Wool is among the most popular carpet fibres, and many people like it because of its wonderful appearance. Wool carpets offer a feeling of luxury that not all carpets have, and they can quickly transform any house into one that seems stylish and elegant. Aside from its visual appeal, wool carpets offer other advantages such as being durable, sound-absorbing, fire-resistant, and ecologically beneficial.
However, there are a number of misunderstandings about wool carpets, particularly when it comes to cleaning. Some people feel that wool carpets are difficult to care for, while others claim that wetting them causes them to shrink. In order to assist you in maintaining your wool carpet more successfully, we’ve examined the most prevalent cleaning misconceptions about wool carpets and refuted them once and for all
Myth #1: Wet cleaning a wool carpet will harm the fibres.
Wool carpets are constructed of natural fibres, and it is often assumed that employing wet-cleaning procedures, such as Hot Water Extraction, might harm the carpet. This is because natural fibres are regarded to be less durable than synthetic carpet fibres.
This is false. Wool is far more robust than synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester and can endure any wet cleaning procedure without being damaged. When used correctly, Hot Water Extraction cleaning will do little to no damage to a wool carpet. Hot Water Extraction may be used to remove liquid spills and help dry a wool carpet fast.
Myth #2: Wet Cleaning a wool carpet will cause it to shrink
A concern many people have with wool carpets is that the fibres will absorb liquids and shrink. This is due to older carpets with a jute backing shrinking when exposed to water or dampness.
False. Wool carpets, as previously said, are highly durable, and no amount of liquid or moisture can cause the fibres to shrink. Of course, you don’t want to allow your carpet to be excessively wet, so dry it quickly after cleaning to avoid damp odours.
Myth #3: Over-wetting a wool carpet will cause discolouration
When wool carpets are oversaturated with water, they tend to discolour. This is the case when a large spill happens, turning the carpet a brown colour.
False. When a wool carpet is oversaturated with water, it appears brown not because it is discoloured, but because the carpet’s backing loses its dye and this wicks to the face leaving a brown tinge.
Myth #4: Never use bleach on wool carpets.
This is correct. Bleach is caustic and will seriously harm your wool carpet. It’s advisable to use stain-removing products that are safe for natural fibres when cleaning wool carpets. When in doubt, try on a small patch of your wool carpet to check if the cleaning agent causes a reaction.
Myth #5: Wool should be air-dried only
False. The more quickly your wool carpet dries, the better. After cleaning your carpet, it’s a good idea to ventilate the space to speed up drying time or use heating and close the windows. Position carpet air movers strategically to ensure that your wool carpet dries as quickly as possible. Wool, unlike synthetic fibres, is inherently resistant to mould and mildew because the fibres allow moisture to flow through.
How to maintain a wool carpet properly
Now that we’ve established the facts, it’s time to find out how to maintain a wool carpet. There is a lot that goes into carpet maintenance that most homeowners overlook, which is why we’re here to provide you with a summary on effective carpet maintenance. Below are some tips to bear in mind:
To prevent dust and dirt, from building up in your carpet, carry out regular vacuuming of your wool carpet at least once a week.
Spills and stains should be removed as soon as possible. Using a paper towel, blot the liquid.
When treating spots or stains, use a mild detergent solution. Delicate fabric washes are generally colourfast and will preserve the natural colour of wool fibres.
Have your wool carpet professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Professional carpet cleaning may help you maintain your carpet clean and in good condition.
Along with proper wool carpet cleaning, it’s also important to implement preventative measures that will help preserve the condition of your wool carpet.
To reduce mud and dirt tracking, wear indoor slippers.
When feasible, keep food and drink to non-carpeted areas.
To avoid fading, keep the wool carpet away from direct sunlight.
Carefully select carpet cleaning products.
As always, it is vital to get the opinion of an expert carpet cleaner before making any decisions regarding your carpets and how they should be cleaned.