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Moths and Rug Cleaning: Protecting Your Wool & Silk From Unwanted Guests
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Moth activity in wool rugs has been on the rise across the UK in recent years, and it's a problem we're asked about more and more often. If you've noticed an uptick in moth activity in your own home, you wouldn't be alone.
Moths love wool, especially when it's soiled. Moths are notorious for their fondness for wool, and seem to have a particular taste for wool rugs that have been soiled - especially by pet urine. It's not the most pleasant thought, but soiled wool is genuinely a delicacy to these tiny pests. So what makes wool rugs so appealing to moths in the first place?
Moths thrive in dark, undisturbed places. Moths are largely nocturnal and prefer dark, undisturbed areas. This is exactly why you'll often find them underneath rugs, beneath furniture, or behind wall hangings - these hidden spots provide the perfect environment for moths to lay their eggs, and for their larvae to feast undisturbed on your precious rugs.
The real culprits: moth larvae. While adult moths are responsible for laying the eggs, it's the larvae that cause the real damage. These voracious little creatures feed on the natural fibres in your rugs, primarily wool, and can cause serious, irreparable harm - leaving your once-beautiful rug riddled with holes.
Preventing Moth Infestations with Proper Rug Care
In severe cases of active moth infestation or damage, we may sadly have to recommend disposing of the rug altogether. This is exactly why we believe prevention is key when it comes to protecting your rugs from moth damage. Here are some essential steps you can take:
Professional rug cleaning. Before storing your rugs, make sure they've had a proper professional clean. This removes any food particles, dirt or stains that might otherwise attract moths. Wool rugs should always be professionally cleaned, treated with a moth repellent, and properly wrapped before going into long-term storage.
Moth repellent treatment. After cleaning, we'd recommend treating your rugs with a moth repellent. At Absolutely Fabulous Rug Cleaning, we use a safe and highly effective repellent — safe for you, your pets, and your rug — that makes the rug undesirable to moth larvae. For more severe infestations, you may need to contact a specialist pest control company; do ask us if you'd like a referral.
Proper rug storage. Rug wrapping is an excellent way to deter moths and keep your rugs safe. The most severe moth-damaged rugs we've come across in our line of work have almost always been stored dirty and improperly. A dirty wool rug left in a dark place really is a moth's dream. Learn more about our rug storage programme.
Regular vacuuming. Don't forget to vacuum your rugs regularly, making sure to reach underneath furniture and other hidden spots — this alone helps prevent moth infestations from taking hold.
Use proper rug pads. Investing in a good-quality rug pad doesn't just add comfort — it provides an additional barrier against moths, and forms an important part of ongoing rug care.
Sun exposure. Taking your rugs outside occasionally for a proper dusting and a little sun exposure can help deter moths and keep your rugs in good condition. A note of caution, though - silk or fine wool rugs shouldn't be left in direct sun for more than 45 minutes, as they're prone to fading.
Professional cleaning maintenance. We'd recommend scheduling a professional clean every 1–3 years to keep your rugs in top condition. Proper dusting and washing really are essential.
Moths might be tiny, but the potential damage they can do to your beloved rugs is anything but. By following these preventive steps, and investing in professional cleaning, you can safeguard your rugs from these persistent pests. At Absolutely Fabulous Rug Cleaning, we understand just how important rug preservation is, and offer comprehensive cleaning and moth-repellent treatments to keep your rugs in pristine condition.
If you're dealing with a moth infestation at home that's damaging your rugs or carpets, do give us a call - we're happy to help however we can, or point you in the right direction.
Questions? Get in touch with our team today.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to clean a rug?
It depends on the type and size of the rug. Send us a message with the rug dimensions and a short description or a picture and we’ll give you a quote straight away.
How long does it take to clean a rug?
We usually allow 10-14 days for the rugs to be returned.
How to clean a rug at home?
We do not recommend DIY rug cleaning. If the colours are unstable they will run – usually the reds and the blues migrate into the light surrounding fibres. Rugs made from natural fibres also need to be dried very quickly. We use a centrifuge to extract the water and have a climate controlled drying room to dry all rugs within an optimal timeframe which cannot be done at home.
My rug fringes and edges are frying . Can you repair them ?
Yes, We can certainly fix them.
Our Promise
Visibly stunning results
If you're not completely satisfied with the results, we'll re-clean your rug at no charge. Still not happy? We'll issue a full refund, no questions asked. That's our commitment to you and we've stood behind it for over 30 years.
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