cleaning lover mats
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Yes, your overlays are lambs wool.
I will post the advice offered on the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club (US) forums from someone who knows quite a bit about doing this (Thanks Phil!):
-- First, shake the rug out to get any really loose bits of muck off. Then brush it out to get more muck off -- don't brush too gently, but don't overdo that, either. You'll probably be amazed at what comes out.
-- Then vacuum the lambswool carefully, using just the nozzle, to get lots of dirt out. You may or may not wish to put an old stocking over the nozzle of the vacuum hose so as not to swallow up any loose wool bits.
-- Then use the Woolite. Here I'd mix up a batch of Woolite in a bucket, get a sponge damp but not soaking with the Woolite, and sponge off the overlay with long swipes across the overlay in one direction, then in the other direction, then across, and so on. You may or may not have to rub somewhat vigorously in some really dirty areas. You'll probably want to do this two or three times.
I think I would avoid using a washing machine because of the age of the overlay backing. I would also avoid using a hose for the same reason. The wool is tough, but we just don't know about the backing.
-- Then you might want to vacuum again, as above.
-- If you have to repeat the process, by all means do so until you're satisfied that you've done what you can.
-- I'd recommend drying the overlay by just leaving it outside to dry. If the weather's not too hot and the sun isn't too glaring, you can put it in the sun. Otherwise, I'd let it dry in the shade, though this will take a bit longer. We find that the deck off our house is a great place to dry overlays.
-- If all else fails, then find a dry cleaner that specializes in antique fabrics and old rugs and try them. However, since the overlay is in good condition and not stained but just dirty, I think you'll have luck by following this technique.
I will post the advice offered on the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club (US) forums from someone who knows quite a bit about doing this (Thanks Phil!):
-- First, shake the rug out to get any really loose bits of muck off. Then brush it out to get more muck off -- don't brush too gently, but don't overdo that, either. You'll probably be amazed at what comes out.
-- Then vacuum the lambswool carefully, using just the nozzle, to get lots of dirt out. You may or may not wish to put an old stocking over the nozzle of the vacuum hose so as not to swallow up any loose wool bits.
-- Then use the Woolite. Here I'd mix up a batch of Woolite in a bucket, get a sponge damp but not soaking with the Woolite, and sponge off the overlay with long swipes across the overlay in one direction, then in the other direction, then across, and so on. You may or may not have to rub somewhat vigorously in some really dirty areas. You'll probably want to do this two or three times.
I think I would avoid using a washing machine because of the age of the overlay backing. I would also avoid using a hose for the same reason. The wool is tough, but we just don't know about the backing.
-- Then you might want to vacuum again, as above.
-- If you have to repeat the process, by all means do so until you're satisfied that you've done what you can.
-- I'd recommend drying the overlay by just leaving it outside to dry. If the weather's not too hot and the sun isn't too glaring, you can put it in the sun. Otherwise, I'd let it dry in the shade, though this will take a bit longer. We find that the deck off our house is a great place to dry overlays.
-- If all else fails, then find a dry cleaner that specializes in antique fabrics and old rugs and try them. However, since the overlay is in good condition and not stained but just dirty, I think you'll have luck by following this technique.
Hi Brian,
Had to laugh - just noticed my typo in the title, Lover mats - OMG
Anyway thanks for the info. Here in the UK you can't buy Woolite. Had a look on the internet, they do several products, I guess you are using the Woolite liquid detergent. My Wife uses the UK liquid detergent known as Daz so I think I could substitute that.
Best wishes,
Keith
Had to laugh - just noticed my typo in the title, Lover mats - OMG
Anyway thanks for the info. Here in the UK you can't buy Woolite. Had a look on the internet, they do several products, I guess you are using the Woolite liquid detergent. My Wife uses the UK liquid detergent known as Daz so I think I could substitute that.
Best wishes,
Keith
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4,630 Posts
Keith,
Woolite is a liquid special-purpose cold-water wash that was "designed" for wool and other delicate fabrics.
Whatever the local equivalent would be in your area would be perfectly fine to use.
Woolite is not laundry detergent in the typical sense since it's a bit more gentle.
Good luck cleaning your overlays. By the way (and not that I think you're planning to do this) never use chlorine bleach on woolens. It will dissolve the wool fibers. You can try oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide (both with brief application) in an effort to release deep staining, but never chlorine bleach (even on white wool).
Brian
Woolite is a liquid special-purpose cold-water wash that was "designed" for wool and other delicate fabrics.
Whatever the local equivalent would be in your area would be perfectly fine to use.
Woolite is not laundry detergent in the typical sense since it's a bit more gentle.
Good luck cleaning your overlays. By the way (and not that I think you're planning to do this) never use chlorine bleach on woolens. It will dissolve the wool fibers. You can try oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide (both with brief application) in an effort to release deep staining, but never chlorine bleach (even on white wool).
Brian
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5 Posts
I am doing spray them down with simple green or some other sort of stain lifter then scrub them with hot water and carpet shampoo. After that vacuum it.Some will tell you not to scrub, but to blot it out. I scrubbed, and everything turned out GREAT.
How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug
You need to gently remove dust with a wire brush up the wool pile with a wire brush and shake out the mart. Use your washing machine but remember to use a non-enzyme shampoo made specifically for washable sheepskin items.
Soak it for 20 minutes in a lukewarm water. Finally dry the mart on the sun shine and when it is dry, brush the dried rug again to restore the wool pile.
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oriental rug cleaning
You need to gently remove dust with a wire brush up the wool pile with a wire brush and shake out the mart. Use your washing machine but remember to use a non-enzyme shampoo made specifically for washable sheepskin items.
Soak it for 20 minutes in a lukewarm water. Finally dry the mart on the sun shine and when it is dry, brush the dried rug again to restore the wool pile.
________________________________
oriental rug cleaning
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1,558 Posts
i just used soap powder for wool stuffed them in the washing machine on cool and then put them on a flat floor to dry
but my ones are only 5 years old so OK to do it
but my ones are only 5 years old so OK to do it
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195 Posts
I just took mine to the dry cleaners. £45 Job done!!
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Your Just a Rich Taffy
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I think thats whats called an oxymoron!!bentleyman22 said:Your Just a Rich Taffy
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