The Right Way to Clean a Wool Rug, According to Experts

Wool rugs are a cozy addition to any room, adding texture, warmth, and color to personalize your space. A good quality wool rug will withstand years of wear and tear, and with the right care, your wool rugs can last a lifetime. 

Cleaning your wool rugs with proper materials is essential to preserving their color and keeping them fresh. Even though wool might be naturally antimicrobial, debris can build up on your rugs without regular cleaning, resulting in mold, damage, and discoloration. Proper cleaning ensures the colors remain vibrant and the fibers stay strong. 

We turned to experts who shared their tips for cleaning a wool rug to prolong its lifespan for years to come.

How Often to Clean a Wool Rug

Aim to vacuum your wool rug once or twice a week and deep clean it every six months to a year to prevent a buildup of dust and other allergens. This cadence may vary depending on how much traffic your rug sees, especially if you have pets. Rugs in high-traffic areas should be cleaned more frequently.

If you aren’t able to wash your wool rugs annually, don’t worry. Taylor Jochim-Smoot, vintage sourcing and restoration specialist and founder of Portland Revibe, recommends exposing them to sunlight regularly to help reduce microbe growth.

Materials and Tools

Make sure to have these materials on hand when cleaning a wool rug.

• Wool-safe, non-bleaching detergent or gentle wool enzyme cleaner
• Distilled white vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Squeegee
• Soft-bristled brush with long handle
• Tarp
• Hose
• Vacuum
• Clean towel(s)
• Rug beater (optional)

How to Clean a Wool Rug

To clean your kilim or flat weave wool rug, follow this step-by-step method. If you can, clean the rug outside, as the process can be messy.

1. Set out your tarp, gather your tools and materials, and ensure you're within reach of a hose.
2. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
3. Vacuum your rug on both sides. (It’s even better if you are able to hang the rug and hit it with a rug beater or broomstick to get any extra dust out).
4. Spray both sides of your rug with your water and vinegar solution and coat thoroughly. This will help hold the natural dyes in the fiber. 
5. Soak the entire rug with water
6. Spray your biodegradable enzyme wool wash solution on the rug from top to bottom.
7. Scrub the rug section-by-section with a soft-bristled brush.
8. Rinse the rug with a hose and go over each section with a squeegee. Repeat this step on the other side of the rug if it is a two-sided rug. 
9. Rinse any remaining soap or dirt from the rug. 
10. Blot the rug dry with a large towel to help absorb excess water. You may need several towels, but this will help it dry faster.
11. Let the rug completely dry in the sun. Never dry a wet wool kilim or flat weave rug in a standard dryer, as it will shrink and destroy the fibers. 

How to Remove Stains From a Wool Rug

The key to removing stains from a wool rug is treating them quickly. The longer a rug is exposed to a stain, the more likely it is to set in the fibers. The best way to remove stains is by spot-treating them.

1. Vacuum the rug to remove any debris.
2. Blot up as much of the stain as you can, pressing a clean cloth to absorb any excess liquid.
3. Apply a small amount of wool-safe, non-bleaching detergent or wool-safe stain remover to the stain.
4. Gently dab the stain with a soft cloth until it’s gone, being careful not to scrub, as the friction can damage the wool and cause the stain to set.
5. Once the stain is gone, gently dab the area with a clean, wet cloth to remove any leftover detergent.
6. Place the rug outside in the sun to dry.
7. If the stain remains, consult a professional cleaner.
   

How to Remove Odors From a Wool Rug

Avoid using commercial odor removers to remove unwanted smells from a wool rug, as they can make them worse. Instead, use this expert-approved method.

1. Expose your rug to the sun for a few days.
2. If that doesn't work, sprinkle baking soda on the rug and allow it to sit for one hour or overnight.
3. Vacuum the rug to remove the baking soda.
4. Wash your rug using the above method. You may need to treat the rug more than once.
5. If all else fails, seek the services of a professional cleaner.

Tips to Keep Your Wool Rug Clean

Cleaning a wool rug can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but there are several ways to keep your wool rug clean for longer.

• Exposure your rug to the sunlight. “The sun’s natural UV rays continue to help dry and sanitize any additional microbes that may have built up over time," says Jochim-Smoot.
• Avoid eating and drinking on and around your rug. Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space, also recommends avoiding potentially messy activities, like at-home manicures.
• “Take your shoes off before entering your home,” says interior designer Alexandra von Gymnich-Scully. Your shoes pick up dirt, debris, and germs throughout the day that can be tracked onto your rug.
• Vacuum your rug regularly to keep it free from build-up, says Jochim-Smoot.
• When in doubt, consult a professional. “A carpet cleaning professional will know exactly how to care for your rug, so if it was an investment piece, consider leaning on the pros for regular maintenance,” says Maker