Wool carpet is a popular choice for the homeowner who wants a luxurious, resilient and eco-friendly flooring option. Wool carpets naturally hold their shape better and are more soil and stain resistant than unprotected synthetic alternatives. They also help insulate the home in warm and cold months.
With all of its benefits, wool carpet can be very sensitive to UV damage, harsh cleaning products and improper cleaning techniques. It is extremely important to make sure you hire a professional carpet cleaner who specializes in wool carpets. They will ensure that the proper water temperature, products, and cleaning techniques are used to give you the best possible results so you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
Here are a few tips to maintain your wool carpet in between professional wool carpet cleaning services:
1. Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming will reduce the amount of dry soil build-up in the carpet, which can wear and abrade the carpet fibers in heavily trafficked areas and reduce the life of the carpet. We recommend vacuuming your carpet at least once per week with a vacuum cleaner that is calibrated for the height of the pile of your wool carpet. It’s important to invest in a high quality vacuum cleaner with adjustable brush height and powerful suction. Make sure that the brush does not more than touch the surface of the carpet when it is turned on. If the brushes dig too deeply into the pile of the carpet, it can cause damage. Do not use beater bars or brushes on looped wool carpets as this can pull the loops.
2. Tend to Spills and Stains After They Happen
a. NEVER use any products like OxiClean, SpotOut, or Resolve on wool carpets. These products can permanently damage and/or bleach the carpet.
b. If liquid spills on the carpet, BLOT with a clean, absorbent rag, do not scrub the carpet.
c.Scoop solids w/ knife or spoon. Do not try to use liquids to remove solid stains .
d.Treat stains from outside-in to not spread the stain across more surface area .
e. Apply wool-safe, pH neutral cleaning agents to towels, not to the carpet directly. Rinse all products applied to carpet with clean, room temperature water.
f. Apply paper towels to the top of the treated area to further absorb moisture.
g. Place fans in and around the moist area to dry as quickly as possible.
If the stain remains, Call Gallagher’s Rug & Carpet Care!
3. Clean Carpets Once Per Year
We recommend using a hot water extraction method or regular cleanings to remove as much dry particulate as possible. If completed by a trained professional who specializes in wool, like Gallagher’s Rug & Carpet Care, you can expect great results. Untrained professionals who cannot properly adjust their process to meet the needs of your carpet can damage your investment.
4. Caring for Wool Rugs in your home
Always have your wool area rugs cleaned and treated at a professional rug cleaning facility. DIY wool rug cleaning can result in irreversible damage to the rug, like dye migration, shrinkage, and mildew. Do not try to clean rugs yourself at home without first consulting a professional.
