Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Wool Rugs
http://www.irepairedit.com/articles/5275/1/Dos-and-Donts-of-Cleaning-Wool-Rugs/Page1.html
By Colin Chadwick
Published on 03/18/2009
Wool rugs are terrific choices for decorating the interior of a home Many people choose wool rugs for their healthful properties
Wool rugs are terrific choices for decorating the interior of a home. Many people choose wool rugs for their healthful properties. They are seen as healthful options because they don’t accumulate dust or hold dirt particles or other contaminants within their fibres. Regular vacuuming will easily collect the small particles that are there. Wool rugs, due to the make-up of their natural fibres, are not attractants for dust or bacteria. Wool rugs are also flame-retardant; they will not burn or flame up so they are safe for the entire family.
Do vacuum your wool rug regularly as this can remove many little particles from various substances that tend to get tracked across the rug. Regular vacuuming with a quality vacuum cleaner can help the appearance of your wool rug and ensure it lasts a good, long time. Experts recommend vacuuming your wool rug between two and three times per week for the first year of use. Your wool rug will “fuzz up” and this is perfectly natural. However, vacuuming the “fuzz” away is a normal part of cleaning and is good for the rug.
Do work rapidly to blot up a spill or stain if one occurs. Gently blot and absorb as much liquid as possible. Use a white wash cloth or paper towel to blot the area. Only use once; rinse the cloth to re-use and throw the used paper towels away and get new ones. Don’t take a chance on putting any part of the stain back onto the rug.
Do use mild soap and minimal water to clean stain after the majority of it has been blotted up. You do not want an excess amount of moisture to remain in the rug.
Do steam clean your wool rug if the stain or spill is stubborn or resistant to your first efforts. If you are concerned in the slightest about the care that you can give your wool rug, do call a professional and let them handle it. As far as steam cleaning is concerned, you don’t want to get too much soap or too much water soaked into your wool rug. It is better to be safe than sorry and call a professional to handle it.
Do call a professional if your wool rug gets heavily stained or spotted where a standard method of cleaning just won’t do the trick.
Don’t use oxygen cleaners on wool products. Oxygen-cleaning products are touted as environmentally friendly, and while they may work well on synthetic fibres, they are not to be used on wool fibres. The problem with wool and these types of cleaners is the fact that most of them combine to form oxygen, soda ash, and hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Soda ash is also known as sodium carbonate and it is alkaline, which can damage a wool rug.
Don’t use excessive heat to clean wool fibres as high temperatures can do severe damage to your wool rug.
Don’t use dry powder cleaners with deep pile or plush rugs, as the powder particles can easily get lost or “stuck” in the rug and “gum” or “ball” up. Deodorizers and cleaners that use powder can cause what the experts call “pilling.” Pilling is where fibres can get entangled and intertwined with one another.
Don’t use laundry detergent to clean your wool rug; it is too harsh.
Overall, cleaning wool rugs is relatively simple, and they are pretty durable and sturdy. You will find they are well worth your time and investment. They provide many benefits and can be easily maintained.
Do vacuum your wool rug regularly as this can remove many little particles from various substances that tend to get tracked across the rug. Regular vacuuming with a quality vacuum cleaner can help the appearance of your wool rug and ensure it lasts a good, long time. Experts recommend vacuuming your wool rug between two and three times per week for the first year of use. Your wool rug will “fuzz up” and this is perfectly natural. However, vacuuming the “fuzz” away is a normal part of cleaning and is good for the rug.
Do work rapidly to blot up a spill or stain if one occurs. Gently blot and absorb as much liquid as possible. Use a white wash cloth or paper towel to blot the area. Only use once; rinse the cloth to re-use and throw the used paper towels away and get new ones. Don’t take a chance on putting any part of the stain back onto the rug.
Do use mild soap and minimal water to clean stain after the majority of it has been blotted up. You do not want an excess amount of moisture to remain in the rug.
Do steam clean your wool rug if the stain or spill is stubborn or resistant to your first efforts. If you are concerned in the slightest about the care that you can give your wool rug, do call a professional and let them handle it. As far as steam cleaning is concerned, you don’t want to get too much soap or too much water soaked into your wool rug. It is better to be safe than sorry and call a professional to handle it.
Do call a professional if your wool rug gets heavily stained or spotted where a standard method of cleaning just won’t do the trick.
Don’t use oxygen cleaners on wool products. Oxygen-cleaning products are touted as environmentally friendly, and while they may work well on synthetic fibres, they are not to be used on wool fibres. The problem with wool and these types of cleaners is the fact that most of them combine to form oxygen, soda ash, and hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Soda ash is also known as sodium carbonate and it is alkaline, which can damage a wool rug.
Don’t use excessive heat to clean wool fibres as high temperatures can do severe damage to your wool rug.
Don’t use dry powder cleaners with deep pile or plush rugs, as the powder particles can easily get lost or “stuck” in the rug and “gum” or “ball” up. Deodorizers and cleaners that use powder can cause what the experts call “pilling.” Pilling is where fibres can get entangled and intertwined with one another.
Don’t use laundry detergent to clean your wool rug; it is too harsh.
Overall, cleaning wool rugs is relatively simple, and they are pretty durable and sturdy. You will find they are well worth your time and investment. They provide many benefits and can be easily maintained.