How to Clean a Hand-Knotted Wool Rug

Hand-knotted wool rugs are the most difficult type of carpet to clean. The hand-knotted fibers are prone to fraying. Fortunately, wool is naturally stain resistant. The oils in the wool fibers keep it from becoming easily soiled. However, without cleaning, any rug will get dirty. Learning how to gently clean a hand-knotted wool rug is a challenge. Following these care steps will keep your hand-knotted wool rugs looking beautiful for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with clean soft brushes and a clean bag.
• Woolsafe certified carpet cleaner
• Clean white towel
• Household cleaner
• Soft brush

Instructions

Preparations

1. Ready your vacuum for cleaning. Change the bag and replace it with a new one. If the vacuum has a soft brush attachment, use it. Wipe down the underside of the vacuum with a clean cloth and gentle household cleaner.

2. Get the rug ready for cleaning. Remove all furniture and obstacles from the rug. For area rugs, roll up the rug and vacuum the floor under the rug.

3. Vacuum the entire rug, going in a single direction. The hand-knotted wool rug is now ready to clean.

Clean the Rug

1. Use a Woolsafe certified carpet cleaner and test an inconspicuous area of the rug with the carpet cleaner. Check for color loss, fiber loss or fuzzing. If any of these occur, do not use that product and look for another one that is less damaging to the rug.

2. Apply the carpet cleaner to the hand-knotted wool rug. To use a dry carpet cleaner, sprinkle the cleaner around on the carpet like spreading chicken feed. Work no more than a 10 x 10-foot area at a time. Gently brush in the cleaner using a back and forth motion. Repeat until the entire carpet is cleaned (These directions assume the use of HOST dry carpet cleaner. If using another manufacturer's brand be sure to follow the directions on the package.).

3. Try a foam carpet cleaner rather than a dry cleaner. Simply apply the foam in a back and forth motion, shaking the can occasionally. Allow it to dry. Some manufacturers recommend working in the foam with a stiff brush. Never use a stiff brush on a hand-knotted wool rug.

4. Vacuum the carpet to remove any residue from the carpet cleaner. Repeat if necessary.

Keep the Rug Clean

1. Add entry mats to both sides of all doors. Encourage all people entering the home to wipe their feet prior to entering. During the winter months and on rainy days, ask everyone to remove their shoes at the entryway. Place a large mat from the entrance to the house from the garage. This keeps grease and oil off of the rug.

2. Vacuum the rug regularly. Weekly vacuuming will keep hand-knotted wool rugs clean. Use a clean bag or empty the collection bin prior to vacuuming. Make sure the vacuum is working well. Hoses should be free from clogs.

3. Clean up all spills and accidents on the rug as soon as possible. This prevents staining. Use baking soda to absorb any excess moisture. Do everything possible to keep a hand-knotted wool rug dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean vacuums work better than dirty ones. Only use Woolsafe products on hand-knotted wool rugs.

• Never use water or steam to clean a hand knotted wool rug as wool shrinks when it gets wet. Check with the rug's manufacturer before applying Scotch Guard type products.

Resources

• Carpet Care Guide from Woolsafe