While wool rugs are very popular, they are also high maintenance when it comes to cleaning. On that premise, adopting the wrong cleaning routine can be detrimental to the endurance of your expensive décor. When you buy wool, you are buying material woven from Sheep’s fur. Because of the natural oils present in the fur, the fibers in wool-woven pieces are naturally antimicrobial, meaning they inhibit or destroy the growth of microorganisms. However, since they are made of animal hairs, the durable floor coverings can become to smell a bit musty over time. To cultivate longevity, it is best to care for your wool pieces with gentle, yet effective, solutions. While letting experts take care of deep cleaning your delicate items with the proper tools is the best option, we’ll provide you with what we think is the safest way to regularly care for your wool rugs/upholstery by citing research we’ve done on the matter.

The first step on the road to a refreshed rug or wool upholstered furniture is to remove dirt as thoroughly and gently as possible. For furniture and heavy items, lightly vacuum the surface area with the hose attachment. While it is possible to vacuum your rug, this could come with the consequence of pulling up fibers and possibly ruining a portion of the material. I recommend simply taking them outside and beating them with either a broom or rug beater. In doing so, you will be able to effectively release the dirt particles in your rug. As far as musty odor is concerned, the safest solution, in my opinion is in your liquor cabinet. Vodka is a great, non-chemical, substance that works well with odor removal. To do so, start by grabbing a spray bottle and pouring the vodka in. Make sure not to add any water in the bottle as the high alcohol content is what directly interacts with the odor on the material. Using a cheap bottle of vodka is perfectly okay in this step, and there is really no need to use an expensive brand, as long as your chosen vodka is flavor free. Next, spritz your rug/upholstery with the liquor, and allow time for them to dry completely, before returning your home furnishing to their original location. While waiting, make sure to not leave your any of your components in direct sunlight, as it can cause bleaching and or yellowing of the wool. Once dry, restore your items to their original spot of your home. Last but not least, the final step is to enjoy your refreshed furnishings!

As stated previously, this method is for those in between times where you are not having your wool professionally cleaned. That being said, your rugs/upholstery should not be professionally done all the time, saving the occasion for every 1-3 years, depending on foot traffic within the home. Always remember, that if taken care of properly, wool rugs and upholstered furniture are durable and a fantastic addition to any home.