Wool carpets are a classic and luxurious floor covering known for their softness, durability, and natural stain resistance. However, even wool carpets require regular cleaning to look their best and extend their lifespan. And when it comes to cleaning a wool carpet, using Vax carpet cleaner can come to your mind.
Although Vax is a popular brand of carpet cleaners, are they safe to use on delicate wool carpets? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a Vax carpet cleaner on wool carpets.
What is a Wool Carpet?
Wool has been used in carpet making for centuries. Its fiber comes from the fleece of sheep and is valued for its warmth, resiliency, and natural stain resistance. Wool carpets have a luxurious, soft feel and attractive natural luster.
Wool carpets come in various weaves including twist pile saxony, loop pile berber, and combinations like textured cuts. The wool may be dyed various colors or left natural. Quality wool carpets are dense with a high pile height.
Properly cared for, a wool carpet can last 20 years or more, though it tends to show wear faster than synthetic carpets. Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning every 1-2 years helps wool carpets retain their beauty.
There are several benefits that make wool desirable for carpeting:
- Durability – The fibers are strong and resilient, springing back underfoot. Wool has excellent resistance to abrasion.
- Comfort – Wool is naturally moisture wicking which makes it stay cool in summer and warm in winter. The fibers have give for cushioning.
- Stain resistance – The outer wool fibers are hydrophobic and naturally resist liquid absorption. Spills tend to stay on top for easier cleaning.
- Fire resistance – Wool is naturally flame retardant meeting strict commercial fire codes. It is far safer than synthetic fibers.
- Hypoallergenic – Wool doesn’t harbor allergens like dust mites. The fibres resist mildew and bacteria growth.
When comparing carpet fibers, wool rates as one of the most luxurious and durable options suitable even for high traffic areas. With proper maintenance, a wool carpet will retain its softness and lustre for decades.
Read: Can You Use Any Carpet Cleaner in a VAX?
Benefits of Vax Carpet Cleaners
Vax is a leading brand of home carpet cleaners popular in the UK. Vax offers a range of carpet washers for home use that are deep clean carpets using a combination of water, detergent, and suction.
The carpet washers are designed to be easy to use even for beginners. They have large tanks for solution and dirt water, long cords, and different width attachments. Many have spinning brush bars to agitate the carpet pile.
Vax claims their carpet washers deep clean carpets better than rented models. The washers heat the water to improve cleaning power against stains. Different models have options like upholstery attachments.
Many Vax models use SpinScrub technology, rotating brush bars that scrub carpet fibers from multiple angles. This helps lift dirt from deep in the pile. Detergent and suction remove dirt and stains.
Customers find Vax carpet washers effective at reviving carpet appearance at a fraction of professional cleaning cost. They can tackle spots, high traffic areas, and refresh carpets between professional cleanings.
Some key advantages of Vax carpet cleaners include:
- Convenience – Lightweight and easy to maneuver compared to rentals. Always ready when you need it.
- Affordability – One time purchase with no recurring rental fees. Savings add up over time.
- Deep cleaning – Hot water and scrubbing brush lift dirt rentals can miss. Better cleaning power.
- Quick drying – Powerful suction extracts more water leaving carpets dry faster.
- Small size – Compact size fits tight spaces and stairs rentals can’t access.
For those looking to clean their own carpets more frequently and thoroughly, a Vax home carpet cleaner offers benefits over rental units. Their powerful cleaning and convenient size make Vax a popular choice.
Read: How to Get Red Wine Spill Out of Wool Carpet
Are Vax Carpet Cleaners Safe on Wool?
The main concern with using a Vax on wool carpet is potential damage to the fibers. Wool fiber can be weakened or damaged by excessive heat and agitation from a spinning brush bar.
Vax says their models are safe for use on wool if used properly. The key factors are:
- Water temperature – Models with temperature control or wool cleaning cycles keep the water below 140°F to avoid damaging heat.
- Brush speed – Faster spinning scrub bars are harder on carpet pile. Slowing the brush bar protects wool.
- Detergent – Wool-safe detergents are recommended. Harsh chemicals may strip the wool fibers.
- Operator skill – Going too fast or pressing too hard can damage the pile. Gentle motions are needed.
Vax recommends testing a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the machine will not harm or fray the wool fibers. Check for damage after drying.
To avoid potential issues, consider these steps when using a Vax on wool:
- Select low heat if adjustable. Avoid steam settings.
- Turn off or detach brush bars if possible. Use suction only setting.
- Check detergent is made for wool cleaning. Avoid bleaches.
- Work in direction of pile, not against it. Lift machine when changing direction.
- Make multiple slow passes rather than pushing hard once.
- Allow carpet to fully dry before walking on it to prevent matting.
With proper precautions, Vax machines can be used safely on wool carpets. But take care to minimize agitation and heat exposure when cleaning.
Conclusion
Wool carpets require gentle care and low moisture cleaning methods to avoid damage. Vax carpet cleaning machines can be used safely on wool if you follow the proper precautions:
- Use lowest heat and brush speed
- Choose wool cleaning formulas
- Work slowly to avoid abrasion
- Rinse thoroughly and dry quickly
For periodic deep cleaning, contact a professional carpet cleaner experienced with delicately handling wool carpets. With proper maintenance, a wool carpet will retain its beauty and stand the test of time.