Wool Carpet Cleaning Myths, Busted
Investing in wool means choosing a naturally beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly wool carpet that provides excellent warmth and insulation, according to British Wool.
A common worry surrounds how to approach wool carpet cleaning and maintenance of this premium material without damaging it. Fortunately, wool carpet maintenance is simpler than you might think. Keep reading for the essential, reassuring facts that guarantee you enjoy its original vibrancy and durability.
Myth 1:
Never use wet cleaning methods (like steam or extraction) on wool carpets, as water will cause irreversible damage.
Fact: False. Wool is a natural fiber, much like human hair, and it can be safely washed with water. In fact, a professional wool carpet cleaning that includes thorough water extraction is beneficial and necessary to keep your wool carpet fibres clean and in excellent condition.
Myth 2:
Deep wet cleaning your wool carpet flooring or wool rug will inevitably lead to fibre shrinkage.
Fact: This is incorrect and is usually a result of poor-quality cleaning processes, not the water itself. Washing wool carpet is completely safe when done correctly, typically using cool or lukewarm water. Since wool fibres can absorb significant moisture, a professional technician is careful to prevent over-wetting the carpet with the cleaning solution, ensuring no damage or shrinkage occurs.
Myth 3:
If you wet-clean wool, the thick wool carpet will turn an unpleasant brown colour.
Fact: This discolouration myth is tied directly to substandard cleaning techniques. Browning occurs as the carpet dries, signifying that the floor was over-wetted during the clean, which causes the carpet’s backing to “wick back” moisture and residual dirt. When carried out to a high standard, carpet cleaning wool carpet properly avoids this issue. Our professional wool carpet cleaning specialists will always test a small, inconspicuous area first to confirm the fabric is colourfast and ensure we achieve the desired result of restoring its vibrant colour.
Myth 4:
Bleach is an effective last resort for removing stubborn stains from your wool carpet.
Fact: This is absolutely correct—and a critical safety warning! Bleach can seriously damage and actually dissolve wool carpet fibres. When tackling tough spots, never use any bleaching agents on your wool or wool-blend carpet. For effective stain removal, always use an approved wool carpet cleaner or consult a professional.
Myth 5:
After washing wool carpet, it is best to let the material air-dry naturally and slowly at its own pace.
Fact: This is incorrect. In fact, the opposite is true: the quicker the wool carpet dries, the better! Quick drying is key to successful wool carpet maintenance. When the carpet is drying, ensure you ventilate the room well and use air movers or fans in strategic positions to facilitate the process if possible, avoiding prolonged dampness.
Day-to-day spot cleaning can easily be done on your own. If you need more help with these daily maintenance tips, check out Manx Tomkinson’s Guide Here.
However, for deep cleaning, to maintain optimum condition, and to prolong the lifespan of your wool carpet, it is highly recommended that you schedule a professional wool carpet cleaning at least once every twelve to eighteen months.