How to Clean Wool Carpets
Wool carpets are a luxurious and durable flooring choice, but they do require special care. As House of Isabella notes, “Wool carpets are renowned for their luxurious texture, resilience under foot, and ability to bring warmth and elegance to both traditional and contemporary interiors.”
Regular wool carpet cleaning helps maintain this beauty, keeping your carpets hygienic and long-lasting. Read on for tips on how to clean wool carpets safely, whether at home or with professional services.
Key Takeaways
- Gentle cleaning is essential for proper wool carpet maintenance
- Spills should be addressed immediately to prevent staining and damage
- Regular professional care helps preserve wool carpets long term
- With the right approach, wool carpets can remain cozy, hygienic, and stylish for decades
Why Wool Carpets Need Special Care
Wool is a natural fibre, giving it warmth, softness, and resilience. Unlike synthetic carpets, wool:
- Absorbs more moisture
- Can shrink if over-wet
- Loses texture if scrubbed aggressively
Proper wool carpet maintenance preserves the carpet’s appearance, structure, and lifespan.
How to Care for Wool Carpets at Home
Regular Vacuuming Frequent vacuuming is the easiest way to prevent dirt and grit from embedding in your wool carpet fibres, which can cause long-term wear. Best practices for vacuuming a wool carpet:- Vacuum 2–3 times per week, daily in high-traffic areas
- Use adjustable suction and avoid aggressive rotating brushes
- Vacuum slowly and in multiple directions
Treating Spills and Stains on Wool Carpets
While wool has a natural resistance to stains thanks to its lanolin coating, it is not completely stain-proof. Immediate action is key.
How to clean wool carpets safely:
- Blot spills gently—never rub
- Use only wool carpet cleaners or products labelled wool-safe
- Apply minimal moisture and patch test first
- Allow the carpet to dry fully with good airflow
Avoid household cleaners like bleach, vinegar, or washing-up liquid, as they can damage wool fibres. Not sure what’s safe and what’s not? Check out our wool carpet myths blog, where we’ve busted the most common misconceptions.
Professional Wool Carpet Cleaning
Even with careful home maintenance, professional wool carpet cleaning every 6–12 months is recommended.
DIY carpet cleaners often:
- Over-wet wool fibres
- Use unsuitable detergents
- Risk shrinkage or texture damage
Professional cleaners use controlled moisture, correct pH solutions, and wool-safe methods to remove deep-seated dirt, allergens, bacteria, and odours. This keeps your wool carpet for stairs or larger areas looking fresh for decades.
Everyday Wool Carpet Maintenance Tips
Simple habits make a big difference:
- Avoid wearing shoes indoors
- Use entrance mats to trap grit
- Clean pets’ paws and groom them to reduce hair build-up
- Rotate furniture to prevent uneven wear
Regular wool carpet care can also improve the longevity of thick wool carpets and reduce the need for frequent professional cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should wool carpets be cleaned?
Vacuum wool carpets 2–3 times per week and arrange professional cleaning every 6–12 months.
Can you steam clean wool carpets?
Yes, professional steam cleaning is safe and effective without over-wetting fibres.
Are DIY carpet cleaners safe for wool carpets?
Most are not, as they often use too much water and detergents for synthetic carpets.
What cleaning products are safe for wool carpets?
Use only wool carpet cleaner products labelled wool-safe or approved by organisations like Woolsafe.
Can wool carpets shrink when cleaned?
Yes. Excess moisture or heat can cause shrinkage, which is why professional wool carpet cleaning is strongly advised.