You can extend the life of your delicate wool carpet by having an expert clean it regularly every 1 or 2 years. Do not wait until it looks dirty because inevitably the damage will have been done and in many cases cannot be reversed. The dry foam method of cleaning wool will always get the best results. The cleaning solutions encapsulate the dirt and are easily removed without leaving any damaging residue behind. Excessive water and high temperatures in other cleaning methods will damage a wool carpet. Also any cleaning solution with a high alkaline pH level will permanently brown your wool carpet and cause irreversible damage. Using the right professional carpet cleaning method will remove the possibility of improper cleaning and causing any permanent damage.
Properly maintaining a wool carpet will always include a consistent vacuuming schedule. This is considered to be at least twice every week and sometimes more in any high traffic areas. This is necessary in order to remove the dirt and grime before it embeds itself in the rug and causes damage. When you are vacuuming you will achieve the best results by going slow enough to allow the beater bar to vibrate the dirt so the machine can properly remove the dirt. Going in more than one direction over the same area allows the vacuum to remove the dirt from all sides of the pile. Also remember to empty the bag often enough so the vacuum can maintain the maximum amount of suction as well as replacing the belts when they are worn.
One of the best ways of protecting your delicate wool rugs is by rotating them often. This eliminates any damage from occurring in areas that are heavily used either from walking patterns or from feet rubbing on the carpet in front of chairs that are frequently used. This little trick can preserve the natural beauty of your oriental rugs. Also when it is not possible to do this you can place small mats in frequently used areas as to protect the rug underneath. It is much easier to throw these mats in a washing machine than to deal with the frustration of causing permanent damage to your rugs.
It is also necessary to keep oriental rugs from getting too much direct sunlight. Due to the delicate nature of these rugs and in many cases their vibrant colors it is possible that direct sunlight will cause these colors to fade permanently. This is easily achieved by drawing the curtains through the day, periodically, when the direct sunlight will cause most of the damage. They can be opened again when the damaging rays are gone.
Even with the most careful people there are times when a spill will occur. This usually comes at times when you are entertaining or just busy. The best solution to this problem is to carry cleaning solutions on hand and make sure they are safe for your wool rugs. You can generally use a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water with a teaspoon of a mild dish detergent. This mixture will work for most household spills and won't damage the wool.
When you are removing a spill start by blotting up as much of the spill as possible. Spray this mixture directly on the stain and gently blot to remove the stain. Repeat this process until all remnants of the spill have been removed. Never scrub the stain as this will permanently damage the wool.
Following these simple tips regularly will maintain the beauty and elegance of your wool rugs far beyond any expectations you may have. Owning a wool rug is not only comfortable but for many people it is also a status symbol that conveys wealth and good fortune.