How to Stop Fuzz From Coming Up on a Wool Rug

Vacuum

• Vacuuming your rug regularly extends its life by keeping embedded dirt and dust at bay, but your vacuum technique can mean the difference between a rug that looks new or riddled with fuzz. Lift the beater bar of the vacuum so it has little or no contact with the rug. Agitating the fibers of the rug encourages fuzz to come up and collect on top of your rug.

Steam Cleaning

• Steam clean your wool rug once or twice a year, depending on how much foot traffic the rug takes. Often, a professional steam cleaning service is inexpensive, or you can choose to purchase, rent or borrow a steam cleaner. Be careful of the amount of water and detergent used; too much can be a detriment to your rug. Follow the instructions carefully if you decide to steam clean the rug yourself.

Wear and Tear

• Being aware of the traffic on your rug is important, as it will take years off the life of your rug. Do not walk on the rug with shoes. Dirt and dust from the outdoors on the soles of shoes will quickly become embedded in your rug, adding to the dust and fuzz that come up on your rug.

Rotation

• Most people do not realize that uneven wear on a wool rug can lessen its durability and alter its color and shape over time. Rotating your rug twice a year ensures the fibers in the rug are walked on regularly, keeping fuzz from popping up on areas that receive more wear than the rest of the rug.