How to Take Care of Your Rug for a Long-Lasting Finish

After 60 years in the rug business, we know that wool is the best material. Yet, even the best of the materials is nothing without good care and maintenance.

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Here are 5 Ways to Make Sure Rig Looks and Feels As Good As New

Woven Works | Taking care of rug

1. Vacuuming: Routine Care

Vacuuming is essential for maintaining your wool rug. However, it’s important to use a vacuum with the right settings to prevent damage:

  • Use a gentle setting: Avoid high-powered suction and be sure to turn off any beater bar or rotating brush attachments, as these can pull on the fibers, causing unnecessary wear and tear.
  • Vacuum with care: For robot vacuums, ensure they are set to gentle mode (if available) or avoid their use on delicate wool rugs, as rotating parts can cause friction and fraying.
  • Frequency: For high-traffic areas, vacuum your rug once or twice a week. For low-traffic areas, a bi-weekly vacuum should suffice.
  • Handheld vacuums: These are great for spot-cleaning or for more delicate areas of the rug where manual control is preferable.

2. Shedding: A Natural Process

Shedding is an inherent feature of wool rugs, especially in the first few months of use:

  • Initial shedding: It’s normal for your wool rug to shed fibers during the first few months, particularly in areas of heavy foot traffic. This is not a sign of poor quality; it’s part of the rug’s natural settling process.
  • Ongoing maintenance: Regular vacuuming (as outlined above) is the most effective way to manage shedding. Over time, the shedding will reduce but may never stop completely.
  • Tip: Using a vacuum without a beater bar or rotating brushes will minimize shedding and prevent fibers from loosening prematurely.
Woven Works | Shedding: A Natural Process

3. Spot Cleaning: Stains and Spills

Addressing spills and stains promptly is crucial to keeping your wool rug looking its best:

  • Blot, don’t rub: As soon as a spill occurs, blot it with a clean, white cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Rubbing can drive the stain deeper into the fibers and spread it further.
  • Use mild detergents: For light stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent (like wool-safe soap or dishwashing liquid) with lukewarm water. Test the solution on a small, hidden area of the rug first to ensure colorfastness. Blot the stain gently with this solution, then blot again with clean water to remove any detergent residue.
  • Frequency: For high-traffic areas, vacuum your rug once or twice a week. For low-traffic areas, a bi-weekly vacuum should suffice.
  • Handheld vacuums: These are great for spot-cleaning or for more delicate areas of the rug where manual control is preferable.

4. Rotating the Rug

To prevent uneven wear and fading:

  • Rotate your rug every 6-12 months. This ensures that the rug wears evenly, especially in high-traffic areas or where sunlight exposure is uneven, which can cause discoloration or fading over time.
  • Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors of your wool rug to fade. Use curtains or blinds to limit exposure, or rotate the rug regularly to minimize this effect.
Woven Works | Storage

5. Storage

If you need to store your wool rug for any period of time:

  • Clean before storing: Always clean your rug before storing it to prevent dust or moths from damaging the fibers.
  • Roll, don’t fold: Roll the rug tightly with the pile side facing inwards. Avoid folding, as this can create permanent creases.
  • Use breathable covers: Store the rug in a breathable cotton sheet or cloth, rather than plastic, to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or mildew.
  • Store in a dry, cool place: Humidity can damage wool, so ensure that the storage area is cool, dry, and well-ventilated.

Taking Care of Your Rug Shouldn’t Be Hard

With Woven Works, you can invest in a high-quality, durable and sustainable rug that not only elevates your aesthetic but also doesn’t feel like a chore to maintain.

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