Is this rug wool? Can I wash it

delmonta

Hi
I have just found an niceonice rug in the attic, looks fine but doesn't smell great. I'd like to wash it
It's a thin lightweight rug, so could fit in the washing machine. It's got a rough texture, and when I burn a strand it goes black and turns to dust and smells like hair...is this wool? See photos

I was wondering if I could put it in the washing machine, maybe on a cool delicate cycle? Then hang it to dry

I'm on ata budget and can't affor a professional clean

Thanks

neilmcl

I'd hand wash it if you're not sure. As it's fairly large I'd put it in the bath and let it soak in soapy, cool water.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

nice rug, don't know if wool or not, though I would throw it in for a gentle wash, not too much 'soap' and an extra rinse, if needed.

If still not happy with 'smell', then hotter wash.

AskAsk

put it through a wool wash

delmonta

Ok thanks, I'll try the gentlest cycle, and see. Seems like soaking in the bath would be quite similar to the washing machine

twopenny

~That looks like hand woven wool. The pattern very like some from the Andes so possibily Alpaca which would account for the smell.

Keep it a really cool wash as the colours may run. It's likely to shrink a bit even so but as cool as possible and you should hardly notice, hot water makes wool felt.

It may smell bad when wet. I'd put it out flattish over a rotary airer or whatever you can, after washing, on a rainy day. The rain and fresh air should freshen it though it's a bit of a palaver and will take longer to get dry but worth the trouble. If it's not dirty I'd try this first before washing.

Alpaca wool washing https://www.thelaundress.com/how-to/alpaca.html

Love the rug.

Ajmason42

I second do it by hand in the bath not the machine far more controllable be very sparing with the detergent  you tube may help

delmonta

Thanks, I did it on a wool cycle in the machine. It seems to be pretty much as it was before, I dont think it messed the rug up, but the smell is still there!  

So I might try baking soda, although read mixed opinions about it