Caring for your Rug

The naturally scaly surface of wool fibre makes it soil resistant. Soil will be held high in the rug pile, so it can easily be removed by vacuuming.

Wool has natural elasticity, so it stands up to everyday wear and tear, and resists unsightly crushing from furniture. Wool fibre's natural coating prevents penetration by water based liquids. This is especially beneficial because around 80% of household spills are water-based.

Combined with an effective maintenance plan, these natural benefits will make it easy to look after your wool rugs. All you have to do is follow the three simple steps set out below. You will be delighted with how your rug looks year after year. Futhermore, you will relax in the knowledge your rug is always hygienically clean.

 

STEP 1. VACUUM REGULARLY

 

When it comes to keeping your rugs looking good and hygienically clean, you can never over-vacuum. As a general rule, vacuum at least once a week, more often in heavy traffic areas. Be thorough - vacuum under furniture, behind curtains and where your rug meets the wall.

QUICK TIPS:

A vacuum with a rotating brush is best for low cut pile rugs, but turn the brush off, or change the head for loop pile to prevent excess fuzzing.

If your vacuum has a bag, empty it regularly to ensure your vacuum has good suction.

A good quality, effective vacuum is the best tool you can own to maintain your rugs.

Consider investing in a new vacuum if your current one is old and tired.

 

STEP 2. CLEAN SPILLS

 

 

Stains can be easily prevented by acting quickly when spills occur.

Even when time is not on your side, follow this simple removal process, use the correct cleaning agent, and you'll be delighted with the difference you can make.

SCOOP up solids before cleaning.

BLOT out as much liquid as possible using a clean white absorbent towel or sponge.

CLEAN with the correct cleaning agent from the spotting chart. Apply the cleaning agent on to clean towel - not directly onto your carpet.

RINSE with cold or lukewarm water.

BLOT DRY with an absorbent clean towel, or use a cold air fan to complete drying.

DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB YOUR WOOL RUGS as this can cause permanent pile distortion.

CLEANING AGENTS FOR SPILLS:

1. Cold water
2. One teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar in one litre of water
3. Clear household disinfectant
4. A dry cleaning solvent (e.g. White Spirit). Use only on dry carpet
5. Chill with aerosol freezing agent or ice cubes in a plastic bag. Pick or scrape off gum
6. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar and 2/3 cup of water
7. Warm water
8. Nail polish remover with lanolin
9. Surgical alcohol
10. Rust remover
11. Vacuum
12. Mineral turpentine
13. Call a professional wool rug cleaner

 

STEP 3. PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

 

Professional cleaning once every one to two years will do wonders to revitalise your rugs and keep them hygienically clean. It is an essential step in looking after your rug and a significant factor in ensuring your rug lasts longer.

The most important thing to remember when organising professional cleaning is...only use a qualified professional. Carpet cleaning requires skills and expertise that can only be obtained through formal training. Untrained operators may do your rugs more harm than good.

 *Instructions are to be used as a guide only. A patch test should be conducted.

 

SPOT REMOVAL CHART        

                       

Spot Type	Order of Treatment
	Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
alcoholic beverage	1	2	-
bleach	1	13	-
blood	1	2	-
butter	4	2	-
candle wax	absorbent paper and hot iron		4
chewing gum	5	4	-
chocolate	4	2	-
coffee	1	2	6
colas and soft drinks	1	2	-
cooking oils	4	2	-
cream	2	4	-
egg	2	13	-
faeces	2	3	13
floor wax	4	2	-
fruit juice	1	2	-
furniture polish	4	2	-
gravy and sauces	7	2	-
ink (ballpoint pen)	9	2	-
ink (felt tip)	4	2	-
lipstick	4	2	-
milk	2	4	-
mustard	2	-	-
nail polish	8	-	-
oil and grease	4	2	-
paint (oil)	12	4	-
paint (latex)	1	2	-
rust	10	1	-
salad dressing	2	4	-
shoe polish	4	2	-
soot	11	4	-
tar	12	4	-
tea	1	2	6
tomato sauce	7	2	-
urine (fresh)	1	2	3
urine (old)	13	-	-
vomit	2	3	6
wine	1	2	6
unknown material	4	2	-