Tools + Resources
How to clean a wool rug: Care, stain removal & what not to do
Made from sustainable, stain-resistant fibers that naturally deter germs, wool rugs are perfect for people who want to add long-lasting, low-maintenance accents to any room. If yours needs some TLC due to a spill or just regular use, our guide on how to clean a wool rug should help you keep it fresh and looking gorgeous for years to come!
How often should you clean wool rugs?
Depending on their level of use, it’s recommended that you clean your wool rugs about once per year. Though wool is known for its blemish resistance and germ-repelling properties, as with any rug, a wool rug can still get dirty with regular use.
When used to decorate an office, laundry rooms or other low-traffic parts of your home, some wool rugs can go longer between cleanings. On the flip side, you should clean wool rugs that get lots of foot traffic more often, especially if they’re near entrances where people are more likely to track dirt with their shoes.
What you’ll need
Ready to get started? Here are the tools and cleaning supplies you’ll need to get your wool rug looking good as new:
- Vacuum
- Brush, hand-size broom or rug beater
- Two buckets filled with cool water
- Wool-friendly detergent
- Two sponges
- Small, absorbent towel
- Distilled white vinegar
- Fan or clothesline
General wool rug cleaning instructions
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to get started! This section will outline a general process you can use for regular cleaning and maintenance for most wool rugs. These steps could vary depending on your unique piece, as is the case with all rugs, so be sure to check the tags for manufacturer recommendations first.
Step 1: Prepare your cleaning area
If possible, pick a warm, bright afternoon and take your rug outside for your cleaning session. No sun? No problem. Choose a room with moisture-resistant floors that’ll be easy to clean afterward.
Step 2: Shake, beat or vacuum out remaining dirt
Next, shake it out. For an area rug that’s too large or heavy to shake out effectively, hang it or drape it so you can beat the dirt out in sections. Finally, vacuum any remaining dirt using an open extension rather than a roller brush, which could catch on or damage the fibers.
Step 3: Mix & apply detergent
In one of the two water buckets, mix the detergent. If using a store-bought product, make sure it’s approved for use on wool, and then mix according to the instructions on the label. If using a homemade solution, research each ingredient carefully to ensure they’re safe to use on wool.
Step 4: Scrub, rinse & blot in sections
Using a sponge, apply small amounts of the cleaning solution in sections, wringing the sponge out regularly. Once you’ve cleaned the whole rug, rinse the cleaner out by going back with the second sponge and following the same process using the bucket of clean water. After rinsing, remove as much excess liquid as possible by blotting with a small towel.
During this step, be careful not to use too much liquid. The idea isn’t to soak the rug but to dampen it.
Step 5: Deodorize & air dry
Finally, hang or drape the rug in the sun (if outdoors!) or next to a fan. Optionally, you can apply a wool-friendly store-bought deodorizer or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Leave out until completely dry.
How to spot-clean a wool rug & remove stains
The most important thing you can do to remove a stain is act quickly and give it as little time as possible to set. Start by absorbing as much of the spill as you can with a towel or rag, taking care not to press the stain deeper into the fabric. Scrub gently with a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Finally, rinse out any remaining residue by blotting with a damp cloth.
If the stain remains, try coating with baking soda and spritzing with the vinegar solution. This will create a foaming reaction that can help release the stain. Once you’ve scrubbed it out, rinse with clean water and let it dry.
Remember that wool may be a resilient fiber, but many synthetic chemicals and cleaners can also damage it. Always check cleaning labels as well as rug tags for precautions and recommendations.
How to clean wool carpet
The wool carpet cleaning process is similar to the five-step process for a wool rug. However, since you can’t hang a wool carpet, air drying is less effective.
Below is a shortened list of steps for cleaning wool carpets. For a detailed run-down, see the steps above on rug cleaning.
- Start by vacuuming thoroughly.
- Using a sponge, scrub in your preferred wool-safe detergent in small sections.
- Rinse out the detergent using a second sponge and a bucket of clean water.
- Blot dry by using a towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Lightly spray a wool-safe deodorizer or 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water.
- Air dry using a fan or multiple fans for a large room. If possible, leave windows open to promote air circulation.
Since carpet tends to retain moisture, it’s even more important to make sure you aren’t using too much cleaner or water, as this could lead to mildew growth.
Wool rug maintenance tips
The best way to prevent the need for professional wool rug restoration and maintain your rug is to treat it well on a day-to-day basis. Here are a few simple maintenance tips you can put into practice today to protect your rug:
- Institute a “no shoes on the rug” policy.
- Take off shoes at the door, especially if using the rug as entryway decor.
- Spot-clean stains as soon as you see them.
- Keep food and drinks away from rugs.
- Vacuum every other week at a minimum.
- Avoid exposing rugs to moisture or harsh chemicals.
- If you have pets, give them beds, blankets or other soft places to lie down.
- Try to avoid placing heavy furniture or decor with small, sharp feet on top of rugs.
- Consider placing rugs in areas with low foot traffic.
- If you alternate rugs seasonally, store unused rugs in a dry, climate-controlled place like a linen closet.
- Rotate at least twice per year to promote even wear.
With proper upkeep and regular cleaning, there’s no reason your wool rug shouldn’t look great for years—and even decades—to come.
Common wool rug cleaning mistakes
Wool rugs may be durable, but they’re still susceptible to damage if they aren’t cared for correctly. Even if you know how to wash a wool rug, you can still make some of these common care mistakes:
- Using harsh cleaners. Go for gentle detergents or natural solutions like diluted vinegar.
- Not cleaning enough. Biweekly vacuuming and annual deep cleaning are essential for maintaining your wool rug long-term.
- Cleaning too much. Overcleaning can also increase the likelihood of damaging your rug.
- Too much cleaner or water. Wool retains lots of moisture, and if it takes too long to dry, mildew can start to develop.
- Abrasive vacuuming. If using a standard household vacuum cleaner, avoid using a roller wheel and opt for an open-ended attachment set to a lower suction setting.
- Using a dry or powder cleaner. Flakes from these cleaners could get stuck in the fibers, so stick to light liquid cleaners instead.
- Steam cleaning. Not only is this hard on wool, but it also provides too much moisture and could lead to mildew growth.
- Not hiring a professional. When in doubt, take your rug to a professional!
From wool and jute to cotton and linen, all fabric types have their own unique cleaning needs. And while DIY cleaning can’t fully replace professional deep cleaning, you’ll at least be able to do essential regular upkeep to ensure your floor decor is in top form for the long haul!
