LEARN // RUG CARE & CLEANING

No matter the size, shape, style or make, proper care and maintenance is the best way to ensure that your area rug will stand the test of time. Below you will find tips on maintaining your area rugs. Please note it is recommended that you have your area rugs professionally cleaned once per year.

 

Wool Wisdom
Rug Care & Cleaning - Wool Wisdom  The best way to keep your area rug clean is to keep it from getting dirty in the first place. Exercise preventive maintenance by placing absorbent mats (i.e. welcome mats) at the most frequently used entrances to your home. This will help prevent dirt from being tracked onto your area rugs in other parts of the home. It is also a good idea to change or launder these mats when they become dirty. Additionally, removing shoes prior to entering your home will cut down on the amount of outside dirt that is brought in.

Frequent vacuuming is a new wool carpet's best friend. However, we recommend turning the beater bar off an using suction-only as the beater bar can damage the area rug fibers (especially loop pile Berber carpets) and cause excessive fuzzing. To cut down on excessive dust, filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly.

Spot Removal
Rug Care & Cleaning - Spot Removal Clean traffic lanes and in front of frequently used chairs periodically with an absorbent powder (such as Host® or Capture®). Do not apply stain repellent treatments which contain any silicone because they tend to accelerate carpet soiling. As a matter of fact, some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints where such treatments have been used. Keep absorbent cloth or paper towels and cleaning solutions on hand for quick response to spills and accidents.

Cleaning Agents for Spot Removal

Detergent Solution - Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid or detergent powder (containing no bleaches or strong alkalies) with a cup of warm (not hot) water.

Ammonia Solution - Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup water.

Vinegar Solution - Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.

Solvent - A dry-cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores) such as Carbona®, Energine®, or K2R®. (Chemically 1.1.1. Trichloroethane preferred).

Absorbent Cleaners - Host® and Capture®.

   

Spot Removal Chart
The very first step should always be to scoop up or blot excess.

Spot
Order of Treatment
Other Treatments
  Step1 Step2 Step3  
Alcoholic beverages 1 2 ---  
Bleach 1 3 ---  
Blood 1 2 ---  
Butter 4 2 ---  
Candle wax

Absorbent paper and hot iron

Chewing gum 5 4 ---  
Chocolate 2 3 6  
Coffee 1 2 4  
Colas and soft drinks 7 2 ---  
Cooking oils 4 2 ---  
Cream 2 4 ---  
Egg 2 --- ---  
Felt tip pen 7 2 8  
Floor wax 4 --- ---  
Fruit juice 1 2 ---  
Furniture polish 4 2 3  
Gravy and sauces 7 2 ---  
Ink (fountain pen) 1 2 ---  
Ink (ball point) 4 9 2  
Ketchup 7 2 ---  
Lipstick 4 2 ---  
Mercurochrome 2 3 6 Repeat Step 2
Milk 7 4 2  
Mustard 2 --- ---  
Nail polish 8 4 ---  
Oil and grease 4 2 ---  
Paint (latex) 2 3 4  
Paint (oil) 9 4 2  
Rust 4 2 10  
Salad dressing 2 4 ---  
Shoe polish 4 2 ---  
Soot 4 2 3  
Tar 4 --- ---  
Tea 1 2 4  
Urine (fresh) 1 2 ---  
Urine (old) 2 3 6  
Vomit 2 --- ---  
Wine 11 1 2  
Unknown material 4 12 2  

Type of Treatment*

1. Cold Water
2. Detergent solution
3. Ammonia solution
4. Solvent
5. Chill with aerosol freezing agent or ice cubes in plastic bag.   Pick or scrape some off.
6. Vinegar solution
7. Warm water
8. Clear nail polish remover (preferably acetone)
9. Alcohol or methylated spirits mineral turpentine
10. Rust Remover
11. Absorbent powder (e.g. salt, talc or proprietary absorbent powders.)
12. Absorbent cleaner (Host® or Capture®)*

*References to proprietary products or specific companies is for informational purposes only.  Be sure to read labels and follow directions carefully.

These instructions are to be used as a reference only.  We are not responsible for any damage, fading, and or change in your rugs, carpets, or anything else due to following these instructions.  Please call a professional for assistance prior to using these instructions.  By using this reference, it is understood that you agree to these conditions.