Wool is one of the best carpet and rug fibres you can buy. It is hard-wearing, naturally resilient and looks beautiful for years. But it is a natural fibre, and the wrong cleaning method can damage it. At Trust Cleaner we clean wool carpets and rugs safely in homes across Leeds and Yorkshire, using wool-safe products and methods.
Why wool needs specialist cleaning
Wool is sensitive to high pH, harsh chemicals, too much heat and too much rubbing. Many shop-bought carpet shampoos and general-purpose cleaners are too alkaline for it. The result can be browning, faded or bleeding colours, a rough or fuzzy pile, or shrinkage on rugs. Cleaning wool properly means choosing the right products and controlling every step of the process.
How we clean wool carpets and rugs
- We identify the fibre. We check the label or the carpet itself before we start.
- We test the colours. A colour-fastness test on a hidden area shows whether the dyes are stable.
- We use wool-safe products. Gentle, low-pH solutions made for natural fibres.
- We rinse with an acid rinse. This removes residue and brings the wool back to its natural pH, so it stays soft and resists re-soiling.
- We control the moisture. Powerful extraction removes as much water as possible. Carpets we clean are usually dry within 3 to 4 hours in summer and up to 6 to 7 hours in winter.
Wool stain removal
Stains on wool need a careful, step-by-step approach. We regularly treat coffee, tea, red wine, juice, food, cosmetics, medicines and pet urine on wool carpets and rugs. Depending on the stain, we use pH correction, carefully chosen reducing or oxidising agents, and specialist spotters made for natural fibres.
We will always be honest with you: fresh stains usually come out well, but old stains, or stains that have already been scrubbed with household products, may lighten a lot without disappearing completely. We will tell you what to expect before we start.
Wool carpets and rugs we have cleaned
These photos are from our own jobs on wool carpets and rugs.
Pet urine on wool
Urine is one of the hardest problems on wool, because it often soaks through to the backing, the underlay and even the floor. We use UV lamps to find every affected area, enzyme treatments and urine salt neutralisers, and a Water Claw tool to extract from deep below the surface. The aim is to remove the source of the smell, not to cover it up. Read more about our urine stain and odour removal.
Protect it after cleaning
After cleaning, we can add a stain guard protector. It gives you a few minutes to blot a spill before it soaks in, which is a big help on light wool carpets and rugs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wool carpet be cleaned with hot water extraction?
Yes, when it is done properly. We use wool-safe, low-pH products, finish with an acid rinse and control the amount of moisture, so the wool is cleaned deeply without being damaged.
How do I know if my carpet or rug is wool?
Check the label on the back of a rug, or your carpet invoice. If you are not sure, send us a photo, and we can also check it when we arrive.
Do you clean wool rugs at home?
Yes. We clean rugs at your home, either in the room or, for smaller rugs on a dry day, outside on protective sheets.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size and the condition. Send us a few photos for an honest quote. Our minimum charge for a visit is £80, there is no deposit, and you pay after the job by cash or bank transfer.
Which areas do you cover?
We are based in south Leeds and cover Leeds, York, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Harrogate, Bradford and the rest of Yorkshire.
Get a quote for wool carpet or rug cleaning
Send us a photo of your wool carpet or rug, and of any stains. We are open 7 days a week, 9am to 8pm. You can also read about our carpet cleaning in Leeds, rug cleaning and fine fabric cleaning.