Wool Rug Cleaning Guide: Expert Tips & Techniques to Wash a Wool Rug

Spilled wine on a beautiful wool rug? Worried about pet messes or stubborn stains ruining your carpet?

Washing a wool rug can feel difficult, but it’s easier than you think!

This guide will walk you through exactly how to clean a wool rug at home. You’ll learn everything from the must-have tools to wool carpet cleaning solutions and drying tips. Additionally, we’ll explore 7 essential stain-removal methods for common spills along with pro maintenance tips to keep your wool rugs looking like new.

Keep reading to restore your rug’s beauty and protect your investment.

Materials You Need to Wash a Wool Rug

With your materials ready, let’s get into a 3-step cleaning process.

How to Wash a Wool Rug | Easy 3-Step Cleaning Process

Follow this easy process to confidently clean your wool rug at home:

Step #1: Vacuum the rug

Before any wet cleaning, remove loose soil and dust by vacuuming on both sides.

Go slowly so the vacuum can lift debris out of the fibers. If possible, hang the rug over a railing and gently beat it with a rug beater or broom. This shakes out deeply embedded dirt.

Step #2: Spot-clean stains immediately

The moment a spill happens, blot it with a clean white towel or cloth to absorb moisture. Never rub, which can spread the stain and damage fibers.

You can also try a mild cleaning solution. A few drops of wool-safe detergent in water, applied with a sponge. Use gentle, dabbing motions and fresh towels until the stain lifts. Always finish by blotting with a clean, damp cloth to rinse. Then absorb excess moisture with towels.

Step #3: Hand-wash the rug with water & detergent (if needed)

Once vacuumed and spot-treated, you can deep-clean the entire rug. Fill a bucket with warm water and a small amount of wool detergent. Working outdoors on a clean tarp is ideal, as this can get messy.

Using a soft sponge or brush, wash the rug in gentle circular motions, applying equal pressure across the surface. Never scrub forcefully as wool fibers can shrink under harsh treatment.

Rinse the soap out by hosing down the rug or using clean water and a squeegee to push out the suds. Repeat rinsing until no detergent remains.

Drying Wool Rug

Always air-dry wool rugs. Lay the rug flat or hang it so it stays straight. Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. You can hang it on a line or lay it indoors over towels.

Use a fan or move air over the wet rug to speed drying, otherwise wool can stay damp for a long time. Never tumble-dry wool or leave it outdoors on hot sun, as this may shrink or warp the rug. Once dry, vacuum again to fluff the fibers.

Now, let’s explore targeted cleaning methods for the most common stains and spills on wool rugs.

7 Quick Spot-Cleaning Methods for Common Wool Rug Stains & Spills

1. How to Remove Liquid Spills

Act fast. Blot the spill with a white towel, working from the outside in to avoid spreading.

For red wine or juice – Once most liquid is up, apply a little room-temperature water and blot again. Then mix a solution of ⅓ cup white vinegar with ⅔ cup water and gently dab this onto a wine stain until it fades.

For coffee or tea – After blotting, spray or dab a wool-safe cleaner or even diluted dish soap solution on the stain. Then blot again. Always use light pressure. Do not rub and finish by blotting with a clean damp cloth.

Wool’s natural lanolin helps repel liquid, but immediate blotting is the key to success.

2. How to Wash Baby Food or Sweets Spills

If a child’s puree or candy melts on the rug, first carefully scoop up solids with a spoon. Pour a small amount of cool water on the area and blot with paper towels. Continue blotting; press down firmly but don’t scrub.

For sticky foods like jam or chocolate, let a few drops of water sit, then blot again. Repeat until the stain stops lifting. Finish by sponging the spot with a bit of wool-safe detergent solution and blotting dry.

3. How to Clean Oily & Greasy Stains

Blot up any fresh oil immediately.

Cover the stain with an absorbent powder like baking soda, cornstarch or talcum. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up oil. Gently scrape away the powder.

Next, apply a small amount of wool-safe dry-cleaning solvent or a mild dish soap to a cloth and dab the stain from edges to center. Turpentine is sometimes used, but only if labeled safe for wool.

After treating, dampen a cloth with warm water and blot to remove any cleaning residue. Blot dry. If grease lingers, repeat the powder and solvent steps.

4. How to Remove Pet Stains

Pet stains are mostly urine, feces, or vomit. First, scoop or blot out solids and urine. Blot urine with paper towels until no more liquid transfers. Then flush the area with plain warm water. Pour on a little water and blot it up to dilute the stain.

Next, use an enzyme-based pet stain remover that’s safe for wool.

Follow the product instructions which are usually the following:

• Apply it.
• Let it sit so enzymes break down the stain.
• Then blot and rinse with water.
• Thoroughly dry the spot by blotting.

Sprinkle baking soda on the area and leave it for a few hours to neutralise odour. Vacuum up the powder when dry.

5. How to Remove Blood Stains

Always use cold water. Blot fresh blood with towels to remove as much as possible.

Mix a little dish soap or laundry detergent in cold water and gently dab the stain from the edges inward. Continue until the stain lightens. Rinse the area by blotting with a cloth dampened in plain cold water and blot dry.

For older or stubborn blood stains, dab 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the spot using a cotton swab. Let it fizz for a few minutes. Then rinse with water.

Pro Tip: Always spot-test first on a hidden edge. Do not use ammonia on wool, as it can weaken the fibers.

6. How to Get Makeup & Cosmetic Stains Out

Treat makeup like a combination of oily and dye stains.

For foundation or cream-based products – Blot off excess, sprinkle baking soda to lift oil, then vacuum it up. Gently dab the area with a wool-safe detergent solution to remove residue.

For lipstick or dye-heavy makeup – Apply a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a white cloth and dab carefully from edges inward. Afterward, blot with a damp cloth to rinse.

7. How to Clean Outdoor Stains

For mud – Let mud dry completely. Then brush or shake it off outdoors. Vacuum the remaining soil with a brushless head to avoid grinding it in. If a mark remains, sponge on a gentle wool detergent solution and blot dry.

For ink & marker – Place a clean white cloth under the stain. Lightly dab the stain with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on a cotton swab or cloth. Work from edges to center. Blot up moisture. Then dab with water to rinse, blotting dry.

For rust – Blot the rust spot with a cloth dampened in club soda. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt. Apply to the stain and let it dry. Vacuum away the paste and check the spot. If rust remains, mix ⅓ cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp dish soap, and 1 cup water. Then dab the foam (not the liquid) onto the rust. Blot until gone and let the wool air dry.

In all cases, patience is key: blot and repeat as needed. Avoid scrubbing or oversaturating the wool. If a stain won’t budge, it’s best to call in professional wool rug cleaning experts.

Washing a Wool Rug | Dos and Don’ts

Pro Tips to Maintain Your Wool Rugs

Follow these tips to keep your wool carpet looking fresh and luxurious. With minimal effort like weekly vacuuming and quick spot treatments, you’ll protect the rug’s fibers and colours for decades.

• Go shoe-free indoors

Encourage guests to remove shoes. This reduces dirt and grit that wear down wool fibers.

• Place doormats at entrances

Stop dirt at the door with quality doormats—especially near your wool rugs.

• Give it sunlight (occasionally)

Air your rug outdoors every few months for a few hours (avoid harsh midday sun). This helps deodorize naturally.

• Rotate and flip
• Rotate the rug and move furniture every 6 months to prevent uneven wear or indentations.
• Use a rug pad

A quality pad protects against slipping, cushions the rug, and helps preserve its shape.

• Schedule professional wool rug cleaning

Get your wool rug professionally cleaned every 1–2 years. Avoid DIY steam-cleaning—wool needs expert care.

Ever wished your living room had a beautiful new wool rug that’s stain-resistant and easy to clean?

Explore Washable, High-Quality Wool Rugs at Silk Road Rugs

We understand the challenge of keeping wool carpets spotless. That’s why our collection features the finest wool floor rugs that are both stunning and durable.

Our wool rugs naturally resist dirt and spills. We carry a wide range of premium rug designs and sizes; all selected for quality and ease of care.

Visit our rug showroom in Perth or browse rugs online.

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FAQs About Washing Wool Rugs

Q: How often should I deep clean my wool rug?

Aim for a thorough clean every 6–12 months, or sooner if it gets heavy use. Weekly vacuuming is recommended. Frequent spot-cleaning of spills helps avoid big buildup.

Q: Can I machine wash my wool rug?

Generally, no. Most wool rugs will shrink or distort in a washing machine. Hand-wash with mild detergent or hire a professional. Only machine-wash if the care label explicitly says it’s safe.

Q: What cleaner is safe for wool carpets?

Use a pH-neutral, wool-specific detergent or enzyme cleaner is best to wash wool rugs. Avoid bleach, laundry detergents or any harsh chemicals. Even vinegar must be diluted (usually 1:1 with water) and tested first.

Q: How do I dry my wool rug after cleaning?

Always air-dry. Hang or lay the rug flat in the shade with good airflow. Never use a clothes dryer or direct sunlight as heat can shrink and warp wool. Flip it over after one side dries, so both sides dry completely.

Q: Are wool rugs suitable for families with pets or allergies?

Yes! Wool naturally repels pet hair and is hypoallergenic. It resists dust and allergens better than many synthetics. Just clean up pet messes promptly and vacuum regularly to keep them looking and feeling great.