Chinese rugs often have many dye colors and different lengths of pile, which gives them that sculpted look, but although it seems like a disaster if you’ve spilt something on the carpet, it’s really less of a challenge than you might think. Why? Because wool carpet and area rugs, especially quality Persian and Chinese carpets, are able to be cleaned with water. Here’s how:
Make some foam, as dry as possible, using a liquid detergent or a wool rug cleaning solution like Woolite. Place the foam on the stained area, then using an absorbent pad, work the solution into the pile – gently without scrubbing too hard. For red wine or things like spaghetti sauce you may need a little vinegar or even a bit of diluted peroxide, but first try using a regular wool cleaner and water. Once the stain is lifted, let it dry, then vacuum.
For wool rug cleaning you should know that there are household products that will destroy your carpet so be careful to avoid bleach or alkaline cleaners. Wool should be cleaned with a neutral cleaner, then dried as quickly as thoroughly as possible. Oxy cleaners are great for synthetic fibers but do not bring them near your beautiful Chinese rugs made from wool. Don’t rent a steam cleaner for wool carpeting because heat may shrink and destroy the fiber to say nothing of causing dyes to run. Wool does not need dry-cleaning either. It can be washed by hand in warm or cool water with mild wool cleaning solutions. You can do this yourself if you have an area to lay the carpet flat and where it can dry in the sun. If not, you’ll have to call the professionals. They’ll wash your rug with water using powerful wands and brushes that are gentle on the fibers. What most people don’t know is that the most difficult part of wool rug cleaning isn’t washing but getting it totally dry so it doesn’t form mildew. Chinese rugs are not tough to wash, but please dry them very well. Use a hair dryer (on a cool setting) or a fan if you can’t get them outside.
