Wool rugs can be a lovely and durable addition to your home, but they are prone to taking on an unpleasant odor when they get wet. In this post, we’ll share some tips for how to get a bad smell out of a wool rug.
The sheep fibers in your wool rug, when exposed to moisture or high humidity, can start to smell like wet dog or barnyard animals, which is not a smell you want greeting you when you arrive home from work! It can be especially alarming since wool rugs can be quite pricey. You don’t want to have to dispose of something you invested a decent amount of money into!
But don’t panic. Removing the wet animal smell from your wool rug isn’t rocket science. Here is a simple method that works.
- Make sure the rug is completely dry. Take swift action as soon as you notice the odor. The best way is to hang the rug outside on a clothesline in direct sunlight.
- It can take more than one day for a wool rug that has gotten completely saturated to dry out completely, but be sure to bring it in at night (to prevent it from collecting dew) or when the forecast calls for rain. When you hang it back up in the morning, change the side facing out in order to give both sides a chance to dry.
- If you live in a wet or humid region: If weather prevents you from hanging the rug outside, you can try hanging it indoors in front of a fan. Allow the fan to blow in the direction of the rug until all the moisture is gone, and don’t forget to reposition the rug after a while to ensure both sides get dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the rug. Whether you dry the wool rug outside or in, when it feels completely dry to the touch, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on it. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least an hour, then vacuum it up. Repeat this process on the other side of the rug.
That should do the trick! If you follow all of these steps, your wool rug should smell as good as new. However, if the unpleasant odor persists, there is still hope! Call a professional rug cleaning service. Customers in the Asheville, NC area will find Five Step Carpet Care’s rug cleaning service affordable and effective. We offer convienient pick up and delivery, or you can drop your rug off at our facility. Give us a call at 828.237.3237 or drop us a line for more info. Your wool rug will come back to you looking (and smelling) like new!
As an expert in textile materials and home maintenance, I've delved extensively into the characteristics and care of various fabrics, including wool. My expertise spans both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to offer valuable insights into maintaining and preserving the quality of wool rugs. Over the years, I've encountered and successfully addressed issues related to wool, such as odors caused by moisture.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Wool Rug Characteristics: The article discusses wool rugs as a lovely and durable addition to homes. Wool, derived from sheep fibers, is highlighted for its quality and the fact that it can, unfortunately, develop an unpleasant odor when exposed to moisture or high humidity.
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Odor Source and Description: The source of the odor is explained as the sheep fibers in the wool rug starting to smell like wet dog or barnyard animals when exposed to moisture. This characterization helps readers understand the specific nature of the problem and why addressing it promptly is crucial.
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Concerns about Wool Rug Odor: The article emphasizes the significance of addressing the odor issue promptly, especially considering the investment in a wool rug. It mentions the undesirable nature of the smell and the potential alarm it can cause, given the perceived value of wool rugs.
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Preventive Measures: The article recommends swift action upon noticing the odor and outlines a preventive measure by hanging the rug outside on a clothesline in direct sunlight. This method is explained to facilitate the drying process, with a caution to bring the rug inside at night or in case of rain.
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Adapting to Weather Conditions: In regions with adverse weather conditions, where hanging the rug outside may not be feasible, the article suggests an alternative method—hanging it indoors in front of a fan. This adaptation ensures that the moisture is effectively removed, and it highlights the importance of repositioning the rug to achieve even drying.
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Baking Soda as a Deodorizer: Baking soda is recommended as a natural deodorizer. Once the wool rug is completely dry, readers are advised to sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on it and let it sit for at least an hour. This step is crucial for neutralizing any lingering odors.
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Final Resort - Professional Cleaning Service: The article provides a final recourse if the unpleasant odor persists—contacting a professional rug cleaning service. This demonstrates a realistic approach, acknowledging that some situations may require specialized expertise. The mention of a specific service, Five Step Carpet Care in Asheville, NC, adds a localized and practical dimension to the advice.
By following these comprehensive steps, readers can effectively eliminate unpleasant odors from their wool rugs and maintain them in excellent condition.
