Wool Wisdom

• Frequent vacuuming is a wool carpet's best friend.

• Am upright vacuum with a beater bar/brush is the best type for cut pile carpet.

• A suction-only vacuum may be required for loop pile Berber carpets to prevent excessive fuzzing.

• Vacuum cleaner dust bag should be emptied when half full.

• Exercise preventive maintenance by placing absorbent mats at the most frequently used entrances to your home.  Change or launder when these mats become dirty.

• Filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly.

• Clean traffic lanes and in front of frequently used chairs periodically with an absorbent powder (such as Host® or Capture®).*

• Keep absorbent cloth or paper towels and cleaning solutions on hand for quick response to spills and accidents.

• DO NOT apply stain repellent treatments which contain any silicone because they tend to accelerate carpet soiling.  (Some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints where such treatments have been used).

• When having your wool carpet professionally cleaned, use a reputable company and check references.

Cleaning Agents for Spot Removal

Detergent Solution - Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid or detergent powder (containing no bleaches or strong alkalies) with a cup of warm (not hot) water.

Ammonia Solution - Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup water.

Vinegar Solution - Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.

Solvent - A dry-cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores) such as Carbona®, Energine®, or K2R®.   (Chemically 1.1.1.  Trichloroethane preferred).

Absorbent Cleaners - Host® and Capture®.