How to Wash a Wool Rug in Washing Machine
Washing a wool rug is something that many people think they shouldn’t do. However, it’s straightforward and can be done with a few steps. Washing your rugs at home will save you the money of having to take them out for dry cleaning or taking them to a professional cleaner each time they get dirty. It also helps preserve their look and prevents wear and tear on the fibers over time.
Whether you have a small area rug from Ikea or an oriental rug from Persia, washing it yourself isn’t as hard as most think! Of course, it is essential to have a wool rug cleaned periodically, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. For those who don’t want to spend the time or money on professional cleaning, washing a wool rug in the washing machine may be an option. Follow these easy steps below to learn how to wash a wool rug in washing machine.
What do You Need to Wash a Wool Rug?
- Wool rug,
- Plain laundry detergent (liquid)
- Washing machine,
- Drying rack,
- Dryer or sunshine.
8 Steps to Follow: How to Wash a Wool Rug in Washing Machine
Step 1: Fill Washing Machine
Fill the washing machine to the top with lukewarm water and a small amount of shampoo. Please do not use laundry detergent as it can be too harsh for rugs. While the machine is filling, put your rug into a large garbage bag and tie it shut. This will keep your rug from shedding (and getting all over you and everything else) while it’s wet and in the washing machine.
Step 2: Set the Cycle
Set the cycle to “Gentle” or “Delicate.” If you have a washing machine with a pre-soak setting, use it. When the process is complete, check to make sure there are no stains on your rug. If necessary, rerun the cycle on “Gentle” or “Delicate.”
Step 3: Shake and Remove
Remove your rug from the machine and carry it outside to shake it. This will loosen most of the dirt, allowing you to remove it with a vacuum or by brushing the rug with an old toothbrush. If there are any stubborn stains after this step, call in a professional cleaner.
Step 4: Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuum your rug thoroughly. You may need to use an attachment specifically for this purpose. If you’re having difficulty removing all of the dirt, use compressed air to blow it out.
Step 5: Hang Rug
Hang the rug on a clothesline and allow it to dry. If you cannot hang it outside, then lay it on your lawn face-up and will enable the sun to beat down on it until it is completely dry (usually three hours). After this step, you can either use a fan or an air conditioner to speed up the drying time.
Step 6: Brush and Groom
Brush your rug using a stiff brush or broom, then use a vacuum to clean up any remaining dirt on the bottom of the rug. If there are stubborn stains you cannot remove, take them to a professional cleaner as soon as possible before they set in for good. This will also help with any odors.
Step 7: Fold and Store
Fold your rug the opposite way it was rolled when you took it out of storage, allowing air to reach both sides of the rug while stored so that they stay fresh. Storage containers work best if their inside measurements are slightly smaller than the size of your rugs. This will keep them from sliding around when you’re carrying the container.
Step 8: Replace Storage Bag
Replace the storage bag (if you have one) and store your rug in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. Make sure to check for any holes or tears in the bag before storing it away again. Now that your wool rug is clean and fresh, be sure not to roll it back up with the crease that was there before. This will ruin the appearance of your carpet, and also cause it to be misshapen.
You can also check out How High Should a Washing Machine Outlet Box Be
Some Tips and Suggestions:
- Wash your wool rug on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water, using a natural fiber-friendly detergent.
- It is best not to use soap of any kind on your rug unless it specifically states that it is safe for rugs. However, if you’d like to try, this would be the place to do so.
- Be sure to wash your rug inside and pay close attention to any fringes or tassels, as they can become tangled and matted if left unattended during the washing process.
- The agitation from the machine will help loosen dirt and fibers that have accumulated over time, so you won’t need to scrub too hard.
- If your rug is notably bulky and heavy, it’s best to put it through the spin cycle before hanging or airing out. This will prevent any creases or wrinkles from setting in as the material dries out naturally.
- When done washing, remove it from the machine promptly and lay out flat to dry. The rug should be completely dry before you reintroduce it to your home or attempt to fold it up again.
- A simple clothesline will do as long as the weather is nice and sunny for larger rugs. However, consider using a dry cleaner for small rugs since you’ll want to make sure it’s scorched before you roll or fold it up.
- If your rug is slightly damp, leave the windows open until the room is completely dry. For a more effective air-drying process, place aluminum foil beneath the rug, as this will create an excellent surface for excess water to evaporate from.
Final Words:
Some people don’t know how to wash a wool rug. It may seem intimidating, but it is not that hard! Here are some steps you can take on how to properly care for your woolen rugs. Find the instructions for washing on the label inside the rug. If there are no specific directions, follow these simple guidelines below mentioned in these blog posts.
We hope this post has been helpful in your quest to learn how to wash a wool rug in washing machine. Feel free to share the article on social media, email it out or bookmark it for future reference! Also, if you have any other questions about rug care, don’t hesitate to contact us!
