Power of Wool

I often see people hesitate over materials for their rugs. Many less expensive rugs claim to be “stain-resistant” or “indoor/outdoor” – which sounds pretty easy, right?! Wool sounds like a much nicer material, so it must be a lot more work?

 

Wool rugs are not difficult to care for.

I’m here to put the rumor to rest. Wool rugs are NOT difficult to care for. Wool is much more durable and is safer, healthier, and greener to have in your home.

 

So how durable is wool? When tested, wool takes 10,000 bends to break versus synthetics – synthetics like viscose, which is commonly used in rugs, only takes 70 bends to break. Part of the durability comes the layers of fibers that make up wool. These layers also mean that wool is naturally moisture resistant – so water and staining will sit on top of the fiber as the wool cuticles resist absorption! Prompt cleaning will prevent liquids from penetrating the fibers altogether. The layers are stacked like scales or roofing shingles, which helps to prevent everyday dirt and dust from entering the fiber.

 

Wool is also the leader when it comes to fire safety and is recommended because wool self-extinguishes when a flame is introduced. This means that a wool rug won’t “carry” a flame.

 

Wool can also enhance your air quality. Because wool is a natural fiber, it “breathes” and will keep your home’s humidity well balanced.

 

And, most importantly, wool is a natural, renewable fiber. June St. George is committed to using wool that adheres to the internationally recognized “5 Freedoms” established by the Farm Animal Welfare Council – in other words, we want the sheep to be happy and healthy!

 

Wool rugs are easy to care for, are safe for your family, and a greener option than synthetic materials. We believe that you deserve the best to celebrate your bespoke life!

 

 

Below are some quick and easy tips on caring for your rug!

 

Ick…

Most dirt and dust (soil) is brought in from the bottom of our shoes! Outdoor mats made to capture soil will reduce what is brought in from your shoes or remove shoes at the door.

 

Rotate it!

When possible, rotate your rug occasionally so you spread out the traffic patterns.

 

Choose the right base.

Use a rug pad! Our SafeStep rug pads are made especially for your size rug. One side grips the floor while the other side adds cushion. Quality rug pads give your rug greater resiliency against foot traffic by absorbing pressure.

 

Vacuum.

Wool fibers are layered like a roof or scales. This prevents soil from penetrating the fiber. Regular vacuuming will remove the soil from the rug and prevent it from working its way down where the vacuum may not be able to reach. The best way to vacuum is without the “beater bar” which can be overly harsh on the fibers.

 

Psst….

Wool rugs may shed initially. It is a natural part of the fiber process and will go away with time. Regular vacuuming will keep it under control as your rug acclimates.

 

Loops and pulls are normal too! Giving the straggly loops or pulls a trim with clean, sharp scissors will not hurt the life span of your rug. If you see a lot of pulls, check your vacuum setting and try vacuuming without the beater bar. 

 

Act fast!

Clean spots and spills immediately. Wool is naturally resistant to liquids, but eventually spills and spots left untreated will penetrate and become trapped in the fiber and require professional cleaning. However, if you address a spill or spot immediately and work with the wools natural resistance, you will find the rug easy to care for! Refer to our care guide for specific spill and stain removal!

 

 

Stain-by-Stain Cleaning Guide 

 

Always gently dab up excess liquids before cleaning or scrape up solids. Always use a clean white cloth or white paper towels (inks may transfer otherwise). Never apply mixtures directly to rug, instead dip the towel in the mixture and apply with blotting motion so the rug does not become over wet.

When steps are completed, blot with dry cloth until all liquid is removed leaving the rug as dry as possible.

 

 

Alcoholic Beverage:

Using cold water mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Wine:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion. Apply clear household disinfectant. If stain persists, mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water and apply with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Bleach:

Use cold water to blot up excess liquid. Professional care may be needed.

 

Blood:

Using cold water mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Butter:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Candle Wax:

Place an absorbent paper over wax then apply hot iron to paper until the wax melts and should be absorbed by paper. Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Chewing Gum:

Chill with ice cubes in plastic bag then scrape. Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Chocolate:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Coffee:

Using cold water mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion. If stain persists, mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Soft Drinks/Cola:

Using cold water mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Cooking Oil:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Cream:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Egg:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Feces:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion. Apply a clear household disinfectant.

 

Fruit Juice:

Using cold water mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Gravy:
Using warm water mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Ink

Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply rubbing alcohol with a white paper towel using a blotting motion.

 

Milk:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Mustard:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Nail Polish:

Blot with lanolin free nail polish remover. Once dry, apply white mineral spirits.

 

Salad Dressing:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Tea:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Tomato Sauce:

Using warm water mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Urine:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Blot up excess liquid from rug then apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion. Apply clear household disinfectant.

 

Vomit:

Mix one teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and quart of warm water. Apply mixture with a white paper towel using blotting motion. Apply clear household disinfectant. If stain persists, mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water and apply with a white paper towel using blotting motion.

 

Have a stain not listed? Contact us immediately with an SOS at letschat@junestgeorge.com and we’ll help you figure out the cleaning plan!