How to clean a wool rug at home
Wool is naturally good at hiding dirt, and most wool rugs only need regular vacuuming and quick action on spills. Here is how to keep yours looking its best, and the things that damage wool.
The routine: vacuum and rotate
- Vacuum weekly, or twice a week in busy rooms, with suction only or the brush bar switched off. A beater bar can fuzz and pull a hand-tufted pile.
- Vacuum in the direction of the pile (run your hand over it; the smooth direction is the pile direction).
- Turn the rug 180 degrees every few months so wear and sunlight are even.
- Vacuum the back once or twice a year; grit works through to the floor.
Cleaning a spill on a wool rug
- Act fast. Wool resists spills for a short time, then absorbs them.
- Scoop up solids with a spoon or blunt knife, working from the outside in.
- Blot, never rub. Press a clean white cloth or kitchen paper onto the spill to absorb as much as possible. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and felts the fibres.
- Dab with cool water and a drop of wool detergent or mild washing-up liquid on a cloth. Test on a hidden corner first.
- Rinse by dabbing with a cloth dampened in clean water, then blot dry.
- Dry quickly: lay a dry towel on the patch with a weight on top, then let it air dry. Raise the pile with your fingers.
What to use, and what to avoid
| Safe on wool | Avoid on wool |
|---|---|
| Cool or lukewarm water | Hot water (can shrink and felt the fibre) |
| Wool-safe detergent, mild washing-up liquid | Bleach, ammonia and biological detergents |
| White vinegar diluted 1:2 with water, for odours | Strong alkaline carpet shampoos |
| Bicarbonate of soda sprinkled on a dry rug, then vacuumed | Steam cleaners on hand-tufted rugs (heat and water can loosen the backing adhesive) |
| White cloths | Coloured cloths that can transfer dye |
Pet accidents
Blot up as much as you can, dab with cool water, then with a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water, and blot dry. An enzyme cleaner labelled safe for wool helps remove odour. See rugs for pets.
Deep cleaning
Every two to three years, or when the rug looks dull, use a professional rug cleaner who can identify the fibres and construction. Wool and viscose blends especially need a specialist. Never soak a hand-tufted rug at home.
New-rug smell and shedding
A new wool rug can smell faintly of wool and sheds loose fibre for the first few weeks. Both are normal. Ventilate the room and vacuum regularly. Read why rugs shed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a carpet cleaner on a wool rug?
Only a cleaner and solution labelled safe for wool, on a low-moisture setting, and never on wool and viscose blends. For hand-tufted rugs, a professional is safer.
Can you use vinegar on a wool rug?
Yes, diluted white vinegar (about one part to two parts water) is safe for wool and helps neutralise odours. Test on a hidden area first.
How do I get red wine out of a wool rug?
Blot immediately, dab with cool water, then with a little wool detergent solution, rinse and blot. Never use hot water, which can set the stain.
Can you steam clean a wool rug?
We do not recommend it at home. Heat and moisture can shrink wool and loosen the adhesive on hand-tufted backings.
Shop the guide
-
Caruso Wool Rug in Brown
from £274.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Silver
from £169.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Sand
from £169.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Sage
from £169.98
Related guides
- How to remove stains from a rug
- Why do rugs shed, and how long does it last?
- How to vacuum a rug properly
- Wool vs synthetic rugs: which should you buy?
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.