Wool carpet certainly has its benefits but left alone, it tends to start looking dirty and dingy. To keep the wool pile looking fresh and feeling soft, it is important to follow the correct maintenance procedures. What does wool carpet maintenance look like, and is wool carpet even worth the investment?
Benefits of Wool Carpet
First things first: what’s the hype about wool carpet? Not only does it look and feel luxurious, but the durability of wool also gives it a great advantage over other carpet types. When properly maintained, wool carpet lasts up to 50 years. In contrast, polyester carpet only lasts up to 15 years. If you have wool carpet, don’t feel intimidated! Wool rejects stains fairly easily and is easy to clean as long as you go about it the right way.
Tips for Maintaining Wool Carpet
While keeping your wool carpet clean is not necessarily difficult, it does take commitment. Fortunately, keeping a few simple supplies on hand should be enough to ward off stains and keep the fibers soft. Take care to apply the following 9 maintenance tips for wool carpet.
1. Blot, don’t rub.
When it comes to spills or pet accidents, it can be tempting to rub your carpet aggressively with a towel. However, too much rubbing causes a stain to set into wool instead of removing it. Instead of rubbing, use a towel to carefully blot excess moisture from the carpet.
2. Vacuum whenever possible.
Wool carpet is best kept when vacuumed twice a week. Additionally, to help with installation debris, you should vacuum it daily for up to a week after installation.
3. Use only gentle cleaning solutions.
Harsh chemical cleaners break down both the color and the fiber when it comes to wool carpet. Use a gentle white vinegar solution for most spots, or a special wool detergent for water-based spots. Make sure you clean up spills as soon as they happen to reduce the chance of a permanent stain.
4. Soak up wet stains with baking soda.
Additionally, after blotting excess moisture with a towel, use baking soda to soak up moisture trapped deep in the fibers. Then, vacuum the baking soda.
5. Use soft-bristled vacuums and brushes.
Ideally, your vacuum should be soft-bristled with an adjustable roller. This prevents it from tugging too hard on a tall wool pile.
6. Allow the wool to dry fully after cleaning.
This goes for every carpet type, but make sure you ventilate well after spills or cleanings. Try to run fans and dehumidifiers, open windows, and blot excess moisture thoroughly. If moisture gets trapped underneath the wool, mold will more than likely begin developing. This causes long-term damage to your carpet and increases your health risks due to poor indoor air quality.
7. Reduce constant exposure to sunlight.
Too much unfiltered sunlight causes fading in carpet. Invest in filtering curtains or light-blocking windows. Of course, there is no need to rid your home of all-natural light. Just keep an eye on “hot spots” such as areas underneath tall windows.
8. Avoid accumulation of dirt and soil in the carpet pile.
The best maintenance is always preventative maintenance. To prevent outside dirt and allergens from becoming trapped in your wool carpet, try to keep your shoes off in the house.
9. Schedule a professional cleaning once or twice a year.
No matter how much you clean on your own, your carpet will always benefit from a professional steam cleaning. Make sure you have a professional carpet cleaner on call for emergencies as well as for routine cleanings.
Call Spectrum Carpet Cleaning Today!
Spectrum Carpet Cleaning uses state-of-the-art equipment to deep-clean carpets and extract dirt and moisture trapped in the padding. We are located in Bristol, IN, and serve Elkhart County homeowners. Keep your home healthy and comfortable. Call today and schedule your carpet cleaning.
