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How to Clean Wool Upholstery

Elizabeth Knoll

Wool upholstery is not commonly found in a home, as it can be uncomfortable to skin. However, many offices have wool upholstery on chairs and/or couches. Wool upholstery can shrink, distort or lose color when cleaned, so dry cleaning works best. If you decide to clean wool upholstery yourself, you can minimize damage.

Tip

Test a small, inconspicuous area of your wool upholstery before using either water or solvent. Mark the area with pins to determine if there is shrinkage.

  1. Vacuum the wool upholstery to remove any lose crumbs, hair or dirt.

  2. Read the label on your wool upholstery. If it label has a "W," it is only safe to clean with water. "S" means you may use a cleaning solvent. "SW" means both solvent and water may be used. If it has an "X," only dry cleaning is recommended.

  3. Dampen a clean towel with water or solvent, depending on the label code. Wipe any stain in a circular motion, working toward the center of the stain.

  4. Rinse your cloth thoroughly and wipe again. Repeat this process until all stains are gone.

  5. Apply a fabric protector safe for wool to the upholstery, according to label instructions.

The Drip Cap

  • Wool upholstery is not commonly found in a home, as it can be uncomfortable to skin.
  • If it label has a "W," it is only safe to clean with water.
  • " Dampen a clean towel with water or solvent, depending on the label code.