spot cleaning tips check out the home remedies page. If you are ever unable to remove a stain call a carpet cleaning professional right away to come save the day.

Deep Cleaning The best method for routine deep cleaning of wool carpets is hot water or steam cleaning by a professional. Steam cleaning uses very small amounts of water, which is ideal for wool carpet. It is recommended to deep clean carpets at least once a year..