Wool Rugs: How Hard Are They to Clean and Maintain?

The most beautiful and long-lasting area rugs are those made of wool. Wool takes dyes wonderfully and is slow to fade. But, if not properly cared for these rugs can lose their beauty to soil and stains. Improper cleaning can also damage the rug and make it wear out sooner than it should. Wool rugs are not that hard to clean and care for when the owner takes the time to learn the proper methods and cleaners to use.

Why Choose a Wool rug?

There are area rugs made of many different materials. The area rugs made of synthetic fibers are often lower priced and attractive. Wool area rugs are more expensive. Are they worth the extra investment? Many people think they are. When choosing wool rugs 8×10 size, buyers have many choices in color and pattern. There are also different grades of wool rugs and wool blend rugs at different price points. The benefits of choosing a good-quality 100% wool rug include:

100% Wool rugs have natural stain resistance
Wool takes dyes well allowing for intricate designs
Wool is a strong fiber and will have a long life if cared for properly.
Wool lends itself to many looks and styles.
100% wool rugs are soft to walk on

Cleaning and Caring For a Wool Rug

Though wool rugs are strong and naturally stain-resistant, they do get stains and soil build-up over time. If the soil is not removed from the rug, it can cause damage to the fibers. Regular vacuuming removes dirt and helps the rug look its best. When stains happen, spot cleaning is called for before the stain sets in. Then once a year a deep cleaning may be called for.

When cleaning a wool rug use this method.

If possible take the rug outside and shake it. Then, drape it over a railing, chair backs, or another sturdy raised surface and use something like a broom handle or rug beater to beat the rug and dislodge more soil.
Bring the rug back inside and vacuum both the front and back of the rug.
For rugs that are looking a little dingy but not deeply soiled, use a good dry shampoo according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use only products that list wool rugs. Apply the dry shampoo to the carpet and then work it in with a soft brush. Let the rug sit for the listed time and then vacuum the rug on both the front and the back.
If there are still stains on the area rug, spot-treat them with a wool rug-safe detergent. Apply the stain remover to a white cloth and dab the stain until it is removed. Do not scrub. Then wet a cloth with water and dab on the rug to remove the residue of detergent. Let the rug dry thoroughly before walking on it.

Ways to Avoid Wool Rugs Getting Stained and Soiled

The best way to avoid the need to shampoo wool rugs is to prevent them from getting dirty and stained. Keep dirty, wet shoes off the rug and treat any spills immediately before they have a chance to set in. Vacuum regularly so the soil does not build up. Rotate the rug every 6 months or so to allow even wear and tear. About once a year most rugs could use a more thorough cleaning. If the rug is quite valuable or if carpet shampooing is not something a person wants to do, hiring a professional rug cleaner is a good alternative.