Cleaning Wool Rugs
Wool rugs can enhance the visual appeal of the interior decoration of your house manifolds. People prefer them not just because they look beautiful but also for the soft texture of its natural fibers and high durability. Moreover, they are healthy for use in homes as the naturally occurring fibers do not attract or accumulate harmful bacteria. On regular use, wool rugs are exposed to dirt, dust and sand particles carried by heavy foot traffic. Then they get stains and liquid spills as well. As result, its appearance becomes dull. In this condition, the only way to get back its attractive look is by cleaning wool rugs.
How to Clean Wool Rugs
The cleaning techniques that we are discussing here is for small and medium size wool rugs. Large sized rugs are difficult to handle at home and should be cleaned by professionals only. Here are a few simple methods to clean up wool rugs:
Vacuum Cleaning: To get rid of regular dirt and dust from the rugs, vacuum cleaning is the best way to clean wool rugs. It can easily remove all the small particles of dust and debris trapped in the fabric. To begin with, take it outdoors and shake it vigorously so that the loose dust particles fall off. Use a good quality vacuum cleaner with rotating beater bar attached to it. Make sure you vacuum clean both sides of the rugs. Ideally, a wool rug needs thorough vacuuming two to three times in a week.
Cleaning Liquid Spills: When you have liquid spills on your wool rugs, then you must act immediately so that the stain does not get the scope to set into the fibers. Blot out maximum amount of liquid with the help of dry paper towels. While absorbing the liquid, do not rub the surface of the rug as it can badly damage the fibers. Once all the liquid is soaked up and the rug is dry, clean the spot left behind with the help of a spot remover which is suitable for wool. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to test the spot remover on one hidden corner of the rug and then use it on the visible part. Start applying it from the outer edge of the spot and then move inwards. This will prevent any further spreading of the spot.
Cleaning Stains: Solid stains on wool rugs left behind by foodstuff, ink, paint, etc. is quite common particularly if you have small children in your homes. Firstly, scrape out the solid residues with the help of a spoon. Then prepare a homemade cleaning solution by mixing up one-fourth cup of pure white vinegar and one teaspoon of mild liquid dishwashing soap in two cups of tepid water. Apply this solution for stain removal using a sponge but do not try to scrub the rug. Take another clean sponge to apply water on the spot to wash off the solution. Finally, it should be dried completely by soaking up all the water with dry paper towels.
Washing Wool Rugs: Thorough washing of the whole wool rug is possible but it needs a lot of time. So, take up the task when you have enough time at your hand. The best place to clean a wool carpet is an open area like patio. Place it on a flat surface. To begin with, wet the rug properly with a garden hose. Add two tablespoons of mild liquid dishwashing soap in a bucket of water and apply it all over the rug. Dip a clean sponge in the soap water and press it on those dirty spots which need special attention. Rinse off the soap thoroughly with clean water. Then roll up the wet rug in dry towels so that the excess water gets drained out of it. Finally, place it on a flat, dry surface in a shaded area for air drying. The rug should not remain wet for a long time as it can promote growth of bacteria. For faster drying of the rug, you can use a wet vacuum for sucking up the water from it.
These are the procedures available with you for cleaning wool rugs. Before you start your rug carpet cleaning, you must go through the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturers and follow them strictly. If it has been instructed it should be dry cleaned by professionals only, then you must send your wool rugs for the same once in a year in order to keep your favorite rug in good shape.
