How To Clean Pet Stains From a Wool Area Rug?

A wool area rug adds a cool look to your home. It can look good for a long time if you maintain it right. But, stains and spills are mishaps that you cannot avoid. This is more so when you have pets.

Even with a well-trained pet, messes are hard to avoid. Don’t worry, with proper care, you can get rid of the stains. You need not fret every time your pet goes near the mat. Below you will find some cleaning tips and hacks that will keep those terrible stains off your rug.

Is It Easy To Remove Stains From A Wool Area Rug?

Wool rugs are expensive but last for several years. You need to take proper care of them. Luckily, these rugs are a breeze to clean.

In natural wool rugs, there is a wax coating over the wool fibers. The coating prevents moisture from seeping into the rug. So, you can use these rugs in areas in your home where there is more footfall.

But, if there are spills or pet stains, it is best to take care of them as soon as you can. When you have a machine-washable area rug, cleaning is easier. You can find many such types in the market like the Lorena Canals Air Dune area rug. Cleaning stains will not be hardship with such models.

You can use the methods given below to get rid of the stains:

1. Use Water

It is not necessary to go for the big guns at first. Start with the simple solution. Wet the stain with warm water.

How To Apply

1. Apply by soaking a clean cloth in water.
2. Gently dab the area using the wet cloth. Work from the outside to the center. This will prevent the stain from spreading all over.
3. Take care to not use rough scrubbing motion. Do not use a cleaning brush as it can damage the fibers.

Note: This method works only when the stain is new. You can try it on a wool beige area rug. Using heavy cleaning agents on a beige-colored rug may damage its look. Dry stains do not come out with this method.

2. Apply Vinegar

If water does not remove the stain, try this method. Vinegar is a cleaning agent that is available in households. It is a good choice for wool rugs as it is not harsh on sensitive wool material. Plus it is also ideal for pet stain removal for another reason. It gets rid of the urine odor. 

The cleaning agent also works on food stains. For rugs of any color, including pink wool area rug models, the vinegar is an effective cleaner.

How To Apply

1. Make a solution of vinegar by mixing it with water. Make sure the water is warm for faster removal of the stain. 
2. Mix one-fourth cup of vinegar in 500 ml of water. Pour this solution into a spray bottle.
3. Apply the vinegar solution to the stain and blot it using a cloth rag. You can see the stain fading away. Now blot the area using a dry rag.
4. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes and wipe the spot. If you leave it as such, it can cause mildew formation. Air-dry the rug to make sure this does not happen.

3. Dishwashing Cleaner

You can use a solution of dishwashing detergent and vinegar for stubborn stains. The cleaning action is more powerful with this method. It works well for a wool handmade area rug with hard to remove stains.

How To Apply

1. Mix water, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar in a bowl. Wet a cloth rag in this solution. Blot the rag on the stain and use a small circular scrubbing movement. Avoid harsh scrubbing as it can spoil the smooth and neat look.
2. Once you remove the stain, apply cold water to the area using a cloth rag.  Dry the spot using a clean cloth rag. Gentle pressure on the area is enough to dry it.
3. Allow the rug to dry by propping it on a nearby sofa or table. Make sure you dry the wet areas under the rug. You can also use a heater or fan to dry the rug.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

To remove stubborn stains, try rubbing alcohol. It acts as a degreasing agent. Plus, it can break down the stain in a better way.

How To Apply

1.  Dip a cotton ball in the alcohol and dab it on the stain.
2. You can also use a cloth rag for the application.
3. Repeat the application until you remove the stain.
4. For dry stains, allow the area to soak in the liquid for a couple of hours.

Deodorizing The Wool Rug

Even after removing the stains, the rug may emit an unpleasant odor. The tips below will remove the foul odor and keep your rug smelling fresh and clean:                                                

1. Take a quart of hydrogen peroxide (3%). Add one-fourth cup of baking soda and 10 ml of liquid soap. This solution is apt for an area rug of any color, including grey wool rug models.                                                                                                                  
2. Apply the solution to the stain. Before you apply the solution, test the colorfastness of your rug. Use a few drops on an area of the rug that is not easily visible. Let the solution stay for some time. Now, rinse with water and dry the spot. If the color does not run, you can use the solution.
3. Use a sponge to apply the solution. After the solution soaks the stained area for about 10 minutes, rinse it off. Use cool water for rinsing. Press the area with a clean rag to dry it.
4. A hairdryer helps to dry the area. Or, you can use a small fan. You can also vacuum it to remove baking soda residues left after deodorizing. Use a soft brush to restore the neat look of the rug.

How Do You Clean An Old Wool Rug?

1. Old wool rugs need more care as there is a lot of grime and dirt that settle down under the rug over time. To make the rug last longer, you have to clean and maintain it.
2. For colorfast area rugs, a mild detergent will help in giving a thorough cleaning. Use a sponge or brush with soft bristles to apply the detergent.
3. Rinse the rug with a mixture of water and white vinegar to remove any residues. Hang the rug to air dry it.

Few Tips On Wool Rug Care

If you find a stain on your rug and want to clean it, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid rubbing on the spot as the stain will get further into the rug. This will make cleaning more difficult. The fibers can fuzz or mat together if you do this.
•  Avoid using harsh cleaning agents. The chemicals in the cleaning agent can cause the colors in the rug to bleed.
• If there are solids on the rug, scoop them up at once. Blot the area using paper towels. Keep changing the towels if they saturate.
• Make sure the color of the rug does not bleed. Test the solution on a less conspicuous area first. If you do not see any color bleed, go ahead with the cleaning.

Final Takeaway

Pet stains can damage your wool area rug and make it smell bad. But, with the above methods, you can get rid of the stains and odor. Not only are the methods effective but they are safe on your rug. While chemical cleaning agents work better, there is a risk of damaging your rug.

Or, you can try using machine-washable area rugs. Such rugs are easy to maintain and clean. For best quality area rugs that look appealing and are easy to maintain, visit Rugs by Roo.                                                        

Here are our collection of washable rugs and if you are in need of our consultation services, we are here to help. 

If you need help choosing colors and materials for your space, our seasoned stylist at Rugs by Roo is here to assist. Schedule your complimentary design consultation today.