Wool rugs are made from thick fibers that collect a lot of dust over time.
They also shed quite a bit, which can lead to a mess of fibers and dirt in your home.
Here’s Why Wool Rugs get Dirty:
Wool rugs are naturally thick and fuzzy. They collect more dirt and dust compared to other types of rugs. Wool rugs have absorbent fibers, and dirt and stains get stuck in these fibers. They also shed a lot, which adds to the dirt. The fuzzier the wool rug is, the more easily it gets dirty.
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How Hard Are Wool Rugs To Keep Clean?
Compared to other rugs, especially synthetic ones, wool rugs require a bit more work to maintain.
They can be very valuable, so they should be regularly cleaned and maintained to tip-top shape.
Wool rugs need a lot of maintenance. They also must be professionally cleaned by rug cleaners now and then.
The rug cleaners must be very experienced with cleaning wool rugs to be thoroughly cleaned without the risk of being damaged.
Because wool rugs are made of natural fibers, they might shrink when they are not maintained well. While they need a lot of maintenance, they are not that hard to clean.
The fibers of wool rugs are very durable and can withstand a lot of pressure. You do not need delicate hands when cleaning these rugs.
Do Wool Rugs Require More Cleaning Than Other Rugs?
Because wool rugs are naturally thick and fuzzy, they require more cleaning than other rugs.
If you compare the fibers of wool rugs to synthetic fibers, the latter are more resistant to stain.
Wool rugs do not repel stains as well as synthetic fiber rugs. Wool rugs also tend to shed a lot.
There are the reasons why wool rugs need more cleaning than other types of rugs.
Does Dirt Show More On Wool Rugs?
Whether dirt shows more on wool rugs mostly depends on the rug’s colors.
A wool rug with lighter and more subtle colors displays more dirt. Stains, especially colored ones, are more visible on wool rugs in lighter colors.
Wool rugs that come in dark colors do not show as much dirt. While this can be a good thing, there is also a slight drawback.
Because dark-colored wool rugs do not show dirt more, it can be hard to tell if they are really dirty or not.
What Are The Easiest Wool Rugs To Keep Clean?
Most wool rugs are easy to keep clean. While they do need some regular maintenance, it does not take up much time.
Regular vacuuming, rotating your rug, and shaking them should keep them clean.
When stains or spills happen, you need to spot clean immediately so they do not settle deep in the fibers.
Then you can have them professionally cleaned every once in a while so any deep-seated dirt or stain is removed thoroughly. Having your wool rugs professionally cleaned is a way of making them look and feel fresh again.
How Often Should You Clean Wool Rugs?
Wool rugs can be valuable and extremely durable to last for generations.
If they are maintained well, they can even last for a lifetime.
When it comes to cleaning, they are not that hard to clean. You only need to vacuum them regularly, around twice or thrice a week, and then have them professionally cleaned once a year.
In spills or liquid stains, you need to spot clean your wool rug as it happens. This is to prevent the stain from sitting deep in the fibers.
What Is The Best Way To Clean The Dirt Of Wool Rugs?
If your wool rug has deep-seated dirt or stains, this is how you can clean them.
You need to have a clean white cloth, a detergent that you can use for rugs, and a brush:
- Blot off any excess liquid with a dry and clean white cloth if the stain is from a spill. Do not rub, as this will cause the stain to spread instead of keeping them in one area.
- Then take your detergent. Mix it with water if needed or prescribed. Apply the detergent to the area with the stain.
- Lightly scrub until the stain is gone. Add more detergent if needed.
- Rinse off the suds with water.
- Take another clean white cloth or paper towel, and blot any excess water.
- Let it air dry.
For regular maintenance of your wool rugs to keep them clean and help make them last longer, here are the things that you can do.
Vacuum wool rugs regularly
Regularly vacuuming your wool rugs would help keep them clean. Vacuum them twice or three times a week to keep dust and dirt off your rug.
Vacuuming will also help minimize the shedding of the rug, thus minimizing the dirt.
Shake the wool rugs now and then
If you can, take them outside and shake them every once.
This will remove any loose dust or dirt particles on the rug and help keep them clean.
Shaking them would also remove the loose fibers that come from the shedding.
Rotate wool rugs
Rotating your rugs every six months or so would wear them out evenly.
This helps also helps maintain your rug, so it stays fresh and clean.
Spot clean stains as they happen
When something spills on your wool rug, spot clean them right away.
This will prevent the stain from digging deep into the fibers of your rug.
You can find the step-by-step spot cleaning process above.
Have your wool rugs professionally cleaned
As long as your wool rugs are well-maintained, you only need to have them cleaned professionally once a year.
Many places offer professional cleaning for rugs, and these places are the best to go to because they can thoroughly clean your rug without damaging them.
Professional cleaning would refresh your rug and keep it looking great.
What Color Should You Choose For A Clean Look?
When buying wool rugs, it is always best to go for ones that come in subtle colors if you want a clean look.
Wool rugs are often dyed to get different designs and patterns. Thus they can be prone to fading.
This is why it is best to get a wool rug in a subtle color. So that when they fade, it is not as noticeable. You always have to consider or think about what the rug will look like when they fade.
While wool rugs can be high maintenance because they tend to get dirty more easily, it is not that hard to clean them.
While they need cleaning more frequently than other rugs, it can be worth it as wool rugs are valuable and can last a lifetime.
Sources:
All About Wool Carpet And Rug Fibers