We’ve developed a system that can help you understand what goes into taking care of a natural fiber rug.
Topics we will cover in this article about How To Clean A Natural Fiber Rug:
- Inspect
- Test for colorfastness
- get a report
- Use Woolsafe pre-conditioners
- use acid rinse
- stay away from cationic
- Agitate carefully
- Stray away from silicone protectors
- don’t use bleach
- ensure sufficient dry time
Rug Inspection Tulsa Metro
Inspect the rug: Always look over the entire rug for abrasion, elements exposure damage, damage from chemicals, pests, and stains. All of these can weaken the durability of the rug and affect the cleaning.
Test for colorfastness
Colorfastness: Somewhere that will not be seen – such as on the back or in an area out of sight, test that area for (30 minutes to 24-hours) all chemicals that will be used on the fibers.
Rug condition report
Rug condition report: Always keep your rug condition report specifying potential problems.
Use Woolsafe(r) pre-tested, non- or minimally-buffered neutral pre-conditioners
Woolsafe: Mix according to the manufacturer’s recommendations with cool water and when cleaning any suspect wool or cellulosic fiber rugs.
Use Avid rinse
Acid Rinse: When cleaning or final rinsing of wool use an acid rinse. Strong alkalis can cause dye migration and damage wool fibers, or brown cellulosic over time. The objective is to leave the wool fiber in a pH range of 2.5-5.5.
Do not use cationic
Cationic: Positively charge cleaners and additives can wreak havoc on a natural fiber rug. The best thing is to call a local rug specialist. Cationic detergents can cause dye migration in wool or silk rugs.
Agitate Carefully
Agitation: Agitate carefully and ensure adequate detergent lubrication during agitation to avoid protein fiber damage or matting.
Do not use silicone protectors on wool
Silicone protectors: Silicone-based products provide limited protection against water-based stains only and, according to tests, they cause accelerated respoiming. Fabric protectors must be fluorochemical based.
Never use Chlorine bleach on wool
Chlorine bleach and wool: Even weak solutions can cause color loss and deterioration. Strong solutions dissolve wool or silk quickly and completely. Minimize the use of other bleaches.
Ensure Efficient Dry Time
Dry Time: Allow for sufficient dry time to prevent microbial development, along with associated odor, and eventually, discoloration or damage.
Above all consulting a professional and as always a manufacturer’s specifications overrides any of these recommendations. If we can help you with your rug in Tulsa call us at (918) 245-2148. For more information about How To Clean A Natural Fiber Rug call Jeff McCracken!
