How to Care for Your Wool Rug: A Complete Guide

A handmade wool rug is not just a floor covering. It is an investment in craft, in beauty, and in the character of your home. With the right care, a quality wool rug can last for many years.

Here is how to keep yours looking its best. For a shorter checklist, see our rug care guide.

Daily & Weekly Care

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuum your wool rug once or twice a week to remove dust and debris before it settles into the fibres. Vacuum in the direction of the pile, not against it. Use a suction-only setting if possible, and avoid beater bars, which can damage wool fibres over time.

Rotate Your Rug

Rotate your rug 180 degrees every 3-6 months. This ensures even wear and prevents one area from fading faster than another, especially in rooms with direct sunlight.

Use a Rug Pad

A quality rug pad prevents slipping, protects your floor, and reduces wear on the rug itself. It is one of the simplest things you can do to help your rug last.

Dealing with Spills

Act quickly. The faster you respond to a spill, the easier it is to remove.

  1. Blot, do not rub. Use a clean white cloth to blot the spill from the outside in. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages fibres.
  2. Use cold water. Hot water can set stains and shrink wool. Always use cold or lukewarm water.
  3. Mild soap only. If water alone is not enough, use a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or enzyme-based cleaners.
  4. Dry thoroughly. After treating a spill, press a dry towel firmly onto the area to absorb moisture. Allow to air dry completely. Never use a hairdryer or place near direct heat.

Deep Cleaning

We recommend a professional deep clean every 12-18 months, depending on foot traffic. Look for a specialist rug cleaner experienced with handmade wool rugs, not a general carpet cleaner.

For light freshening between professional cleans, you can:

  • Sprinkle baking soda lightly over the rug, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
  • Let fresh air into the room, away from direct sunlight, to freshen the rug naturally.

Shedding: What to Expect

New wool rugs shed. This is normal and not a sign of poor quality. It is simply loose fibres working their way out. Shedding usually reduces after the first few months of regular vacuuming.

Do not be alarmed. Your rug is not falling apart. It is settling in.

Storage

If you need to store your rug, roll it, never fold it. Folding creates creases that are very difficult to remove. Roll with the pile facing inward, wrap in breathable fabric (not plastic), and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Sunlight & Fading

Prolonged direct sunlight will fade any rug over time, including wool. If your rug is in a sunny room, use UV-filtering window treatments and rotate the rug regularly to ensure even exposure.

Questions?

Have questions about caring for your specific rug? Contact us and we will be happy to help.

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