How to Clean Your Wool Rug [A Complete Guide]


Wool rugs are an excellent investment:

They are durable and high-quality enough to last a lifetime. For most people, though, learning how to clean a wool rug involves a learning curve.

Fortunately, its far from impossible.

In this post, well discuss what you need to know about regular maintenance for your wool rug, and how to keep it beautiful and clean for years to come.

How to Clean a Wool Rug at Home

For the most part, cleaning your wool rug is just like cleaning any other carpet in your home.

The critical part is understanding the differences between wool rugs and synthetic rugs, which starts with the fibers.

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Wool fibers have more overlaps and grooves than synthetic fibers. This means they trap dirt quickly, and that theyll hold onto it unless you clean them regularly.

To keep your wool rug dirt-free, follow these preventative maintenance tips:

  • Beat the rug on nice days. At least once each spring, take the rug outside. Hang it over a deck railing and hit it with a rug beater, which you can pick up on Amazon or at a local wool rug store. This will dislodge fine particles and help the rug release dirt.
  • Vacuum the rug. For best results, flip the carpet over and vacuum the front and back sides. Run the vacuum in the direction of the nap to pick up as much dirt as possible. To keep the rug clean, vacuum the surface at least once a week.
  • Wash the rug fibers. Wool rugs benefit from washing. To wash your rug, pour a capful of Woolite into a bucket of cold water, and fill another bucket with plain cold water. Starting at one corner of the rug, sponge the cleaning solution in the direction of the fibers. Be mindful of how you wet the rug you want to dampen, not soak, the fibers. Once youve gone over the entire area, place a clean sponge in the bucket of cold water, and rinse the carpet. Finally, give the carpet a once-over with dry towels, which will absorb any leftover moisture. Allow the rug to dry thoroughly before walking on it again.

With the proper care, your wool rug will remain beautiful and fresh for years to come.

Simple things, like vacuuming the rug weekly, and washing and beating it at least once a year, will extend the lifespan of your rug.

When to Hire Professional Wool rug Cleaning Services

No matter how well you care for your rug, it will need the occasional deep cleaning.

This is especially true if you live in a house with lots of pet hair or people.

While professional deep cleaning is a good idea for every wool area rug, the frequency with which you should do it varies:

As a general rule, high-traffic rugs will benefit from cleaning a few times a year, while rugs in low-traffic areas will likely only need cleaning once a year.

If you have pets or kids, you can also find companies that will offer spot cleaning services, which resolve stains in the affected area.

If you have questions about how to maintain your wool rugs, contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba today. Our team specializes in professional wool rug cleaning services for homes and businesses in and around the Chicago area. Call today for a quote or to book your service.

How much does it cost to clean a wool rug?

The cost depends on the size and material of your rug. Contact our team today to get an exact price quote.

Can you steam clean a wool rug?

Yes, although it should be done by a professional. Wool rugs respond well to steam cleaning, but should not be soaked or washed in a washing machine.

Can you dry clean a wool rug?

Yes dry cleaning a wool rug is an excellent choice for households who have kids, pets, or allergy sufferers living in the home, as it removes allergens from the dense fibers of the rug, gets rid of stains, and helps the rug smell fresh.

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