Splurging on a wool carpet is a fine investment; you get to show off and enjoy its perks daily. The wool carpets’ longevity, visual appeal, and comfort make them amazing complementary decor for any home. 

However, the fact that wool carpets are more expensive than other fabrics makes them that much more “high maintenance.” When it comes to the age-old question of “How to clean a wool carpet, you might stumble upon a lot of advice, but not all of them will work.

So, join us as we reveal all there is about wool carpets and maintenance. In addition, we’ll discuss the importance of professional wool carpet cleaning, so stay tuned.

Main Features of Wool Carpets

Wool carpets are like cozy clouds under your feet, combining comfort and style. Wool has a natural inclination for absorbing and neutralizing odors, leaving your space smelling fresh. So, whether you have a playful pet or enjoy hosting gatherings, wool carpets are a smart choice for soft, stain-resistant, and odor-free flooring decor.

Some of the most notable features of wool carpets include the following:

• They are natural and sustainable;
• Wool carpets are durable and resilient;
• They are great insulators;
• Wool fibers are stain and soil-resistant, etc.

Wool Carpet Cleaning: Comprehensive Guide

Cleaning a wool carpet is a tad different than cleaning a standard carpet. Here are some steps to take to ensure you are not damaging the delicate nature of the carpet as you clean it.

First, Shake Off the Dirt

Hang your wool carpet outside over a clothesline or railing, or spread it onto two chairs. Get a broom, a tennis racket, or a good ol’ rug beater to get rid of the latched dirt. 

Pound the carpet well until you can’t see dirt clouds rising. 

Next, Vacuum It

After you have shaken the dirt off the carpet, it’s time to vacuum it. Start by spreading the carpet on a flat surface, like your patio, garage, or any outdoor spot, to prevent dust particles from circulating indoors.

Spread the carpet with the wrong side up and start with that. Vacuum it thoroughly and then turn it over and vacuum the other side. 

Mix a Gentle Detergent Solution

When cleaning your wool rug, it’s important to use a gentle detergent like Woolite (a solid wool carpet cleaner!) to ensure it stays safe and undamaged. Here are the steps to follow:

• Fill a large bucket with cool water.
• Add one to two tablespoons of your gentle detergent or your own homemade wool wash.
• Mix the solution well.
• Fill a second bucket with clean, cool water.

Get Scrubbin’ But Do It Gently

To start cleaning your wool rug, dip a sponge into the cleaning solution and begin sponging at one end of the rug. Remember to work in a grid of about 3 feet by 3 feet, applying gentle pressure as you sponge on the cleaning solution.

Make sure to rinse out the sponge frequently as soil transfers from the rug. Be careful not to over-wet the fibers, as wool is very absorbent and can take a long time to dry. Once you’ve finished cleaning the rug, allow ample time for it to air dry completely before using it again.

It’s Time to Dab and Blot

After cleaning, it’s important to rinse the area to remove any residual detergent. Simply dip a clean sponge in fresh water and dab it in each section you’ve cleaned. Don’t skip this step because any leftover detergent in the fibers can actually attract more dirt, undoing all your hard work. By rinsing carefully, you’ll ensure that your wool rug stays clean and stain-free for longer periods.

Next, blot the area you have cleaned with some old towels to get any excess moisture absorbed. Work in sections until you’ve covered the entire surface of the carpet. 

Let the Wool Carpet Dry Off

It’s important to let your wool rug dry completely before putting it back on the rug pad. To speed up the drying process, you can hang the rug or elevate it to improve air circulation.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a carpet cleaner on wool carpets to remove moisture. Just use the machine on a vacuum-only setting without applying any cleaning solution. Then, hang the rug until it’s completely dry.

☑️ A Handy Tip!

Besides using commercial-grade wool-washing detergents, you can also clean your wool carpet with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Rest assured, baking soda is perfectly safe for wool fibers; plus, it’s a great absorbent of excess moisture. If you decide to try this wool-washing method, you’ll really be getting the best of baking soda’s moisture-absorbent qualities for a fast refresh, while the vinegar deodorizes common odors like pet urine, tobacco smell, and so on. 

The Advantages of Professional Wool Carpet Cleaning

Professional cleaning is essential to keeping your wool carpets looking good as new while improving their lifespan. Although routine cleaning can rid your rug of dirt and other surface-level debris, the advantages of professional cleaning are manifold:

• Deep cleaning is where professionals really stand out. With the right knowledge and equipment, they can eliminate pollutants, germs, and dirt from the deepest crevices of your carpet, leaving it clean from the inside out.

• Stubborn stains can be a nightmare to remove, and you may have attempted it yourself. But with their expertise, professional cleaners have particular tools and chemicals that can effectively remove stains that simple home remedies cannot.

• A well-cleaned rug would last longer. Professional cleaning eliminates the debris and contaminants that damage the carpet fibers, helping keep the rug in good shape and delaying the need for replacing it. And investing in a regular professional cleaning schedule can help you save money over time by avoiding frequent replacements.

Have you gone online searching for “Wool carpet cleaning near me”? You found your best hit! Carpet Advisors has a directory of the professional cleaning for your wool carpets. Our team of finds the best companies, experienced and skilled professionals to guarantee that your carpets are thoroughly cleaned without damaging any fibers. 

Feel free to get in touch with us, and rest assured your delicate carpets are handled by professionals. 

How Often Should Wool Carpets Be Cleaned

In general, wool carpets are best handled by professional cleaning services once a year, sometimes twice per year, if the carpet’s seen a lot of foot traffic. Moreover, carpet cleaning experts suggest wool carpets be deep cleaned every 2 to 3 years, even with regular maintenance in place. 

Besides the fact that wool carpets and rugs are more sanitary than standard carpets, they can still accumulate dust and bacteria, especially if placed in a room frequented by many people. 

Final Remarks on Cleaning a Wool Carpet

From knowing the benefits of owning a wool carpet to understanding that professional cleaning might be the only right solution for its maintenance, cleaning wool carpet requires gentle care and specialized techniques to preserve its natural beauty and longevity.

If you’re willing to clean your wool carpet yourself, know that there are a few steps to guide you along the way, like the fact that you should first pound the carpet to get rid of dust and all the way to vacuuming and blotting. 

If you’ve invested in a wool carpet, it’s only logical to maintain it in the best way possible, right?

FAQs

How long does it take a wool carpet to dry after cleaning?

Typically, wool carpets can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours to dry fully. It’s important to ensure proper ventilation in the room, and using fans or dehumidifiers can help speed up the drying process.

Will hydrogen peroxide ruin wool carpets?

If used in rather high concentrations or left on the carpet longer than recommended, yes, hydrogen peroxide can ruin a wool carpet. 

Do wool carpets mold?

Yes, just like any other type of carpet, wool carpets can develop mold, especially if exposed to moisture and poor airflow. To prevent your wool carpet from molding, soak up any spills immediately and dry the area thoroughly. Maintaining proper ventilation, regularly cleaning, and keeping indoor humidity at an appropriate level is also important.

How do you make wool carpets look new?

Keep a solid cleaning routine by vacuuming regularly, dealing with spills right away, and spot-clean your wool carpet by using a mild carpet cleaner specifically formulated for wool carpets, and keep it away from direct sunshine, etc.