Home decoration frequently includes using area rugs made of a variety of materials, both natural and man-made. Of the natural materials, wool area rugs are quite well-known for serving this purpose. Wool is mainly obtained from sheep but also from other animals like goats, alpacas, and llamas. Due to their natural resistance to fire, water, and stains, wool area rugs are also preferred for using around fireplaces in order to protect any damage to carpeting or flooring of the room from embers, sparks, or flames reaching them. A main advantage of using wool rugs is their natural resistance to dust mites, which cause allergic reactions in many people. In any case, it is important to clean wool rugs regularly so as to make them last longer and look better.
Vacuum Cleaning of Wool Area Rugs
Vacuum cleaning is the best way of cleaning wool area rugs on a regular basis. Vacuuming extracts the dust and dirt that settles on and inside the rugs and damages it through abrasion. It is important to use a beater bar in the vacuum cleaner while vacuuming the wool rug. A beater bar serves to pick the embedded soil in the rug and its absence may result in the removal of the surface dirt only. Also, the user should set the beater bar high enough so as not to slow the motor while the cleaner is in contact with the rug.
Steam Cleaning of Wool Rugs
Steam cleaning of wool area rugs may be done by anyone using rug cleaning machines. However, steam cleaning requires at least some level of skill with using these machines and hence this method is most appropriate to be used by professional cleaners. When cleaning on one's own, the lay person should first seek advice from a professional on using the right quantity of detergent and water. Also, it is safe to first use the steam cleaning method on a small part of the rug and see the result, before cleaning the whole of the rug by steaming. Further, laundry detergents must not be used in steam cleaning or the color of the rug may be damaged.
Oxy Cleaners and Dry Powder
Using oxy cleaners and dry powder are not recommended for cleaning wool area rugs. Oxy cleaners produce alkaline substances that are harmful for the color and composition of wool rugs and dry powders can cause pilling of wool rugs, especially if the rugs carry heavy soil or dust. It is better to seek professional advice or hire a professional's service for cleaning heavily soiled wool area rugs.
Your wool rugs can indeed last a lifetime. Many well made oriental rugs look great even when they are over 100 years old. These rugs are passed down from generations. Wool is very durable, but it MUST be cleaned regularly. This is much in part due to it being a natural fiber. Most natural fibers are very susceptible to staining.
CAUTIONS ABOUT WOOL Spots and spills must be removed immediately. Since wool is a natural fiber, it will stain easily. If you cannot remove the stain, call a professional. Any stain that remains in your rug for longer than 48 hours may cause permanent discoloration.
As well, wool rugs should be cleaned at least every two years. Yes, clean your rugs BEFORE they appear soiled. The lesson here is with frequent, regular cleaning, wool carpets are easy to maintain. But if allowed to accumulate soil, they are indeed difficult, even for a professional, to clean.
Avoid spilling bleaches and strong chemicals on your wool rugs. Bleach will actually dissolve wool if it dwells in the fiber. Bleach is never good for any carpet or rug.
Specialty Fabrics in Rugs Silk is a rare fiber that adds a unique texture and appearance to some rugs. The same rules apply with silk as wool. Extra caution should be taken with silk. Silk should not be allowed to get wet. Shrinkage and bleeding is very likely. Cotton rugs respond similar to wool.
Sisal, grass, and hemp rugs should not be gotten wet. Avoid liquid spills as well as liquid spotting agents. In most cases, these types of rugs can only be cleaned with a dry cleaning powder with minimal results.
How to Make Sure You Use A Safe Spot Remover On natural fiber rugs, you should only use gentle, neutral PH cleaners. Look for a cleaner specifically made for wool as some cleaners on the market may damage your rug. Pre-test any spotting agent by applying the spot treatment to an inconspicuous area. Gently agitate the tested area with a white cloth. Allow the agent to dwell in the fiber until it is dry. If bleeding, browning, or shrinkage occurs, do not continue.
Take good care of your wool rugs. They will serve you for many years to come.
Both Benjamin Brook & John Braun are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Benjamin Brook has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Debts Loans and Arts. For more information about rugs please visit my website . Benjamin Brook's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.
John Braun has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Consumer and Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery. John Braun is the owner of Premium Carpet Care in Pensacola, FL. He also does advertising consulting for the carpet cleaning industry. To learn more about how to maintain your rugs visit. John Braun's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.