Wool Rug Cleaning Tips
November 25, 2014 05:31:21pm
Experts in the rug industry agree that wool is one of the best fibers to use in flooring. This natural fiber is flexible and soft, makes luxurious flooring, and even provides natural insulation. At the same time, it is durable and resists stains and dirt better than some other natural fibers. It may cost more than rugs of synthetic fiber, but a wool rug is a treasure worth investing in. When cared for properly, wool rugs last for decades and can become family heirlooms. Routine cleaning is an important way to protect your investment, and will not only keep your rug looking tidy, but will also extend its life. Between cleanings, however, stains can appear, and dirt and dust can build up. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help keep your wool rugs looking their best!
Tips For Keeping Your Wool Rug Clean
1. When it comes to stain removal, quickness is key. In fact, the most effective thing you can do when a stain appears is to act quickly. Collect or scrape up any solids, and immediately blot any liquids. Many rugs are chemically treated to be more resistant to stains, in which case you’ll have more time to act. However, the longer a stain sits on a rug, the longer it has to soak in and settle and therefore be troublesome to get out.
2. Regular vacuuming will keep your wool rug looking great. Dry and loose dirt and debris should be vacuumed regularly to prevent it from settling deep into the fibers of the carpet. We recommend vacuuming all rugs once per month, and high traffic areas a minimum of once per week.
3. Adopting a “no shoes indoors” rule helps save your wool rugs from damage, and also goes far in keeping rugs clean. The hard soles or high heels on shoes can cause rugs to tear or prematurely wear, and shoes track dust and dirt inside where it can get trapped in your rugs.
4. What NOT to do: The following items will damage wool rugs.
– No scrubbing, as this motion will cause the surface of your wool rug to get fuzzy. Rather, blot the affected area with a paper towel or white rag.
– No steam cleaning wool rugs, or even using very hot water on them. Hot water can cause the rugs to shrink or warp, and can cause colors in the rug to bleed,, so keep water under 150 degrees Fahrenheit during cleaning.
– No abrasive cleaners should be used on your wool rug. Wool fibers are sensitive and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals. Look for a cleaner that has a pH level between 5 and 8.
Common Stains And Their Treatments
No carpet is completely resistant to stain. Fortunately, however, most common stains can be treated with household items and simple homemade cleaning solutions. However, every rug is different and these cleaning processes may not be suitable for your rug. Be sure to test your process in an inconspicuous area on the rug to make sure that you won’t experience color loss or any other distortion of the appearance of the rug.
– Blood: Blot with cold water, then use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of cold water. Continue rinsing with cold water until removed completely.
– Butter: First, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores). When the area has dried, use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
– Coffee: Blot with cold water, then use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water. When the area has dried, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores).
– Gum: Prepare a plastic bag full of ice cubes and hold the bag over the stain. When the stain has solidified, scrape or pick it off and vacuum the area. If needed, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores).
– Ink (ballpoint pen): First, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores). When the area has dried, use a clear acetone-based nail polish remover on the area. When that has dried, use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
– Juice: Blot with cold water, then use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
– Ketchup: Blot with warm water, then use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
– Lipstick: First, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores). When the area has dried, use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
– Milk: Blot with warm water. When the area has dried, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores). Finally, use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
– Oil (cooking): First, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores). When the area has dried, use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
– Urine: Blot with cold water, then use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of cold water. Continue rinsing with cold water until removed completely. *For older urine stains, add one final step: Use a vinegar solution of ⅓ cup of white vinegar mixed with ⅔ cup of water.
– Vomit: Use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of cold water.
– Wax (candle): Prepare a plastic bag full of ice cubes and hold the bag over the stain. When the stain has solidified, scrape or pick it off and vacuum the area. If needed, apply a dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery stores and hardware stores).
– Wine: First, apply a rust remover solution (available at grocery stores and hardware stores). When the area has dried, blot it with cold water and use a detergent solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing fluid mixed with 1 cup of warm water.
You may feel hesitant to treat a stain that occurs in your wool rug, or worried that you will cause more damage than good. You may also have a stain that is old or has had time to settle into the fibers of your wool rug and you’re not sure how to remove it. The best professional rug cleaning companies have the tools, cleaning solutions, and expertise to clean any type of stain or spot. For example, wax removal, even when using the above tip, can be a difficult do-it-yourself project. But for a professional rug cleaner, this is an easy task. Save yourself the hassle and avoid the worry and just call in the rug cleaning professionals!
Jacksonville’s Best Professional Rug Cleaning Service
RugPro Oriental Rug Cleaning is the best professional rug cleaning company in Jacksonville, Florida. With an eye for detail and commitment to quality, we pride ourselves in offering the most thorough rug cleaning available. Our highly trained technicians have treated nearly every type of stain on any type of rug, using the best cleaning solutions and tools in the industry. We offer deep cleaning for stubborn stains and highly soiled rugs, and offer routine cleaning to keep your rugs looking their best throughout the year. Customers throughout Northeast Florida trust us with their treasured wool rugs. Call us today and let us give your favorite rug the cleaning it deserves!
