What you'll need
- Mild pH-neutral wool wash or specialist wool detergent (not regular laundry detergent)
- Cold water — never warm or hot
- Soft brush or sponge
- Clean dry towels
- Vacuum cleaner
- A shaded flat surface or drying rack
| Do this | Avoid this | |
|---|---|---|
| Water temperature | Cold water | Warm or hot |
| Detergent | pH-neutral wool wash | All-purpose cleaner or dish soap |
| Scrubbing direction | With the grain of the fibre | Across the grain or in circles |
| Drying | Flat in shade | Hung wet or in direct sun |
Vacuum both sides
Start by vacuuming the carpet thoroughly on both sides. This removes loose surface dirt before any moisture is introduced. Use a low-to-medium suction setting — wool fibres don't respond well to aggressive vacuum pressure.
Test your detergent first
Mix the wool detergent with cold water according to the instructions. Apply a small amount to a hidden corner and wait five minutes. If the colour holds and the fibres don't react, you're good to continue.
Wash gently with cold water only
Dampen the carpet with cold water. Work the detergent solution in with a soft brush — always with the grain of the fibre, never across it or in circles. Cross-grain scrubbing damages the wool structure. Use as little water as possible: wool absorbs a lot and dries slowly.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse out the detergent with cold water until the water runs clear and there's no more foam. Detergent residue attracts dirt and can weaken wool fibres over time.
Remove water without wringing
Don't wring or twist the carpet — that damages the fibre. Instead, press a clean dry towel firmly against the surface, or lay the towel on top and walk gently over it to draw out moisture.
Dry flat in shade
Lay the carpet flat on a clean surface or drying rack. Don't hang it over a rail while wet — it'll stretch unevenly under its own weight. Wool takes time to dry: allow 24 to 48 hours. Direct sunlight and heat sources both cause shrinkage.
Brush gently when fully dry
Once completely dry, brush the carpet lightly with a soft brush to restore the pile direction and surface texture.
Cold water is the only option.
Watch out
- Never use regular laundry detergent or dish soap — both are too alkaline and can permanently damage wool.
- Cold water is not optional. Hot water causes wool to felt and shrink.
- If your carpet has natural or plant-based dyes, colours may bleed. Always do the patch test.