How to Care for a Wool Rug: A Complete Guide

A handwoven wool rug is more than a floor covering — it's a living piece of craft, made by skilled hands using techniques passed down through generations. With the right care, it will only grow more beautiful over time. Here's everything you need to know to keep your wool rug looking its best for decades to come.

Why Wool Rugs Are Different

Wool is a naturally resilient fiber. Its structure gives it a built-in spring that helps it resist crushing underfoot, and its lanolin content makes it naturally resistant to dirt and stains. But wool is also a natural fiber, which means it responds to moisture, sunlight, and cleaning products differently than synthetic materials. Understanding this is the key to caring for it well.

Daily & Weekly Care

Rotate your rug every 6–12 months. Foot traffic and sunlight exposure are rarely even across a rug's surface. Rotating it regularly ensures it wears evenly and fades uniformly over time.

Vacuum gently, and not too often. Once a week is plenty for most rugs. Use a suction-only setting — avoid beater bars or rotating brushes, which can stress the wool fibers and loosen the weave. Vacuum in the direction of the pile, not against it.

Shake it out. For smaller rugs, taking them outside and giving them a good shake (or a gentle beating over a railing) is one of the most effective ways to remove embedded dust.

Dealing with Spills

Act fast — the sooner you address a spill, the easier it is to remove.

• Blot, don't rub. Use a clean white cloth and work from the outside of the spill inward to avoid spreading it.
• Use cold water. Hot water can set stains and cause wool to shrink or felt.
• Mild dish soap is your friend. A small amount diluted in cold water works well for most spills. Rinse thoroughly and blot dry.
• Avoid harsh chemicals. Bleach, enzyme cleaners, and alkaline detergents can damage wool fibers and strip natural lanolin.

Deep Cleaning

Most handwoven wool rugs benefit from a professional cleaning every 2–3 years, depending on foot traffic. Look for a cleaner who specializes in handmade or natural fiber rugs — they'll know how to handle the dyes and construction of artisan pieces.

If you prefer to clean at home, a gentle hand-wash with cold water and wool-safe detergent works well for smaller rugs. Lay flat to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area — never in direct sunlight, which can cause fading, and never in a dryer.

Storage Tips

If you need to store a rug, roll it (don't fold it) around an acid-free tube, wrap it in breathable cotton or muslin, and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can lead to mildew.

Protecting Your Investment

A quality rug pad does double duty: it prevents slipping and protects the rug's foundation from abrasion against hard floors. Choose a natural rubber or felt pad sized slightly smaller than your rug.

Keep rugs out of prolonged direct sunlight. UV rays fade natural dyes over time — especially the rich plant-based and mineral dyes used in traditional Argentine textiles.

Shop Handwoven Wool Rugs

Each rug in our collection is handwoven by artisan makers in the Salta region of northwestern Argentina, using traditional techniques and locally sourced wool. Browse our rug collection to find a piece that will last a lifetime — and then some.