How to clean sheepskin and wool rugs?

If you have ever cleaned carpets at home, you may be thinking that the same rules of carpet cleaning apply to rugs. While it is true that a lot of the techniques, namely vacuuming, are the same, there are some specific considerations that you should have. If you have sheepskin or wool rug at home, you best learn how to adequately address rug cleaning, to ensure these items last a good number of years.

Sheepskin rugs can usually be dry cleaned, although it is understandable if you don’t want to do it. Not only can it cost you money, but the result may not be satisfactory. If you are more of a DIY-person, then this is the step-by-step guide you should be following:

• Fill the bathtub with lukewarm-cool water. It is recommended to avoid warm water, as that is known to cause sheepskin rugs to shrink.

• Pour in sheepskin/wool detergent. Pay attention to the label of the product you have chosen, as pure wool detergent can, in fact, cause some damage to the rug. It should be a non-alkaline product, without any biological enzymes. Fabric softeners are a no-go. You can test any product on a small area of the rug first, just to be sure it is not causing any damage.

• Place the rug and create suds after adding the cleaner. Gently swish the rug around to loosen the accumulated dirt on it.

• Squeeze and rinse in cold water at least twice, to ensure you washed away all the cleaner.

• Roll up the sheepskin and squeeze it to get the water out. You can further dab with clean, dry cloths and towels to further dry it.

• Lay out the rug to air dry. Keeping the rug out of reach of direct sunlight is essential. A cool and shaded place is ideal. Don’t forget to pull the sheepskin into shape.

• Use a metal bristled brush to fluff up the fabric. As it dries, brush it again. Then, do a final brushing once it has dried. This will get back its natural fluffiness.

Wool rugs are a bit more specific. Usually, you will want to have them professionally cleaned. It is essential to stay on top of rug cleaning by investing the necessary time and effort in vacuuming. Don’t let spills linger and implement these cleaning methods:

1. Before you initiate in any cleaning, take the rug outside and give it a good beating to remove the accumulated dust.
2. Set it on a clean driveway/patio.
3. Wet the rug thoroughly with a garden hose.
4. Mix water and wool laundry liquid. Apply the solution on the rug with a sponge.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
6. Squeeze and roll up the rug in towels to further soak up some moisture.
7. Let it air dry in a shaded place.

Don’t be afraid to try out any of these rug cleaning procedures for your sheepskin and wool rug. They are bound to work out well enough, as long as you follow the steps.

For more information call 020 8626 7977 or visit: http://www.london-carpet-cleaners.co.uk/carpet-cleaning-service-london

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