How to Get Rid of the Smell From a Wet Wool Rug

Removing the sheep's wool does harm the animal.

Made from the fleece of sheep, wool is a common material for sweaters, coats and rugs. Wool provides a warm and soft material for rugs that -- with the proper care -- will last a lifetime. As with other types of rugs and carpeting, wet wool can develop an unpleasant, musty aroma that lasts even after the wool rug is dry. Proper cleaning of a wool rug will remove the odor caused by the excess moisture.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Bucket
• Wool detergent
• White vinegar
• Whisk
• Sponge
• Water hose

Instructions

1. Hang the wool rug outside on a sunny day to dry. Keep the rug out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat.

2. Remove the rug and place on a clean, flat surface such as your patio or garage floor. Vacuum both the top and bottom sides of the rug.

3. Pour 1 gallon of lukewarm water in a bucket and add 1/4 cup of gentle wool detergent. Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is all-natural and will remove any lingering odors. Whisk the contents together until foam forms.

4. Dampen a clean sponge in the mixture and gentle scrub the wool rug. Start at one end of the rug and scrub while working your way toward the other end.

5. Rinse the mixture off the rug with a water hose. Begin at one end of the rug and move the hose in an overlapping and steady motion. Continue until you have rinsed all the mixture off the wool rug.

6. Hang to dry once more out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat and let dry for several hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the cleaning mixture on an inconspicuous area of the wool rug. If damage or discoloration occurs, discontinue use.

References

• Glen Eden Wool Carpet: Wool Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance
• The Rug Affair and Antique Rug Co.: Wool Rug Cleaning
• Wools of New Zealand: Caring for your Carpet
• McCall's Floormat: Cleaning your Wool Rug
• Jacobsen Oriental Rugs: Cleaning Oriental Rugs