The Ultimate Guide to Wool Rug Cleaning: Tips and Tricks

Rugs can be one of your home’s most expensive and cherished pieces of décor. And when it comes to rugs, wool is king in terms of luxury, warmth, and durability. However, as durable as wool is, wool rugs still require regular care and wool rug cleaning to look their best and extend their lifespan.

Wool has natural dirt and stain-resistant properties thanks to the outer layer of scales that cause liquids to bead up on the surface rather than seep in. However, oil and dirt will still slowly build up on wool rugs, dulling the colors. The pressure from constant foot traffic can also crush and melt the wool fibers. That’s why it’s essential to routinely clean wool rugs.

When it comes time for wool rug cleaning, you have options depending on your budget and convenience. Some choose professional rug cleaning, while others clean wool rugs at home. Below, you’ll learn the ins and outs of both methods. Discover tips for preparing wool rugs for cleaning, how to deep clean stubborn stains, the best way to dry wool rugs, whether it’s safe to machine wash wool area rugs, and more so you can keep your wool investment looking luxurious for years.

Should You Professionally Clean Wool Rugs?

Calling in the pros to handle your wool rug cleaning has its perks. Professional rug cleaners have industrial equipment, potent cleaning agents, and the skills to thoroughly clean all types of rugs. When it comes to wool, they know the proper methods, temperatures, detergents, and safe drying techniques for the fibers.

The two leading professional wool rug cleaning methods are steam/hot water extraction and dry cleaning. With hot water extraction, your rug will be pretreated with a wool-safe cleaner and then rinsed with pressurized hot water to dislodge embedded dirt. Powerful suction immediately extracts out the dirty solution. Your rug will then be pH-balanced and deodorized.

Dry cleaning involves submerging the wool rug in an organic cleaning solvent. The agitation loosens dirt while the solvent chemistry safely dissolves residues. It’s then flushed, extracted, and dried. Dry cleaning is gentler, with less risk of shrinkage or color bleeding.

Pros certainly know what they’re doing regarding wool rug cleaning. However, professional services come at a steep price. Large wool rugs can cost over $100+ for a basic cleaning. You’ll also likely have to schedule services around their availability and then go without your wig for days to upwards of a week.

Cleaning Wool Rugs at Home

Professional cleaning costs and wait times steer many homeowners towards home wool rug cleaning. You can achieve outstanding results cleaning wool yourself when armed with the proper techniques and products.

However, it is crucial to understand wool’s characteristics during cleaning, or you risk damaging this luxurious fiber. Never machine wash or steam clean wool at home as the agitation and high heat can feel and shrink the rug. Always thoroughly read product labels and never use any detergent, cleaner, spot remover, or enzymatic cleaner that isn’t specifically wool-safe.

Follow the tips below for safe, effective DIY wool rug cleaning in your home.

Preparing Wool Rugs for Cleaning

Before wet cleaning a wool rug, prep is required, whether it’s your first time cleaning the carpet or a routine refresh. Thoroughly vacuuming both sides is step one. Go slowly and methodically to lift and remove dried-on dirt and surface debris. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and edges.

Next, address any visible stains. Blot liquid spills right away with an absorbent cloth. Use a wool-safe spot cleaner paired with the blotting technique for dried stains. Never scrub wool fibers aggressively, as this can cause damage. Tamp the area instead using light pressure.

For older, neglected wool rugs with dingy surfaces and set-in stains, a pre-treatment can help loosen up and dissolve built-up grime, so it’s easier to remove during cleaning. Find a pre-spray made for use on wool fabrics. Vacuum again after pretreating, and then you’re ready for a complete cleaning.

Cleaning Solutions for Wool Rugs

Always check that any rug cleaning product specifically states that it is safe for use on wool. Some options include:

• Wool cleaning shampoo
• Liquid wool detergent
• Wool stain removers
• Wool carpet foams
• pet-safe cleaners for stains and odors

Avoid using everyday household cleaners like dish soap, laundry detergents, carpet cleaners, bath soaps, vinegar, ammonia, or general stain removers. These can strip the wool’s lanolin oils or leave unsightly soap residue. Wool fibers are also pH-sensitive, so neutral-balanced cleaners are best.

DIY Wool Rug Cleaning Techniques

Safe, effective at-home wool rug cleaning boils down to two essential techniques – surface cleaning for a quick refresh between deeper cleanings and absorption method cleaning for periodic deep cleaning wool rugs.

Surface Cleaning Wool Rugs Let’s start with surface cleaning, as this can be done anytime your wool rug needs a refresh. Surface cleaning keeps wool rugs looking cleaner between periodic deep cleanings. It removes recent stains or spills and clears away tracked-in surface dirt.

For surface cleaning wool area rugs, combine an approved wool cleaner (foam, liquid concentrate, spray, etc.) with cool water in a bucket per label directions. Use a soft bristle brush to work in, not scrub gently, the solution over the entire rug. Avoid excessive saturating. Work small sections at a time. Let it dwell briefly so the cleaning agents can break down the soil. Then, use absorbent, lint-free white cloths to blot and lift dirt from the wool. Rinse the same section with a material lightly moistened with plain water and blot dry. Check for stain removal and re-clean spots before moving to the next area.

Allow your wool rug to air dry completely before walking on it. Never place damp wool rugs directly on hard floors or expose them to direct sunlight, which can cause color fading. Dry flat if possible or carefully drape over a furniture piece or railing. Placing a few towels underneath to wick moisture is recommended.

Absorption Method for Deep Cleaning Wool Rugs The absorption method is ideal for periodic deep cleaning of wool area rugs in the home. It lets you thoroughly clean without excess waterlogging into the rug backing or wool fibers, preventing mold issues or shrinkage.

Place your thoroughly vacuumed rug on a tarp or plastic sheeting for this DIY wool rug cleaning technique. Mix your chosen wool cleaner (foam, shampoo, etc.) with warm water per label instructions. Apply the solution over small sections of the rug pile using a soft bristle brush, sponge, or microfiber mop head. Gently work it in, but don’t aggressively scrub. Allow a short dwell time.

Next, place absorbent white cotton towels over the sudsy areas. Lightly step or press across the towels to transfer soil from the rug onto the towels. Use enough fresh towels to absorb all the moisture and foam residue. Then, use another towel barely moist with plain water to rinse and remove cleaning solution remnants before moving on to the adjoining section.

Check that no soap residue remains and all stains have lifted after drying. If any areas need more attention, spot clean again. Once satisfied with the results, finish by completely air-drying your freshly cleaned wool rug.

As you can see, there are easy, affordable ways to keep your wool investment looking luxuriously clean while avoiding damage. Follow the recommendations above for safe wool rug cleaning that retains the beauty and extends the lifespan of your prized wool area rugs for years of enjoyment. Consult a professional rug cleaning service for periodic deep cleaning if needed, but otherwise, handle light cleanings and spills properly at home.