What to Expect When Your Rug Arrives
When your new wool rug first arrives, you might notice it is shedding quite a bit. Please do not worry because this is completely normal. Wool rugs naturally release loose fibers, especially as they adjust to a new environment. This is just part of the settling process.
How to Vacuum Your Wool Rug
Vacuuming your wool rug regularly is important, but it is all about being gentle. If your vacuum has adjustable settings, please use a medium power level. That is usually enough to keep your Berber rug clean without being too aggressive.
Before you start, take a moment to look at the direction of the fibers. It helps to vacuum along the grain first, then gently go over it in the opposite direction to catch any deeper dust. If your vacuum does not have a soft or adjustable setting and you are worried it might be too harsh, there is no problem. Just flip your rug over and leave it that way for a few days so gravity can do the work for you.
Caring for Your Untreated Wool Rug
For rugs made of 100% natural, untreated sheep's wool, you can vacuum frequently. Just be sure to avoid rotating brushes as these can damage the fibers. When your rug is new, you might notice it shedding wool into balls and your vacuum bag filling up quickly during the first few days. This is a normal process that will stabilize after a short period.
My tip for natural home cleaning is to create a mixture of baking soda and coarse salt. Spread this mixture over the rug and let it sit for one to two hours before vacuuming thoroughly. The baking soda helps to naturally neutralize and disinfect, while the salt effectively draws away any settled dust. It is also recommended to take advantage of sunny days to air out your rug and let it enjoy the sun.
For small liquid stains such as coffee, wine, or tea, please act immediately. Apply a small pile of the baking soda and salt mixture directly onto the stain, let it work for about 30 minutes, and then vacuum. This mixture helps to absorb the liquids. For a complete and deep cleaning of any type of wool rug, we recommend contacting a specialized professional.
Can I Put Your Small Wool Rug in the Washing Machine?
I would not recommend it. Even if the rug is small, tossing it in the washing machine can easily damage the delicate wool fibers. Natural materials like wool do not respond well to harsh mechanical cleaning and they need a gentler touch. Instead, you can give your rug a light brush using a soft bristled brush to freshen it up. For a deeper clean, we always suggest taking it to a professional cleaner who knows how to handle wool properly. It is the safest way to keep your rug looking beautiful for years to come.
How do I store my rug?
If you wish to store your Berber rug for a season, you can do so by rolling it up and sprinkling a mixture of baking soda, salt, and dried lavender flowers onto it. Then, place the rolled rug inside a closed cotton bag.
The baking soda acts as an odor neutralizer and disinfectant, while the lavender flowers serve as a natural insect repellent and provide a pleasant aroma during storage. The salt will help draw out this mixture when you vacuum the rug before its next use.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to write to us at: hello@knotandhue.com