I have heard some discussion on this topic before, but I would like to explore a little deeper. Should protectors be applied to wool rugs? Yes? No? Or It depends? What are your thoughts? Why or why not? Some well-respected rug experts don't like to use protectors on wool rugs. But I have recently had to clean some rugs that were place in entry hallways and under dining tables. They took as much or more abuse than some carpets. Don't they deserve to be protected as well?
Deja vu! =) I've posted my reasons why we do NOT protect wool rugs on both CF and ICS already. I'm not a fan - and if anyone here wants to know why, let me know, and I'll list out my reasons here. Thanks! Lisa
I would like to know why. Stains are easy to remove on synthetics like urine, coffee, tea, wine, etc. Wool is a challenge - Wouldn't a protector make it easier?
Wool is such an absorbent fiber, I would think protectant can only help if not a little anyways. I've never seen any ill effects from applying it. Please state why you dont think protector is a good idea on wool Lisa. Many of us would like to know why.
We've had a couple in depth conversations on several other forums on this - some plant rug cleaners who agree with me (or partially), and some that don't. These are the reasons that I am not a fan. > I don't like to leave residue behind in the rug. We are big proponents on washing and thoroughly rinsing rugs, and with regular cleanings (18 months) - it has never been a "need" to use protector. Wool has a natural repellency which gives a barrier for spills, so if you get to it you should be able to blot it. And plants of course have their own collection of "solutions" to remove stains anyway. > Past nightmares with Scotchguard led to yellowing and color changes in rugs. Though this might not be the case today - I can't get anyone to GUARANTEE that there would be absolutely no ill effect on investment rugs due to application. They will guarantee the value of the product - but NOT the rug. Considering some of these rugs can be SUPER valuable, that's not a risk I'm willing to take. > The belief by consumers that "protecting" means making the rugs bulletproof. It doesn't. It creates a barrier, but it does not prevent stains on wool rugs. This is especially the case with pet urine stains. So you give the consumer the belief their wool rug has been "protected", in their head it's okay, they pay you EXTRA to have it done, and then when the stain is still a problem - does not magically wash up with just cool water and a rug - you have to give all of the tiny, small print. I posted in other areas that I could see this for protecting wool installed carpeting, heavy traffic - actually this was formulated for THAT use, not for oriental rugs... just like all of the "wool-safe" products are designed for in-home wool installed product, not for oriental rugs... so that may be where it appears to work. Under those different circumstances. I just do not feel good charging extra money to put in extra residue for a rug that may not need it, and may have downsides because of it. I'm just not a fan of that. Lisa
many of the reasons Lisa posted is some of the reason i dont push protector at all.... i know many will say use it... AND I will sell it but I pretty much agree with Lisa even on wall to wall
I totally agree with Lisa's third point for sure. This is why I make sure customers buying protector understand that the product "helps" to decrease absorbency but is not "bullet proof". And I use those exact words before they agree to get protector.
