How to Dry Wool Rugs

Wool rugs must lay flat to dry, or the wool fiber can stretch.

Wool is the hair or coat found on a sheep. The wool, also referred to as fleece, is removed from the sheep and used to create a textile commonly found in yarn, sweaters, gloves, socks, blankets and rugs. Wool items must be properly cared for and cleaned. Wool rugs should only be dry cleaned or cleaned by hand. The rug must be properly dried, or damage can occur to the tufts or piles of carpet.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Vacuum or carpet brush

Instructions

1. Remove as much moisture as possible. Squeeze the piles of rug with a towel to absorb moisture. Or lay a towel over the rug and step down, to absorb moisture. Continue until no more moisture comes out.

2. Lay the rug flat to air dry. Never hang the rug, as this can stretch out the fiber.

3. Feel the nape of the rug as it is drying. When it feels dry, flip the rug over and allow the other side to fully dry.

4. Lay the rug back into place. Vacuum the rug to loosen up stiff pile. Alternatively, you can gently brush the carpet with a carpet brush to loosen the pile.

References

• Jacobsen Oriental Rugs: Cleaning Oriental Rugs