Article Written By: temerity
Wool carpets are very popular in homes all across the world. They are soft and comfortable and are one of the best sellers at local stores. They are also durable and flame resistant. The structure of the wool fibres also retain dust particles on the surface, which should make them easier to clean. However they also require special attention and care, or they can deteriorate very quickly.If you are looking to buy a wool carpet then it's crucial that you know about the best way to maintain it, and how to prevent permanent damange to its fibres. The most important issue is to do with cleaning your carpet. You should never use any cleaning chemicals or soap on wool unless it has a pH between 4.5 and 8.5. If you want to be extra safe, you should choose a product with a pH less than 7 because any higher has the potential to cause the dyes to bleed.Using bleeching products can be another big no no as these can actually dissolve the wool and sometimes result in a hole in the carpet! If you're not sure what cleaning products to use, there are numerous websites telling you various products that are safe to use. This will reduce the chances that you damage your carpet.Any reputable professional carpet cleaning company will tell you that you shouldn't use over the counter cleaners when cleaning wool. Low pH cleaners will be kind to the fibres whereas higher pH cleaners can break down the surface of the cuticles which results in the carpets looking fluffy and messy. Once this happens, they cannot be fixed.You should also only vacuum occassionally. Too often and it can also damage the fibres. Using wool safe spotters with an acidic rinse will help remove all the dirt and residue from the carpet while keeping the wool fibres slightly acidic, and thus keeping the wool soft.If your wool carpet gets a stain, the best thing to do is soak it up quickly with a clean rag or with paper towels. Once the initial spill has been soaked up, use a luke warm damp towel to remove it completely. Diluting the water with vinegar can also help by diluting the stain and will not damage the carpet. Wool carpets are a great investment and their softness and lack of flammability make them a perfect addition to a family home. But they behave different from synthetic carpets so it's important to use the right techniques to help maintain their quality.
This Article Has Been Published on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 and Read 227 Times