How to Spot Clean Stains from Wool Fabric Furniture or Carpet

Wool is an ideal choice in furniture or carpet fabric as it is beautiful, luxurious and exceptionally durable. The physical structure of wool allows it to feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool is naturally flame retardant and will even extinguish itself when the source of heat is removed. It is also naturally water repellent so spills will not penetrate rapidly and so if caught quickly accidents can be cleaned up before they enter the fabric at all. Wool is naturally antistatic and so unlike other fabrics does not attract dirt, hair and other contaminates. Most importantly, wool is a natural, sustainable product, so is an excellent choice from an environmental standpoint. Vacuum your wool furniture and carpet at least once a week to help remove dirt and maintain its natural beauty. The following method works well for most stains and dirt. Always clean stains as

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Vacuum with proper attachment
• PH-neutral detergent
• Several small white towels or other clean absorbent cloths
• Water

1. For dried on stains first vacuum the area to be cleaned.
   For wet stains blot repeatedly with a clean cloth to soak up as much as the liquid as possible.
2. Following the directions on the detergent make up a normal strength cleaning solution.
   
   Soak a clean cloth in the solution, blot and gently rub the stained area. Then blot with dry cloth. Repeat as needed until stain is removed.
3. Finish with rinsing by blotting repeatedly with clean cloth dampened with clean water and then blotting with dry cloth. Let the area air dry completely before use.
4. For stains that are more difficult, try blotting with a cloth moistened with a small amount acetone, benzene or turpentine. Test product in an inconspicuous area first. Use as little of these products as possible as they can severely damage the foam padding of furniture or carpeting. Always follow up by cleaning the area as recommended above.
   If stains persist, call a professional.

Tips & Warnings

• The area just cleaned may appear darker than the surrounding material. However, this should disappear over a short time as the remaining moisture evaporates.
• Do not use heat to dry the area!