Wool Carpet Cleaning Wisdom
Wool Carpet Cleaning Wisdom
Wool is one of the most popular carpet fibers in America. This natural fiber is soft, strong, highly resistant to stains, and highly insulating. However, since wool is a natural fiber, it’s also one of the more expensive options out there. If you decide to invest in wool carpet, you’ll want to know how to properly care for it. Here are some basic tips to help you keep your carpet’s distinct look and feel for years to come.

- Vacuum it regularly. Wool is highly dirt and stain resistant, which means you can keep it looking nice simply by vacuuming it regularly. It’s suggested that you vacuum your wool carpet once a week, with high-traffic areas getting a vacuuming every other day. By vacuuming your wool carpet regularly you help prevent dirt particles from working their way deep into the carpet where they can cause the most damage.
- Don’t saturate it. The fibers in wool carpets create lots of small air pockets that help insulate your home during colder temperatures. However, this also makes wool notoriously difficult to dry. If you soak your carpet as part of the cleaning process, moisture will be trapped for weeks and start to smell. If you do use water and shampoo for your carpet, make sure to dry it with fans and open windows.
- Lift stains immediately. It’s true that wool is more resistant to dirt and stains compared to other carpet fibers, but it’s also nigh-impossible to get stains out of wool when they set. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using stains and clean the stain as soon as possible. When the stain is removed, make sure to dry the spot thoroughly.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners. Wool fibers can be sensitive to direct sunlight and harsher cleaning chemicals. When looking for carpet cleaners, you’ll want to avoid bleach or brightener and instead get ones that have a pH between five and eight.
- Use a beater brush vacuum. A good way to get dirt out of your carpet is to use a beater brush vacuum set to the tallest carpet setting. Keep in mind that certain kinds of wool carpet may not react well to a beater brush. Check the carpet manufacturer’s instructions to know whether a beater brush is the best choice.
- Don’t clean it with hot water. Like certain clothing, wool should only be cleaned with cold water. Using hot water on a wool carpet will make it shrink and pull away from the walls. Never use water to clean your carpet if it’s above 150°F.