Wool rugs have always been one of the most popular kinds of rug there are in the market and they have prospered from the start. Wool is stronger than any other type of fiber, it is easy to maintain, comfortable and with high quality, smooth surface that is easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner as well as dry mop. This type of material is great for softening pathway and kitchen or dining room floors because it does not scratch your floor or leave markings on your laminate wooden flooring. Here are some tips on how you can clean a wool rug yourself without having to bring it in to a professional cleaner.
Treat Stains Immediately
The longer you wait to treat a stain, the harder it will be to get out. The first thing you need to do if you see a stain is act quickly. Spray the area with water and blot it with a towel until the stain starts to fade away. Then take a white cloth, dip it into plain cold water, and dab at the cloth until the stain disappears completely. Do not use any type of soap on the stain because this will set it instead of removing it.
If you cannot remove the stain completely, mix 1 part vinegar with 10 parts water and apply it to the stained area with a sponge. Blot lightly until most of the liquid is removed and then vacuum up the rest.
Examine Your Rug
The first step in cleaning your rug is knowing what kind of rug you have. Most rugs today are made of synthetic materials such as nylon and polypropylene. These synthetic fibers come in different textures, thicknesses and colors. Knowing the kind of material you have will help you know how to take care of it.
If your rug is synthetic, it can get wet without being damaged or ruined since it’s man-made fibers. On the other hand, if you have a natural fiber rug like wool, chenille or silk, it will not withstand water exposure that well so make sure to avoid wetting it in the first place.
Use white vinegar for fresh stains
If your rug is already dry, you can use white vinegar to remove fresh stains. Simply apply it directly over your rug, wait 20 minutes and then wash up with cold water. If some stains still remain, repeat this process again.
Vacuum the Wool Rug
When you vacuum the rug, use a brush-roll attachment. This will dislodge dirt that may have become trapped in the pile of your rug. Always be careful when vacuuming a wool rug, as the bristles on your vacuum will damage or pull out the fibers in your rug. Some areas of your rug may have stains that need to be removed. To remove these stains try using vinegar with water and blotting with an old towel. Use this mixture sparingly since too much can damage your carpet fibers.
To deodorize and freshen your wool rugs sprinkle baking soda over each area of the rug and let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. If you like, you can also add a few drops of lemon essential oil to help eliminate odors from pets or smoking.