Why Wool Rugs Might Shrink After Washing(And How We Prevent It at Expert Rug Cleaning)

🧵 1. Wool is a Natural Fiber – And It Reacts to Water

Wool has a natural crimp and elasticity, which helps it bounce back from pressure and gives it a luxurious texture. However, when exposed to excessive heat, water, and agitation, wool fibers can contract — similar to what happens when you accidentally put a wool sweater in a hot wash.

The result? Shrinkage, especially if the rug is not dried flat or evenly supported.

💧 2. Improper Drying Causes Warping and Shrinking

After a wash, if a wool rug is hung or folded unevenly while wet, gravity and tension can distort its shape. This leads to shrinkage on one side or overall warping.

At Expert Rug Cleaning, we always dry wool rugs flat and under controlled airflow, ensuring that no part shrinks or sags.

🔬 3. pH Levels Matter – High pH Can Damage Wool

Wool is an acidic fiber. Cleaning solutions with high pH (alkaline) can open up the wool's microscopic scales, making it more susceptible to shrinkage, fading, or a rough feel.

We use low pH, wool-safe soaps and spot-test every rug before cleaning to ensure its structure stays intact.

🪢 4. Cotton Foundations Can Shrink Too

Many handmade wool rugs have cotton warps and wefts (the white foundation threads). Cotton shrinks faster than wool when wet, especially with heat or aggressive drying, which can cause the rug’s edges to curl or contract.

We monitor both pile and foundation fibers to ensure balanced moisture and drying during every step.

✅ How We Prevent Shrinking at Expert Rug Cleaning

• 🧪 Use of wool-safe, low pH shampoos

• 🛁 Cold water submersion or gentle hand washing, never high-temp

• 💨 Flat drying beds with airflow to avoid tension or drooping

• 👀 Continuous inspection throughout the drying process

• 🧵 Re-shaping and blocking if needed, to restore original form

  
  

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