Cleaning Wool
“Is it possible to clean a wool rug at home? I thrifted a gorgeous wool rug but it needs to be cleaned. What should I use? ”
When it comes to upholstery, fabric, carpet and rug cleaning, wool is not a 101 level subject. Wool is an (incredible, luxurious and) unforgiving material that should only be handled by an experienced technician with the correct equipment, supplies, and training.
Wool comes from many different breeds of sheep and is a popular fabric in ancient societies all over Africa and Europe. Consider its importance in Amazigh (Berber) and Scottish cultures and you will start to understand the widespread importance of wool.
Properties of Wool
Wool stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The Amazigh (we commonly call them Berber) people of North Africa have long used wool as a clothing, rug, and housing material because of its naturally insulative properties. In either the very hot days or the very cold nights, wool can operate as both a heating and cooling system. It accepts dyes well, and natural wool products are often richly multicolored.
Wool Scarves
Wool from sheep starts out white, but because wool is very receptive to dyes, most wool products you can purchase are beautifully dyed in rich colors and patterns.
Those were the pros. Now for the scary part: wool also accepts moisture very readily and can be temperamental if handled improperly.
If you get it wet, it can rot from the inside in six days. Over-wetting can cause malodors (and ALL consumer-available carpet cleaners cause over-wetting). Using the wrong pH chemical can destabilize dyes. Too much heat can cause shrinkage.
Even in our industry, even among trained and certified professionals, rookies aren't allowed to clean wool.
Wools, silks, and high-end linens and cottons are members of the natural fiber family. These are always better left to a professional.
Amber Starling, Author
Founder and President of
Good Witch Cleaning Services, LLC
IICRC Journeyman Textile Cleaner