Why You Shouldn’t Use Commercial Cleaners on Handmade Rugs

Handmade wool rugs are beautiful, valuable, and often heirlooms that deserve proper care. While it might be tempting to use commercial carpet cleaners or rental machines at home, doing so can seriously damage your rug—sometimes beyond repair.

1. Harsh Chemicals Can Destroy Natural Fibers

Most store-bought rug or carpet cleaners are made for synthetic wall-to-wall carpets, not natural wool fibers. These chemical-heavy solutions can:

• Strip the lanolin (natural oils) from wool, leaving it brittle and dry.

• Cause fading or discoloration, especially on vegetable-dyed or antique rugs.

• React unpredictably with dyes, resulting in bleeding or blotchy patches.

  
  

2. Too Much Water = Mold, Mildew, and Shrinkage

Home machines often flood the rug with water without proper extraction. Wool is highly absorbent, and excessive moisture can:

• Cause mildew or mold to form deep in the foundation.

• Lead to odor issues that are hard to remove.

• Result in shrinkage or buckling—especially with improper drying.

  
  

3. Fringes and Edges Are Easily Damaged

Fringes are delicate. Rubbing, scrubbing, or catching them in a machine can:

• Tear or fray them completely.

• Unravel the ends of the rug.

• Require costly repairs—or even become unrepairable.

  
  

4. Improper Cleaning Removes Texture and Softness

Wool rugs are designed to age gracefully. But strong detergents and rough brushes can:

• Remove the natural curl or texture of wool.

• Flatten the pile, making it look dull and lifeless.

• Break the wool strands over time, reducing lifespan.

  
  

5. Spot Cleaning Mistakes Make Stains Permanent

Trying to remove a small stain with an off-the-shelf cleaner often sets it in deeper. It may:

• Bleach the area.

• Spread the stain.

• Seal in dirt with residue.

  
  

Leave It to the Pros

Professional rug cleaning involves:

• pH-balanced, fiber-safe cleansers.

• Cold water rinsing and hand washing techniques.

• Controlled drying processes that preserve shape and structure.

Whether it’s pet accidents, heavy dust, or just time for a refresh, text us a picture of your rug for a quick quote—you'll be surprised how much life we can bring back to it.