The purchase of a fine wool rug is an investment that should be properly cared for. Because wool is a natural fiber, it has different needs than modern synthetic fiber carpets. The dyes used to color wool rugs are often sensitive to harsh cleaners, so it is important to keep the appropriate cleaners on hand and ensure that harsh chemicals are never used. Wool fibers also have felting properties, making it important that they are handled carefully. A little knowledge goes a long way in caring for wool area rugs and ensuring that your investment will last for generations of your family to enjoy. Regular wool rug maintenance necessitates vacuuming the rug two to three times a week, dependant in how much foot traffic the rug sustains. In order to ensure that the maximum amount of dirt is removed from deep in the carpet without hurting the fibers, make sure to set your vacuum's beater bar at the correct height for your carpet. You want it set as low as possible without slowing the beater bar's movement. If the beater bar is too low, it will revolve too slowly to be effective, and can tear the tiny fibers of the wool rug. The strain on a beater bar that is set too low can also burn up the vacuum motor. When vacuuming a wool rug, be sure to move the vacuum in all directions, vacuuming both the length and width of the carpet. This will help ensure that as much debris as possible is removed. Vacuuming is standard for all floor coverings. Deeper cleaning methods differ depending on the type of fibers that the carpet is made of. Silk carpets are sensitive to many cleaners that are safe to use on antique wool rugs, and synthetic fiber carpets are the least sensitive of all. It is very important to check with the manufacturer of your rug about what type of cleaning solutions and methods are recommended for that specific rug. Generally, oxygen based cleaners should never be used on wool fiber rugs. If a spill occurs, blot the area with clean, white towels until no more wetness shows on the towels and the wool rug is as dry as possible. Using white towels is important, as it stops color transfer from the towel to the carpet. It is also important to be careful to blot, not rub. Rubbing at a spill works the mess deeper into the carpet pile and agitates the wool fibers. If the spill is biologically based, for example pet urine, use an enzyme cleaner on the spill spot and allow to dry on its own so that the enzymes have time to work. It is usually a good idea to take the antique wool rug to a professional cleaner after such an accident. You can have a wool rug professionally steam cleaned, though it is a good idea to use fans or a dehumidifier to help speed the drying process. Many dry cleaners claim to be able to handle wool area rugs, but the reality is that they may not be experienced with your exact type of rug, rug construction, and dyes. For best results, have your wool area rugs cleaned about every 18 months by a company that specializes in cleaning, restoring, and caring for your particular type of wool rug.
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