How to Clean Old Wool Rugs

Vacuum old wool rugs frequently to reduce the number of wet cleanings necessary.

Wool rugs are durable and long lasting, and even an old wool rug will enhance any room of the home. Just like your carpets or upholstery, wool rugs need to be cleaned periodically to remove dirt and dust that are embedded into the fibers. Care must be taken when cleaning old wool rugs so not to compromise the integrity of the fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Bucket
• 2 to 3 tsp. bleach-free dish soap
• Broom
• Garden hose
• Soft sponge
• Several old towels

Instructions

1. Shake out or vacuum the wool rug. If the rug is smaller, take it outside and shake it out thoroughly. For larger rugs, run a vacuum cleaner over the rug to pick up loose dirt and dust.

2. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon cool water. Add 2 to 3 tsp. bleach-free dish soap to the water. Use your hands to mix up the soap and water.

3. Sweep off your driveway or patio with a broom. This is where you will clean the rug. Make sure to sweep an area large enough to lay down the entire rug.

4. Dip a clean, soft sponge into the bucket of soapy water. Wipe down the entire rug with the sponge and soapy water. Rub gently with the sponge and avoid scrubbing so the wool is not damaged. Rinse out the sponge often during cleaning.

5. Rinse the rug well with plain water from the garden hose. Flip the rug over on a clean portion of the patio or driveway and rinse the backside of the rug as well. Rinse the rug until the water runs clear and no more soap is coming off.

6. Lay the rug on top of old towels in the lawn or driveway. Place more old towels on top of the rug and press down to absorb moisture. Remove as much of the moisture as possible with the towels.

7. Allow the rug to air dry completely before placing it back on the floor. Lay the rug in the driveway, drape it over an outdoor table or hang it on a clothes line to dry. Move the rug periodically to dry parts of the driveway if you are laying it out to dry. This will speed up the drying process.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wet/dry vac to suck up excess water from the rug once it is washed. This will help the rug to dry quicker.

• Choose a warm, breezy day to clean your wool rug. This will speed up the drying process. Leaving the rug wet for too long may cause it to smell or mildew to form.

• Use a wool spot remover to treat stains on the old wool rug prior to general cleaning.

References

• American Chronicle: How-To Clean a Wool Rug
• Bella Online: Cleaning and Caring for Wool Rugs