Washing a Large Wool Rug

Washing A Large Wool Rug

This photograph shows my large Pottery Barn rug.  I love the large design, the earthy colors and the nice quality of the rug.

The rug is made from wool, is probably 15 or more years old and has held up over the years.

The rug tag on the back of the rug states it must be professionally cleaned.  I decided to give it a try at home cleaning to avoid the expensive dry cleaning rates.

If the carpet fades or the yarns bleeds, that is alright with me.  I am ready toss it and buy a new rug if the home clearing does not work out.

Although my carpet didn’t have any visible stains it did look very dusty and grimy.

I made sure I was going to have at least two days of nice weather as I was going to leave it outside to dry.  I didn’t want to wash the rug and then have it rained on.

I gathered together my cleaning supplies of a stiff brush broom, cleaning bucket, outdoor hose, and dish soap.

Cleaning Supplies Wool Rug Drying on Wooden Boards

I started by hauling the rug out to my patio.  I cleaned the back of my carpet first.  I ran cold water from the hose over the carpet until thoroughly wet.

I then added some dish detergent and scrubbed the back with my stiff bristled, plastic broom.  Then I rinsed with more cold water.

I then flipped the rug over and hosed it down.  I added dish detergent, and scrubbed with the broom.

It takes a while to rinse all the soap off.

This carpet was way too big and heavy to put on my drying rack.

I want my wool carpet to dry out, so I carefully placed it on some wooden boards from my yard.  I made sure the wet rug was even in all areas and there were no creases anywhere.

I then placed a small table at one end, so that the water in the rug would run out.

I then started rinsing the carpet with cold hose water from the top to the bottom.  Make sure all the soapy residue is flushed out.

Washed Wool Carpet Drying

The carpet should be totally dry before placing it back on the floor.  I had a little issue with drying out this large carpet.  The weather wasn’t cooperating, so I pulled it back into the basement and turned on the dehumidifier to finish the job.  I kept the carpet laying flat to finish drying out.

You never want a semi wet carpet because mold can grow under it.

Now you should have a clean carpet underfoot.

Cleaned Carpet