A wool rug is an investment to be proud of, especially if you buy it for your home. Not only is it aesthetically beautiful and able to better define a room's décor, it is extremely durable and of high quality. Since wool has a thick texture, it tends to naturally collect more dirt and dust between the fibers. Regular maintenance will help keep dirt from building up and keep it looking like new.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning a Wool Rug
Step 1. Take him out
Beat it to get rid of all the dirt and dust that has accumulated since the time of purchase or last cleaning. It has been shown that dirt nestled between the fibers over time ruins the quality of the carpet.
- Before you beat it, make sure it's dry. Bumping into a wet carpet will cause the dirt to settle further.
- If possible, hang the rug on a clothesline and use a carpet cleaner to clean it more thoroughly.
Step 2. Vacuum the carpet creating a V to alternate the direction of the appliance and avoid crushing the wool fibers
Go over the entire surface 3 times.
- To prevent dirt from accumulating and nesting in the fibers, you should vacuum regularly, about twice a month. Don't forget the bottom.
- Make sure you adjust the brush on your vacuum cleaner to be high to avoid stressing the fibers. Excessive stress can cause wool to shrink, cause lint, and damage it in general.
Step 3. Once all the dirt has been removed, wash the carpet by wiping it with a sponge soaked in a cold water solution and a mild liquid soap or carpet cleaner
Use the same solution for the fringes.
- Wet the carpet without going against the grain. When you run your hand along the outer edge of the rug following linear movements, one side will be rough to the touch (counter-pile) and the other soft (pile). Apply the soapy water in the direction of the fur.
- Finally, wash off the solution with water. Before continuing, make sure you have removed the soap well.
Step 4. Dry it immediately
Wool rugs take a long time to dry, so try to get rid of excess water by wringing it out or laying it out in the sun. Never put it in the dryer, but you can use a radiator to speed up drying.
- Once the top is dry, turn the rug over and move to the back. Both sides should be completely dry before putting it back on the floor.
- If after drying the carpet appears stiff, vacuum again or brush it gently to make it recover its original softness.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Stains
Step 1. Prevent stains from setting by treating them immediately
Blot the carpet with a towel to absorb the water. Rubbing it will only make the situation worse, so it's important to soak up the patch by dabbing the surface.
- Sprinkle the moistened area with a generous amount of baking soda.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum it.
Step 2. Treat stains with diluted vinegar solution
Mix ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap, 2 glasses of water and ½ cup of white vinegar in a bowl. Rub the solution with a clean sponge or towel.
- If the rug is long pile or textured, gently scrub it to keep the original look.
- Test a small area of the carpet to see how it reacts to the cleaner.
- To treat stains or clean a wool carpet, avoid washing powders, alkaline detergents (including sodium carbonate), oxygen-based or hydrogen peroxide-based detergents and bleach in principle.
Step 3. Blot the affected area with a clean towel
Place the towel on the surface and apply your entire weight to various areas with your hands to absorb as much liquid as possible from the carpet. Repeat the movement on different parts of the towel until the stain is almost completely dry.
Step 4. Lift the damp part by placing it on a piece of furniture, in this way the fibers can breathe both above and below, also if the stain has penetrated into the carpet, you will have access to the points that have become dirty
Turn on a radiator or fan to speed up drying.
Part 3 of 3: Maintenance of a Wool Rug
Step 1. Wash and clean it as needed
This operation must be done once a year or less often, it all depends on where the carpet is located in the house. Professional cleaning is recommended, but as demonstrated above, you can take care of it yourself.
To examine how dirty the carpet is, lift a corner and slam it on the back. If any residues of dirt come out, it should be cleaned, otherwise it is not necessary
Step 2. Vacuum regularly, which allows you to keep it clean between washes
It is essential to keep the dirt and dust caused by daily foot traffic under control.
- After purchasing the carpet, vacuum at least 2-3 times a week for a year. Use it once a week on the most trampled areas. Spend it every 2 months on old carpets and less trampled areas.
- Do not use accessories such as brushes or carpet cleaners: limited to the suction nozzle.
Step 3. Rotate the carpet every 6-12 months so that the various areas will be walked on evenly
Wool rugs should be rotated periodically at an angle of 180 ° to counteract trampling marks.
Step 4. Limit the reception of sunlight
Reduce the light in sunny rooms by lowering the blinds or using blackout curtains. Apply UV filters to the windows to prevent the fibers from weakening and the wool from drying out.
Warnings
- Do not use vacuum cleaner accessories such as brushes or carpet cleaners, so as not to damage the carpet during the cleaning and maintenance process.
- Do not use oxygen-based detergents, otherwise you will ruin the natural texture of the wool.
