If you own a wool carpet, you’ve made a smart investment. The natural fibres of wool are not only aesthetically pleasing but they make wool carpets easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for a household of busy people. However, to prolong the life and the appearance of your wool carpet, it is vital that you take good care of it. This includes regular cleaning, immediate action when a spill occurs, preventing fading and consideration of depressions (or indents in the pile) caused by heavy traffic and furniture.
Regular Vacuum Cleaning
Much like any other carpet, wool carpet requires regular vacuum cleaning in order to maintain its appearance. However, unlike synthetic carpets, wool carpets actually release soil more easily. The most important thing to remember is that wool carpets need to be cleaned before dust and dirt work their way down deep into the bottom of the carpet pile. Rule of thumb is that wool carpets need to be vacuumed at least once a week with a high-quality vacuum cleaner.
When it comes to actually vacuuming your wool carpet, there are a few pointers to remember. First, if your wool carpet is brand-new, expect your carpet to shed excessively. This is perfectly normal and will clear up after a good and thorough vacuuming. For general vacuuming, it’s important to ensure your vacuum’s dust bag is not full before you clean. A full bag compromises the effectiveness of your vacuum. During vacuuming, ensure your vacuum’s brush barely touches the top of the carpet.
Start by vacuuming against the grain of the wool and finish by moving with the grain—this will give your carpet a nice, even finish. Ensure you are careful and thorough when you vacuum. Move the vacuum slowly and methodically so that all dirt is removed. Don’t stick to the main section of the carpet (usually the largest open area). Vacuum under furniture, vacuum in the cracks where the carpet meets the wall and vacuum behind the curtains. If you want the most out of your wool carpet, make sure that it is vacuumed regularly and well.
Carpet experts also advise that wool carpets should be professionally cleaned once every couple of years. Even with good upkeep, wool carpets can still build up hidden dirt over time. At Bennetts Carpets, we offer a deep cleaning extraction method that picks up the ingrained dirt where ordinary vacuums can’t reach. Contact our carpet-cleaning experts for a deep clean that will make your wool carpet look brand-new.
Cleaning Emergency Spills
Due to its texture, wool has a natural resistance to spills. As a result of this, spillages tend to stay on top of the carpet rather than sink straight down as they do with synthetic carpets. However, in order to avoid permanent stains on your wool carpet, it is important that spillages are cleaned as soon as they happen.
Start blotting the spill the moment it occurs. Start from the outer edge of the stain and begin working towards the middle. You may feel the urge to scrub the stain—don’t do this! Scrubbing stains will only ingrain the spill deeper into your wool carpet and make it harder to remove.
In order to eliminate the stain, there is a simple three-step process that tends to work for most common household spills:
- Apply cold water to the stain.
- Place one teaspoon of mild wool-approved laundry detergent and one teaspoon of white vinegar in 1 litre of warm water. Gently blot the stain with this treatment.
- Rinse the stain with warm water.
Be wary of using strong chemicals, like bleaches, to clean stains on wool carpets. These can discolour and disfigure wool carpets.
Preventing Fading
Another problem that can plague wool carpets is colour fading. Unfortunately, carpets that are exposed to direct sunlight over time will eventually fade, leading to a lacklustre carpet.
There are steps you can take in order to avoid wool carpet colour fading. These include using quality blinds, curtains or shades to cover windows and stop sunlight from reaching your carpet. Carpet can also fade when exposed to harsh chemicals, so it is important not to treat any stains with these chemicals. By looking after your carpet, you can be sure to keep its colours bright for many years.
Carpet Depressions
Wool carpet has a natural elasticity that allows it to withstand most everyday wear and tear. However, over time, your carpet will eventually show signs of crushing, especially in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and under furniture. This crushing causes your wool carpet’s tufts to flatten, giving it an unsightly look and reducing the lifespan of your carpet.
Luckily, there are solutions to this problem. Regular vacuuming and fixing depressions with your fingers (gently rub the indent to lift the pile) can aid in keeping your carpet looking plush. For a long-term solution, consider using furniture cups and chair pads. These protective supports can help relieve the pressure of heavy objects on your carpets and keep them soft. If you have furniture on wheels, consider placing a thin barrier between the wheels and your wool carpet before you move it. This will ensure no marks are left behind on your carpet. By being mindful of what causes carpet depressions, you can tackle the source of the problem and avoid any unsightly marks.
Wool Carpets Can Last!
Wool carpet is an investment that you will not regret. In order to maintain this high-quality natural carpet, it is important to take good care of it. Regular vacuuming, immediate cleaning of spills and prevention of fading and carpet depressions will help keep your wool carpet looking brand-new for years to come.
Interested in wool carpet or want cleaning advice or assistance? We at Bennetts Carpets are more than happy to help. Feel free to contact us online!
Prefer to visit us in store? Come to our showroom in Cleveland to see our wide variety of wool carpets and so much more!
