Why Wool Rugs Need Special Care
While wool rugs are prized for their durability, comfort, and natural beauty, they also require careful handling to stay in top condition.
​
Wool is a natural fiber with lanolin, a protective oil that helps resist dirt but can be stripped away by harsh chemicals or improper cleaning.
Strong chemicals found in many cleaning products can harm wool, dyes, and even "set" stains.
​
Dyes in handmade wool rugs are often natural or acid-based, which can bleed if exposed to high heat or the wrong pH.
​
That's why professional wool rug cleaning, especially hand-washing, is essential. At Renaissance Rug Cleaning in Portland, we clean each wool rug using fiber-safe techniques that preserve its texture, color, and longevity.
​
Is Hand-Washing Better for Wool Rugs Than Machine Cleaning?
Yes, hand-washing is significantly better for wool rugs than machine cleaning. Wool can easily be damaged by aggressive agitation, high heat, or harsh chemicals used in many machine or carpet cleaning systems.
Steam cleaning, and
In-home carpet machines often over-wet the rug, causing shrinkage, dye bleed, or fiber distortion. Hand-washing, on the other hand, allows for complete control over the cleaning process.
​
At Renaissance Rug Cleaning in Portland, we tailor each wash to the rug's construction, age, and fiber type. By gently washing wool rugs by hand and drying them in a controlled environment, we protect the lanolin, preserve the rug's shape, and bring back its natural beauty safely and effectively.
Why Wool Rugs are Amazing
Wool is one of the best materials for rugs, naturally durable, sustainable, and safe. Unlike synthetic fibers, wool is a renewable and biodegradable resource that offers outstanding performance without added chemicals. It's naturally flame-resistant, stain-resistant, and antimicrobial, making it a healthier, cleaner option for any living space.
​Built for Real LifeWool fibers bounce back from heavy foot traffic and resist crushing, which helps wool rugs maintain their appearance for decades. Whether your rug is hand-knotted, hand-tufted, or woven, wool offers lasting comfort, texture, and beauty underfoot.​ Wool rugs clean the air.
Wool acts as a natural air filter. SWool has a natural electric charge that attracts and traps dust, allergens, airborne pollutants, and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde. This makes wool rugs a smart choice for homes and those with allergy concerns.​Eco-Friendly and why timely cleaning is so important.
​