How to Care for a Wool Felt Rug (Cleaning & Maintenance Guide)
, by Tim Khud, 5 min reading time
Keep your wool felt rug looking beautiful for decades. Discover simple cleaning, sunlight care, and storage tips rooted in traditional methods.
Quick Answer. Wool felt rugs are sturdy and long-lasting, but they do need gentle care. Vacuum lightly without a beater brush, rotate them to prevent uneven wear, and spot clean spills with mild soap and cool water. Shake them outdoors, air them in sunlight a couple of times a year, and protect them from moths during storage. With regular maintenance, a wool felt rug, whether a traditional shyrdak or a modern design, can last for decades.
Introduction: Why Care Matters
Felt rugs are among the most durable handmade textiles in the world. From Kyrgyz shyrdaks to Iranian namads to modern minimalist designs, these rugs are built to last — but only if cared for properly. Wool is a natural, breathable fiber that resists dirt and wear, yet it can be sensitive to moisture, heat, and insects. With the right routine, you can keep your rug vibrant, clean, and protected for many years.
Routine Care
Gentle Vacuuming
Use a vacuum on low suction and avoid the rotating brush, which can damage fibers. For traditional rugs like the shyrdak, this gentle method keeps the surface intact.
Shaking and Beating Dust
From time to time, take your rug outside and shake it well. You can also beat out dust using a carpet beater or broomstick — a simple but effective method still used for felt rugs today.
Regular Rotation
Rotate your rug every few months so that sunlight and foot traffic don’t wear down one side more quickly than the other.
Sunlight Refreshing
Twice a year, hang your rug outdoors in direct sunlight for about three hours. Sunlight naturally disinfects wool, freshens the fibers, and helps repel moths.
Cleaning Spills and Stains
-
Act quickly: Blot spills with a sponge or soft cloth — avoid rubbing.
-
Mild soap & cool water: Use a gentle soap-and-water mixture to remove stains. For drying, you can press with a clean towel, let it air-dry flat, or even use light ironing on a low setting for small areas.
-
Dry thoroughly: Always ensure the rug is fully dry before putting it back in place to prevent mildew.
Deep Cleaning
Most felt rugs do not require frequent washing. If your rug looks dusty or tired:
-
Shake and beat it outside to remove deep dust.
-
Lightly sponge the surface with cool soapy water, then blot dry.
-
For antique or heavily soiled pieces, professional wool cleaning is recommended.
Repair & Long-Term Maintenance
-
Loose Edges: Restitch borders if they begin to fray.
-
Thin Spots: Patch with extra wool using a needle-felting tool or stitching.
-
Re-Fulling: If the felt softens too much, it can be re-wetted and pressed to restore density.
Storage & Protection
Wool is naturally resistant to dirt, but insects like moths can damage it during storage. To prevent this:
-
Always store rugs in a dry, ventilated space.
-
Treat them with a moth-repellent spray before storage.
-
Avoid damp or humid conditions, which can weaken the fibers.
Universal Care for Different Felt Rugs
-
Shyrdak (Kyrgyz rugs): Pay special attention to seams and stitched motifs — vacuum gently and check borders often.
-
Ala-kiyiz (inlaid rugs): Avoid aggressive rubbing when cleaning to preserve blended motifs.
-
Namad (Iran, India, Afghanistan): Dense and practical; routine vacuuming, shaking, and sunlight airing are usually enough.
-
Modern minimalist felt rugs: Often made with finer wool like merino — handle gently and avoid hot irons.
Conclusion: Long Life for a Handmade Treasure
Caring for a wool felt rug doesn’t require complicated routines — just simple habits. Vacuum gently, shake and beat out dust, spot clean with soap and water, refresh in the sun twice a year, and protect it from moths during storage. These steps, rooted in traditional care methods, will ensure your rug lasts for decades, preserving both its beauty and cultural value.
Want to learn more about how these rugs are made and the stories behind them? Explore our comprehensive guide on felt rugs.
FAQ
Do felt rugs shed?
Some shedding is normal at first but settles with regular vacuuming and use.
Can I wash a felt rug in the washing machine?
No, machine washing can ruin the fibers. Stick to hand-cleaning methods.
Are felt rugs safe with pets and kids?
Yes. They’re durable and soft, but trim pets’ nails to avoid snags and blot spills promptly.
How often should I air the rug in sunlight?
About twice a year. Hang it outdoors in direct sunlight for 2–3 hours to refresh the fibers and prevent moth damage.
Blog posts
-
, by Author Article title
-
, by Author Article title
-
, by Author Article title