How To Clean A Wool Area Rug With Baking Soda

When looking for decor pieces that will tie a room together, you can't go wrong with a quality wool rug. Known for their comfortable texture, durability, and hypoallergenic properties, these rugs have a lot to love. However, despite the many pros, wool rugs have one major drawback — they're tough to clean. The reality is, no matter how careful you are, stains are bound to happen. From spilled coffee or wine to dirty pet paws, there are a number of things that could cause a stain on your wool rug. Even just regular, everyday use can leave the rug looking and feeling a little dirty after a while. Luckily, baking soda is an effective way to clean your wool rug and remove stains. 

All you need is baking soda, a vacuum, a bristle brush, a spray bottle filled with water, and a microfiber cloth to get the job done. In addition, it may be helpful to have a tarp and a large fan on hand. Wool rugs are quite absorbent, so depending on how much water you use, it could take a long time for the rug to dry. To speed things up, use the tarp and fan and dry your rug outdoors on a hot, sunny day. When it comes to baking soda cleaning hacks, this one is worth trying.

Start the cleaning process by vacuuming the rug. This will help remove any loose dirt or food that may be trapped in the fibers and set you up for deep cleaning the carpet with the baking soda. You should also test for color-fastness before moving to the next step, just to make sure the colors in your rug won't fade or bleed. 

If all is well, generously sprinkle the entire rug with baking soda, then use the spray bottle to dampen it. Use the bristle brush to work the baking soda into the carpet and let the mixture sit for at least three hours, but overnight is best. During this time, the baking soda will absorb stains and odors. Vacuum the rug again, and you should notice it looks and smells fresher. For an added scent boost, you can add a few drops of essential oil, like lemon or lavender, to your baking soda.

Baking soda will also work for spot treating specific stains on your wool rug. To do this, dampen your microfiber cloth; for tough or greasy stains, you can also add dish soap. Then press (not rub) the cloth into the stain. Next, make a thick paste using baking soda and a bit of water and apply it to the affected area. Again, let the mixture sit overnight and vacuum away in the morning. If your rug is still quite damp after the final vacuum, consider drying it outdoors using the tarp and fan. While this may not be 100% necessary, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to potential mildew.