General rug care

Cleaning a rug

Ideally for a rug that is used moderately it should really be professionally cleaned every 2 years at least.  Rugs that are used more frequently or are used by pets are best cleaned annually.  One of the great things about wool is that it has a great ability to absorb dirt before it starts to look dirty.  It is important to regularly vacuum your rug to extend its life and keep it looking in good condition.
Most small dirty marks can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or dry clean your rug (unless the label on the back of the rug instructs that you can do so).

Should a natural fibre rug be dry cleaned ?

The ideal way to clean natural fibre rugs is a wet wash (recommended by Wools of New Zealand ) as it is a gentle wash and thorough rinsing removes residue from the fibres.  Dry cleaning can leave a chemical residue that could cause irritation to sensitive skin or pets. It can also lead to discolouring over time due to possible chemical residue.

Pet related odours on a rug.

If a pet urinates on a rug, the urine can be acidic and is often warm when urinated. The heat can cause the dyes to run and the fibres to discolour. A shampoo that is specific to the type of rug should be used as soon as possible to try and reduce any potential effects of pet urine on the fibres and dyes.

Spills

It is recommended that any substances spilt should be cleaned straight away. Avoid the use of detergents without checking the recommendations for the type of rug first. Heavy detergents can discolour a rug if used incorrectly. Seek specialist advice if you have heavy or deep stains.

Creases in the rug pile

You may notice on a new rug that there is a slight mark or crease across the surface. This is due to the way rugs are often stored and transported. These lines will not be permanent and will gradually fade within a few weeks of normal use and cleaning..

Pile shedding (often referred to as Fluff)

It is normal for wool rugs to shed fluff from their pile, this is a natural characteristic. Pile shedding is also normal in some man-made fibre rugs, in particular acrylic and polyester shag pile rugs. The shedding is usually most noticeable in the first few months as loose fibres come off the rug from the manufacturing process.   If your rug is shedding slightly, we advise the use of a light brush or vacuum to remove the shedding or fluff.

Sheepskin Rug Care

Sheepskin rugs can generally be cleaned by brushing the wool pile and shaking it to remove loose dirt and dust. This is the best method of cleaning on a regular basis.  It is important to remember that a sheepskin rug is a natural material so always read the recommended instructions carefully.  It is a strong material and if looked after well will last a long time.  You can vacuum a sheepskin rug and it is a good way of cleaning it, but be carefully to use only a NON rotating cleaning head.
These rugs can be machine washed on a cold /cool wool setting using a non-enzyme shampoo or detergent specially formulated for use with sheepskin rugs.  It is also advisable to use a specially formulated wool conditioner which will help to keep the leather base supple and soft.  After applying conditioner, always rinse well and hang it to dry naturally out of direct sunlight.
A sheepskin rug can also be dry cleaned, but check with the drycleaner first and follow care instructions.