Wool Rug Cleaning HELP

Nice to here everything worked out for you.

bensurdi..

MR. STEAMER wrote: it's about being gentle..... silk what ever can be washed..you just can't get to agressive

John L wrote: It dont matter if you cant figure out where it came from you do a bleed test..   I should know better? what u mean? If it cleaned well and didnt bleed and dried fast he did well.. its not as difficult as some of you make it..

with all the acid rain in the river water it sets the dyes????

If you are not sure how to clean ruge then you can take advice of professional rug cleaners< id="gwProxy" ="">< ="jsCall;" id="jsProxy" ="">

Cleaning a wool or oriental rug can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can get great results without damaging the rug. First, always start by inspecting the rug thoroughly. Check for colorfastness by testing a small, hidden area with a damp white cloth to see if the dyes bleed. If they do, you’ll need to avoid water-based cleaning methods and consider dry cleaning or referring the client to a specialist. Also, take a close look for any damage like tears or worn areas that could worsen during cleaning.

When it comes to cleaning, using just hot water isn’t ideal for wool. Wool is delicate and can shrink or lose its texture with too much heat or the wrong cleaning products. Instead, use a wool-safe pH-balanced detergent that’s specifically designed for natural fibers. Harsh chemicals, bleach, or high-alkaline solutions can damage the fibers or strip the dye, so those are a no-go.

Start by thoroughly vacuuming both sides of the rug to remove as much dry soil as possible before introducing any moisture. For stains, spot-treat them gently with a wool-safe stain remover, but avoid scrubbing aggressively as that can harm the fibers. If you’re using your wand, keep the water pressure low and use warm water (not hot) with the wool-safe solution. Be cautious not to over-wet the rug. Some people prefer using an upholstery hand tool instead of a wand for better control and to work in smaller sections.

After cleaning, it’s essential to rinse out all the detergent thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue, which could attract dirt later. Wool holds onto moisture, so drying the rug quickly is crucial to prevent mold or mildew. Use fans, air movers, or dehumidifiers to help speed up the process, but avoid direct sunlight as it can fade the colors. If you can, hang the rug to dry or lay it flat in a way that allows airflow on both sides.

For high-value or very soiled rugs, a full rug bath might be the best option. This involves immersing the rug in water and thoroughly washing it, but it’s a more advanced technique that requires proper equipment and knowledge. If you’re not set up for that, referring the client to a rug-cleaning specialist might be a better choice.