Rug Love: The Guide to Felt Wool Rugs
Felt wool rugs, particularly the vibrant felt ball designs, have surged in popularity. They're not only aesthetically pleasing but also naturally flame-retardant, making them a safer choice for areas like children's rooms. However, their unique composition requires special care. Here's what you need to know about felt wool rugs: how they're made, how to clean them, and how to ensure their longevity.
These balls are tightly sewn together with heavy-duty thread, often resulting in thousands of felt balls in a single rug.
1. How Felt Wool Rugs are Made Felt ball rugs are handcrafted from 100% wool. The process involves rolling wool on a soapy surface to form balls, which are then rinsed and dried. These balls are tightly sewn together with heavy-duty thread, often resulting in thousands of felt balls in a single rug.
2. Cleaning and Maintenance Felt wool rugs are known for being durable, dirt, and liquid repellent, making them relatively easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming and shaking the rug can remove loose dirt and dust. When vacuuming, use a standard-power vacuum without a brush attachment, as brushes can damage the rug's texture.
For more delicate cleaning, a lint roller is a safe choice, especially for removing pet hair. Rolled-up tape can also work as a substitute. It's important to avoid getting the rug too wet, as this can cause damage. If a spill occurs, it's advised to clean it immediately by gently dabbing with a moist, soapy cloth. However, rubbing or scrubbing should be avoided to prevent damage to the wool balls.
3. Avoiding Wet Areas and Stains Felt rugs are susceptible to damage from wet and damp conditions. Water can restart the felting process, causing the balls to flatten or mesh together. Additionally, stains from food, drink, or other spills are challenging to remove. It's advised to keep these rugs away from areas where they're at risk of such exposure.
4. Professional Cleaning Due to their delicate nature, professional cleaning of felt ball rugs requires special care. Traditional washing machinery can deform the balls, and dye bleed is a significant risk. When considering professional cleaning, it's essential to choose a cleaner experienced with felt ball rugs.
5. Care and Storage To prevent damage from pests like moths and carpet beetles, it's recommended to store felt products in airtight containers or breathable cotton bags. Additionally, direct light exposure should be minimized to maintain the vibrancy of the dyes.
6. General Tips For daily maintenance, a simple dusting or vacuuming with a soft bristle attachment is often sufficient. In case of stains or spills, use mild soap and cold water for spot cleaning. It's crucial to be gentle during the cleaning process to preserve the rug's integrity.
What does 'Scarlet Weaver' Say:
While felt wool rugs are a beautiful and safe addition to any space, they require specific care to maintain their appearance and durability. Regular, gentle cleaning, careful placement away from potential spills and stains, and proper storage can ensure these rugs remain a stunning part of your home décor for years to come.
