How to Clean & Care for Oriental Wool Rugs

Oriental wool rugs are a very popular choice in area rugs for the home. Cleaning and caring for oriental wool rugs is a lot easier than many people think. Wool rugs are extremely durable. In fact wool is much more resilient, stays clean longer and is it easier to clean than many other natural fibers. By taking some simple preventative measures and properly caring for your rug it can remain beautiful and last a lifetime. Here are some simple tips for how to clean and care for oriental wool rugs.

One of the main things that can make your rug look old and dingy is everyday wear and tear. Because your rug is placed on the floor it receives foot traffic which can eventually lead to worn or faded areas. About once a year you should rotate your rug to help keep the wear patterns even and to keep one spot from getting more worn than the rest. This way even if the rug fades from wear it will still look more even than if you had not rotated it.

You should vacuum your wool rug on a regular basis to remove dirt making sure to use caution around the fringe when vacuuming. Also use a pad under your rug as this will help to not only keep it from slipping but to protect it from dirt and wear.

One challenge with oriental wool rugs is removing stains. Stains on a wool rug should be treated with a mild detergent such as Woolite. Use a small brush or sponge and blot from the outside of the stain toward the center of the stain to avoid further spreading. Once you have removed the stain blot up any extra moisture using paper towels and allow it to dry.

Many people are surprised to learn that oriental rugs can be washed at home since most rug cleaners would lead you to believe otherwise. To wash an oriental wool rug at home first vacuum it to remove excess dirt. Next you will want to take the rug outdoors wear you can spread it out. Prepare a solution of mild detergent such as Woolite and water that you will use to clean the rug. Using your garden hose get your rug wet, then sponge or brush the detergent mixture onto the rug using a gentle wiping motion as you go. Do not scrub aggressively on your rug since you don't want to damage the fibers.