Wool rugs are gorgeous with their natural beauty, durability, and how they feel so lovely under your feet. But like any rug, wool rugs can get spilled, stained, and dirty over time. So it’s normal for rug owners to wonder – can I use a carpet cleaner on my wool rug?
The answer is more than a simple yes or no. Wool is a delicate fabric that needs special care when you clean it. Using the wrong cleaner or method could damage the wool fibers. But with the right carpet cleaner and techniques, you can safely get your wool rug nice and clean.
Below we’ll review the pros and cons of using a carpet cleaner on wool rugs. We’ll also share some tips on cleaning wool rugs to get them fresh and beautiful without ruining them. So, keep reading to figure out the best way to keep your wool rug investment looking great.
The Benefit of Using Carpet Cleaner on Wool Rug
It Can Clean Well
Carpet cleaners are made to remove all the dirt from carpets and rugs. The way carpet cleaners work lets them suck up all the gross dirt, stains, allergens, and gunk buried in the rug fibers and backing. This deep cleaning can make wool rugs look vibrant and new again. It can also extend how long your rug lasts before it starts looking ratty.
It Can Remove Stains
Another big plus of carpet cleaners is they can usually get out tough stains like wine, coffee, juice, grease stains, and more. The cleaning solutions and suction can lift stains to make your rug look brand new again with no trace of the spill.
It Makes Dull Rugs Look Bright Again
Over time dirt and grime make wool rugs look dull, dirty, and rough. However, carpet cleaners bring back the nice fluffy, shiny wool look by lifting all that messy gunk that makes the colors look faded. A good cleaning can restore the rich, lustrous quality of the wool.
It Helps Rugs Last Longer
If you leave stains and lots of ground-in dirt on a wool rug for a long time, it can permanently break down the wool fibers. Getting up all those particles with a carpet cleaner before damage can help wool rugs last longer.
The Cons of Using Carpet Cleaner on Wool
It Can Damage or Feel the Wool Fibers
The biggest risk of using a carpet cleaner on wool is damaging the wool fibers. The agitation and cleaning solutions could make the wool fibers get fuzzy, shrink, or feel together. This can wreck the nice smooth look and feel of the wool.
It Can Cause Shrinkage
Too much moisture from the carpet cleaner combined with all the motion could shrink the wool fibers. This could result in the whole rug shrinking – sometimes unevenly. And any shrinking that happens can’t be reversed.
It Removes the Natural Oils in Wool
Wool has natural oils called lanolin that help repel dirt and stains. Harsh carpet cleaner chemicals can strip away those oils. This makes the wool more likely to get dirty again faster after you clean it. So it defeats part of the purpose of cleaning it.
It May Leave Residue Behind
Cheap or strong carpet cleaner solutions might leave sticky residue or soap scum on the wool fibers. This can make dirt come back and cling to the rug again quickly after cleaning. It also just leaves the wool feeling gross and weird.
Tips for Safely Using Carpet Cleaner on Wool Rugs
If you want to use a carpet cleaner on a wool rug, here are some tips to do it safely and get good results:
- Spot test – Always first try any carpet cleaner in a small hidden rug area. Check for color loss, shrinking, fiber damage, or residue before doing the rug.
- Use a gentle cleanser for wool – Choose a high-quality carpet cleaning solution specifically made for use on wool. Avoid harsh detergents or chemicals that could damage the fibers. Read labels!
- Don’t over-wet the rug – Use the least water possible to avoid soaked wool that could shrink or get waterlogged backing.
- Blot stains – Lightly blot liquid spills to lift the stain rather than vigorously rubbing, which can harm wool fibers.
- Allow plenty of drying time – Let the rug dry completely after cleaning to prevent mold, browning, or other moisture damage to the wool. Air circulation helps speed drying.
Other Ways to Clean Wool Rugs
If you’re worried about possibly damaging your wool rug with a carpet cleaner, try these kinder cleaning options:
- Vacuum regularly – Frequent vacuuming keeps surface dirt from getting ground in and causing damage. Use a vacuum without beater bars on the delicate wool pile.
- Blot stains ASAP – Immediately gently blot fresh stains with a mild wool-safe cleaner barely dampened on a clean cloth. Stay within the area.
- Hire a pro – Consider hiring an experienced professional wool rug cleaner. They have the right products and methods.
- Try dry cleaning – Dry carpet doesn’t use water or detergent. It lifts dirt with dry compounds that are vacuumed up after.
The Bottom Line
Properly caring for precious wool rugs is about balancing keeping them clean and avoiding damage from harsh cleaning. While carpet cleaners can deep clean wool, they also come with risks like shrinkage, fiber damage, and residue if you need to be more careful.
Test thoroughly, use only wool-safe cleaners, and consider calling in a pro for the best clean without harming your wool rug. With a suitable method, carpet cleaners can occasionally freshen up wool rugs. But gentler cleaning techniques are best for regular care of these delicate rugs.