Handcrafted wool rugs are widely recognized as some of the most durable carpets available. These carpets, woven from 100% wool, typically offer greater wear resistance and practicality compared to those made from cotton or synthetic materials. Many have heard rumors that handcrafted carpets can last over a century. If you too wish for your carpet to endure such a long lifespan, it is essential to follow proper maintenance procedures. Fortunately, handcrafted wool rugs are quite easy to maintain, and by adhering to a few simple steps, they can be your companion for years to come.
1. Avoid letting liquids sit on the carpet for long. Wool fibers are naturally water-resistant and do not readily absorb liquids, especially in handwoven wool carpets. If stains are left on the carpet for too long, they may become difficult to clean. Therefore, when liquid stains occur, take immediate cleaning measures; otherwise, you may need to spend more on professional cleaning services later.
2. Do not beat the carpet with hard objects. Daily care for handcrafted wool carpets can be managed with a vacuum cleaner. However, some people might find it convenient to beat the carpet with a stick to remove dust, which is not advisable. Excessive beating can damage the carpet fibers and allow more dust to penetrate the interior, so always use a vacuum cleaner.
3. Do not use steam vacuum cleaners. Some vacuum cleaners come with a steam cleaning mode, which may work well for other textiles but is not suitable for handcrafted carpets. Steam cleaning can cause the carpet to become damp and moldy, damaging the pile. For large handcrafted carpets, steam cleaning is an absolute taboo.
Now that you know what to avoid in carpet maintenance, it’s time to look at some good carpet care tips. Here are some professional suggestions to keep your wool carpets in the best condition:
1. Regularly use a vacuum cleaner. As we have mentioned repeatedly, maintaining handcrafted wool carpets is quite easy. Vacuuming once or twice a week is sufficient for cleaning. If you are less diligent, even longer intervals between cleanings are acceptable.
2. Immediately clean up liquid stains. If you are having a meal with your family and a child accidentally spills a drink, causing juice to spill on the carpet, do not hesitate. Immediately use a cloth or tissue with good water absorption to soak up the liquid. Handcrafted wool carpets are not prone to staining, and stains only settle when they remain on the carpet for a long time. As long as you clean up promptly, there is no need to worry about damage to the carpet.
3. Gently shake or beat the carpet. While vacuuming is the most recommended way to clean carpets, if an emergency arises and you cannot use a vacuum cleaner, hanging the carpet and gently beating it by hand can also remove some dust and dirt. However, it is important to note that you should beat the carpet in a dry place.
If your handmade wool rug is of a smaller size, you can regularly take it outdoors to shake off any dust.
Regularly rotating your rug is essential if you want to understand why some handmade wool rugs can last for over a century. Due to the varying frequency of foot traffic in different areas, rugs can become distorted. By rotating the direction of your rug regularly, you can balance the wear and tear, helping your rug to last longer. This is often the simplest and most effective method for maintaining handmade rugs!
If you truly wish to preserve your handmade rug, you should hire a professional carpet cleaning service to clean it every 3 to 5 years. This not only gives your rug a fresh new look but also helps it to last longer. Although purchasing a handmade wool rug may be an expensive choice for you, with high-quality care and cleaning techniques, your rug will certainly be worth the investment.
