Service
Wool Rug Cleaning in New York
Wool holds a lot of soil before it looks dirty, and it needs pH-appropriate cleaning to keep its texture.
- Why wool hides soil
- Correct chemistry and pH
- Prices per square foot
- Drying and shedding
How Wool Rugs Are Cleaned
What a proper job involves, in order.
At a cleaning plant
- Step 1
Inspection
Construction and any dye or fiber concerns are recorded before cleaning.
- Step 2
Thorough dusting
Wool holds dry grit deep in the pile, so dusting removes the most damaging soil first.
- Step 3
Wool-safe washing
Mild, pH-appropriate chemistry protects the fiber and the dyes. Strong alkaline products damage wool.
- Step 4
Rinse and extraction
Residue is flushed out, then water is removed mechanically.
- Step 5
Controlled drying
Even drying prevents odor and keeps the rug lying flat.
- Step 6
Grooming
The pile is reset, and loose fibers from normal shedding are removed.
Transparent pricing
What Wool Rug Cleaning Costs
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Wool, Manhattan | $5–$8 per sq ft |
| Wool, other boroughs | $4–$7 per sq ft |
| Moth treatment | $20–$50 per rug |
A 9×12 wool rug is 108 sq ft: about $432–$756 outside Manhattan or $540–$864 in Manhattan. Typical pickup minimum: $150–$250. Ask whether pickup and delivery are included.
Open the cost calculatorWhat Affects the Price
- Size in square feet
- How much soil the pile is holding
- Hand-knotted versus machine-made construction
- Moth activity or previous damage
- Pet contamination
Ask Before You Book
- Do you use wool-safe chemistry?
- How is the rug dusted?
- How long will drying take?
- Do you offer moth treatment?
Ask every company to price the same scope in writing, then compare the all-in totals.
Find Companies for This Service
Browse companies serving your borough and request written quotes, or compare cleaners side by side.
Further Reading
Guides that go deeper on questions this page only touches.
Related Services
Often booked in the same visit, or worth reading before you decide.
Area Rug Cleaning
How professional area rug cleaning works, step by step.Learn more
Oriental Rug Cleaning
Specialized care for hand-knotted Oriental rugs.Learn more
Pet Odor Removal
Treatment for pet urine, odors and stains.Learn more
Rug Repair
Fringe repair, binding, reweaving and other rug repairs.Learn more
Wool Rug Cleaning — FAQs
Why does my wool rug still shed?
New wool rugs shed loose fibers for months, and cleaning does not stop it. Professional grooming removes what is already loose, and shedding settles over time.
How often should a wool rug be cleaned?
Every 3–5 years in normal use, or every 1–2 years with pets, children or heavy traffic.
Is steam cleaning safe for wool?
Hot-water methods can be used with care, but wool needs mild, pH-appropriate chemistry and controlled drying. Ask what will be used before booking.
How much does wool rug cleaning cost?
Wool is typically $4–$7 per square foot outside Manhattan and $5–$8 in Manhattan. A 9×12 rug is 108 square feet, so about $432–$756 outside Manhattan or $540–$864 in Manhattan. Moth treatment, if the rug needs it, adds $20–$50.
Does my wool rug need moth treatment?
Only if there are signs of moths — fine webbing, grazed low patches, or loose grit-like casings along the edges and the back. Wool is the fiber moths feed on, so a rug that is stored or left undisturbed is most at risk. Treatment is usually $20–$50 per rug and is best done while the rug is already in for cleaning.