How to Care for Your Wool Rugs: Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Beau

Wool rugs remain a quintessential addition in every household. The organic look, durability, and of course that indulgent touch under the feet only complete a chic interior. But like every other high-value investment, wool rugs do require special care to keep them looking beautiful and feeling soft for many years. In this blog, we take you through everything you want to know about caring for your wool rug, including the advantages of using them, some cleaning tips, and ways to make them last longer.

Advantages of Wool Rugs

Wool rugs have a great appeal to people who need to see style and practicality balanced in their homes. Being a natural fiber, wool offers many advantages that make it very excellent to be used in rug form, especially on lofty grounds. The following reasons will explain why you will definitely love the wool rugs in your home:

Durability: In actual sense, wool is rather resilient, rebounding with no effect from both compression and wear. Due to this aspect, wool rugs are suitable for areas in the home like the living room and hallways where the foot traffic can be heavy.
Natural resistance to stains: All wool fibers have natural oils that repel dirt or liquids; this means spills are not able to readily penetrate into the fibers. You have so much more time to clean up any accident.
Insulation: Wool fiber is naturally insulating; it helps in keeping the home warm in the winter season and cool during the summer seasons. It is also a natural sound absorber hence creating quiet and peaceful environments.
Sustainability: - Wool is an eco-friendly choice; because it is a renewable resource, it is also biodegradable, making it an excellent option to go for in design when looking to be sustainable.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean Wool Rugs

Cleaning wool rugs sounds like a monumental task, but, in reality, it's really quite simple. The number one question we hear from customers is, "How can I clean my wool rug without damaging it?" Below, we'll outline a step-by-step cleaning process so you can keep your rug fresh, not compromise its integrity, and have it last for many years to come.

1. Regular Vacuuming
One of the best ways to take care of a wool rug is to vacuum it on a regular basis. Wool fibers have been called a blessing and a curse due to the fact that they tend to retain dirtiness. Hidden dirt can certainly cause the fibers to disintegrate over time, which calls for a weekly vacuuming session over your rug. Make sure to go with a vacuum without a beater bar, since the bristles might be a bit too strong for the wool and would damage it. Hence, a suction-only vacuum would be most suitable for this rug.

2. Spot Cleaning of Spills
Of course, accidents may happen, and if they do, you must act as soon as possible. While wool does have a certain resistance to stains, the longer liquid stays on the surface, the more damage is done. Here's how to deal with spills:
Blot the spill immediately with a clean, white cloth. You should not rub at all, since doing so will make the liquid penetrate deeper into the fibers.
If the spill leaves a stain, mix cold water with a little wool-friendly detergent. Gently dab the stain, then blot with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
Let it air dry totally before using again.

3. Deep Cleaning
With time, your wool rug will require a deeper cleaning to take out the deeply set dirt and refresh it. We recommend professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months so that your rug will be retained in good condition. Avoid all do-it-yourself methods of steam cleaning; wool is a heat-sensitive material and may shrink if not treated properly.

General Care to Prolong the Life of Your Wool Rug

A few simple precautions will go a long way in ensuring that your wool rug remains beautiful and lasts long. Here are some practical tips on how to extend the life of your wool rug:

Rotate the Rug Regularly: High-traffic areas may put excessive wear on your wool rug in certain spots. When you rotate your rug every few months, it means you evenly distribute the footfall so that no section gets particularly worn down. This easy trick allows your rug to age gracefully and not with patchy spots of wear.
Use a Rug Pad: Using a rug pad underneath your wool rug can bring in many advantages. Apart from not slipping, it gives a cushioned support that reduces the stress transmitted to the fibers. This might prevent your rug from flattening and its plush from falling over a certain period. The rug pad can protect your floor beneath from scratches, too.
Avoid Damage from Sun: Long exposure to direct sunlight will cause wool rugs, especially vibrant designer pieces, to fade. Placing the wool rug in an area that doesn't get a great deal of direct sunlight, or blocking out harsh rays during peak hours, can be achieved using curtains and blinds. When it is not possible to avoid exposing the rug to sunlight, regular rotation will minimize uneven fading.
Shedding: New wool rugs may shed loose fibers; this is normal and only temporary. A good way to reduce this, as earlier mentioned, includes regular vacuuming. However, suction should not be too strong and neither should harsh vacuums be used since this may further exacerbate the shedding process. Be patient-after a few months, shedding will reduce considerably.
Store Wool Rugs Properly: If, for whatever reason, you must store your wool rug at some point in time, then do it right. Wool needs to breathe; therefore, avoid storing it in plastic bags, which act to trap moisture. Roll the rug-never fold it!-and wrap it in a breathable cotton sheet. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. This is how you will be sure that your rug stays in mint condition after staying months in storage.