Is It Time to Deep Clean Your Wool Rug?

Wool rugs are classic heirlooms; they are luxurious, warm, and elegant, and they never go out of style. But these fabrics are very fine and natural, and they should be washed and cared for in the right way for them to last long. Are you the owner of a wool rug and don`t know when is the right time to clean it? Well, it is high time to explain why wool rug cleaning is necessary, how to understand that your rug needs deep cleaning, and whether you can do it yourself or need professional help.

Why Regular Wool Rug Cleaning is Important

Wool rugs are notorious because of their capacity to hold dust, dirt, and other irritants, which are caused by the tightness of the fibers. This feature, however, is advantageous in that it helps to maintain the quality of air, and as such, these contaminants can stagnate in the building if not cleared periodically. Gradually, the dirt penetrates deep into the fibers and can be washed out only with the help of special cleaning tools. This buildup not only gives the rug a dull and dingy look but also may cause a bad smell and harm the fibers of the rug.

Cleaning must be done regularly, not only for appearance but also for the well-being of your rug. Small dust and dirt particles are coarse and thus wear out the fibers faster, resulting in thinning and baldness of the rug. Also, allergens like dust mites and pollen can get trapped within the rug and cause allergies, hence the need to clean the wool rug for a healthier life.

At Feet Up Carpet Cleaning of Towson, we know all the tricks about properly cleaning wool rugs. Our rug cleaning services help eliminate all types of stains and allergens deeply rooted in the rugs` fabrics without affecting the quality of the fibers, thus giving your rug a long-lasting look.

Signs Your Wool Rug Needs a Deep Clean

It is also important to know when to deep clean your wool rug as much as it is to know why it has to be done. Here are the telltale signs that your rug is overdue for a deep cleaning session:

Visible Dirt and Stains: If you can identify dirt, stains, or discoloration on your wool rug, then it is high time that you give the rug a thorough cleaning. Wool is a material that is, in fact, self-cleaning due to its capability to repel dirt particles, but this does not make it immune to getting dirty. Even the most labor-intensive carpet has a way of fading over time, and this is more so when it is used frequently.
Lingering Odors: Bad smells may accumulate in the structure of your wool rug if food has been spilled or pets have had accidents. If certain smells remain even after vacuuming or surface washing the carpet, then it is high time for a professional cleaning.
Allergy Symptoms: Are you or any of your family members experiencing unexplained allergic reactions? Your wool rug could be the problem. Dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens may eventually get trapped in the rug. If sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes have become more frequent, then it is time to maybe take a deeper clean.
Increased Shedding: Wool rugs commonly shed some; however, if your rug is shedding more than usual, it might be time to give it some attention. Dirt and debris that accumulate on the surface of the rug cause the fibers to become loose and shed even more than usual. A deep cleaning can also help eliminate these particles and return the rug to its original quality.
Faded or Dull Appearance: If your wool rug is looking a little drab and you can see that it`s not as shiny as it used to be, then it will probably benefit from a good clean. Dirt and grime will also hide the brightness of the rug and, therefore, make your rug look older than it actually is. It is possible to restore its appearance by thorough cleaning.

DIY vs. Professional Wool Rug Cleaning

You may think that you can clean your wool rug on your own. All the same, self-cleaning may appear easier and cheaper in the long run than hiring a cleaner. However, there are some factors to look at before one thinks of cleaning the rug.

Home-use cleaning techniques mostly involve the use of solvents and a lot of energy. This may be enough for removing simple stains or just general dusting, but it is difficult to get to a deeper cleanse without some of the professional cleaning equipment. Wool is a very sensitive fabric, and therefore, applying the wrong cleaning products or applying the wrong procedure can result in something like color run, fiber damage, or shrinkage. Besides, if the drying process is done inappropriately, the rug can be infested with mold and mildew.

In contrast, professional wool rug cleaning has the following benefits. This is because professionals such as Feet Up Carpet Cleaning of Towson have been trained to handle wool rugs. We employ equipment that is non-harsh on the wool and use mild, non-hazardous cleaning solutions to clean stubborn stains. We also possess the know-how to spot any problem that may be developing, such as fading of color or weakening of fibers, thereby giving a head start over other cleaning methods.

Also, professional cleaning involves drying processes to ensure that no moisture is left on the rug, which can cause mold and mildew to form. The end product is a rug that appears as if it has been newly bought and is clean from dirt, allergens, and smell.

Although it is possible to clean a wool rug with household products, the drawbacks and the outcome that can be achieved make it worth hiring a professional cleaner. At Feet Up Carpet Cleaning of Towson, we make sure that your rug receives the quality care it deserves, which will even help lengthen its life.

How to Maintain Your Wool Rug Between Deep Cleans

However, professional deep cleaning is crucial; cleaning your wool rug in between professional cleanings will go a long way to maintaining the look of your rug. Here are a few practices that will help you maintain your rug for a long time before the next professional cleaning:

Regular Vacuuming: It is recommended that you vacuum your wool rug at least once a week, and if it is situated in an area that has a lot of traffic, then you should vacuum it more frequently. It is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner with low suction power or a brushless head so as not to damage the fibers. Vacuuming reduces surface grime, which contributes to the buildup of grime that would ruin the appearance and feel of the rug.
Early Intervention on Spills and Stains: Wool fabric is, to some extent, resilient to staining. However, it is not impervious to staining. In the case of an accident, such as spilling something on the material, it should be blotted with an absorbent cloth to remove as much fluid as possible. The first thing that must be done is to try to blot the area vigorously because rubbing the spill only makes the liquid penetrate deeper into the fibers. If needed, use a wool-safe spot cleaner, and remember to always check this cleaner on an inconspicuous area to see if it will change the color of the rug or not.
Turning the Rug Over: Another thing that can be done is to turn the rug over annually or every six months if it is placed in a central section of the house to ensure spread-out wear. This can eliminate the problem of some areas of the rug wearing out faster than others, maintaining the look and feel of the rug.
Using Rug Pads: Finally, one should contemplate the use of rug pads beneath the wool rug. Rug pads enhance the rug's comfort and reduce the contact between the rug and floor surfaces, thus minimizing dirt accumulation below the rug. They also provide an added layer to protect the rug against spills and even increase the rug`s lifespan.

Keep Your Wool Rug Looking Its Best

Your wool rug is a worthy investment that requires the best care possible. To keep it beautiful, long-lasting, and sanitary, it needs cleaning on a regular basis, and no one could argue with that. When considering when to clean your rug and what cleaning will do for it, you will be able to properly maintain your wool rug for as long as you want it in your home.

Feet Up Carpet Cleaning of Towson is ready to help you maintain the look of your wool rug and keep it clean. Our expert staff knows the techniques and has the skills to thoroughly clean your rug to make it look like a new one all over again and get rid of the dirt and allergens that might be hiding in the carpet. Avoid hearing that `my wool rug has become dirty` - contact us at 443-608-5358 right now to schedule your professional cleaning services and give your wool rug the best treatment it needs. Your home will thank you for that.