How to Care for a Wool Rug

Wool is an ideal material for area rugs. They are very durable and will last you a lifetime or more when cared for properly. You can easily turn a beautiful high-end wool rug into an heirloom piece with the proper care, however, the wrong care can easily and permanently damage your wool rugs.  

Follow the following care tips for your wool rugs and you will be enjoying them for many years to come.  

Placement 

Wool rugs are amazing because the strong fibers tend to repel stains and hold up under high traffic. Keep dirt to a minimum on rugs in high traffic areas with a no shoes in the house policy. There really is no bad place to put a wool rug (ok maybe the bathroom), but wherever you place one make sure it definitely has a quality rug pad underneath. The pad will help to buffer the backing from wear and tear and provides traction to prevent slipping and movement. Pads also offer insulation too.  

Vacuuming 

Stick to a light but routine approach when it comes to vacuuming. Invest in a vacuum with no beater bar. Yes, we suggest you buy a new vacuum, and yes it can cost a chunk of change, but the cost is worth it to preserve the investment you made in your beautiful rug. Wool will shed easily under the brushes of a beater bar. Instead, use a bar-less vacuum 2 to 4 times a month to keep it dirt free.   Vacuuming mistakes you’re probably making

Shedding  

Shedding of your wool rug may look intimidating and concerning, but shedding is actually a common occurrence in wool rugs. It does not mean that the rug is falling apart or that it was made poorly. You will see the most shedding right after you purchase it. Just try not to get overzealous with the vacuum this will increase shedding.  

Spot Treatment 

Always give spills and stains your immediate attention. A spill left on wool can, and almost always will, ruin your wool rug. It is also very important to use the right cleaning solutions and a gentle removal technique. Many spills can gently be removed from wool with just a few drops of hand dishwashing liquid and water. Always blot never rub and work from the outside of the stain toward the center.  

All Kleen is happy to provide carpet care in North Seattle and surrounding areas for all types of carpets and rugs even tough to clean carpets like shaggy carpet.