How to clean a hand-knotted wool rug

1. Ready your vacuum for cleaning. Change the bag and replace it with a new one. If the vacuum has a soft brush attachment, use it. Wipe down the underside of the vacuum with a clean cloth and gentle household cleaner.

2. Get the rug ready for cleaning. Remove all furniture and obstacles from the rug. For area rugs, roll up the rug and vacuum the floor under the rug.

3. Vacuum the entire rug, going in a single direction. The hand-knotted wool rug is now ready to clean.

4. Use a Woolsafe certified carpet cleaner and test an inconspicuous area of the rug with the carpet cleaner. Check for colour loss, fibre loss or fuzzing. If any of these occur, do not use that product and look for another one that is less damaging to the rug.

5. Apply the carpet cleaner to the hand-knotted wool rug. To use a dry carpet cleaner, sprinkle the cleaner around on the carpet like spreading chicken feed. Work no more than a 10 x 10-foot area at a time. Gently brush in the cleaner using a back and forth motion. Repeat until the entire carpet is cleaned however always be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions if they differ.

6. Try a foam carpet cleaner rather than a dry cleaner. Simply apply the foam in a back and forth motion, shaking the can occasionally. Allow it to dry. Some manufacturers recommend working in the foam with a stiff brush. Never use a stiff brush on a hand-knotted wool rug.

7. Vacuum the carpet to remove any residue from the carpet cleaner. Repeat if necessary.

Carpet and Rug Cleaning