If you have a Flokati rug or you plan to buy it, here are some tips on how to keep your flokati white, fluffy and clean.
1. Take the Flokati rug outside and shake it
Giving your carpet a good shake can help raise any wool fibers that flatten when furniture has been placed on it or because of a lot of foot traffic. Shaking your carpet will also remove a lot of dirt and dust that fell into the wool fibers.
If you can get someone to help you shake the mat, this is best. Each person holds one side and shakes it vigorously. You will see dust and dirt coming out of the carpet. Keep shaking it until all the dust and dirt has disappeared.
If you have no one to help you, put it on a clothing line. Fasten one side of the carpet to the clothes line while you hold and shake the other side.
Try to make an effort to shake it at least every month.
2. Leave your carpet for a while, but not in the sun.
After you get a good carpet, leave it outside to air it, preferably for a few hours. It can help get rid of any odors and help refresh it.
Do not leave it in the sun. Your Flokati carpet is made from wool, and too much sunlight can make the wool on your carpet yellow. The sun may discolor woolen items.
3. Clean your mat
Take a soft bristle brush and clean the mat. This can unravel any dull wool fibers. Clean it from the center to the outside of the carpet. Some of the fibers can get into the brush, and this is normal.
You might want to avoid the Flokati rug vacuum cleaner, especially if you have a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush in the head of the vacuum cleaner. Long wool fibers can get stuck in the head of the vacuum cleaner, which is bad for a rug or vacuum cleaner.
4. Lift the wool fibers
After you get a good carpet and a good brush, you can pick up wool fibers with a regular plastic garden rake. Make sure the rake is clean. Place a rake at the base of the wool fibers and gently lift the wool from the bottom up.
It should be pretty easy to do after you have cleaned the rug. Some fibers can get into rakes, and this is normal. This will not damage your Flokati carpet, as it is very durable.
5. Flushing Your Flock Carpet
Flokati carpet needs a good wash once a year, depending on how dirty it is.
If it is small, you can wash it in the car for a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent that you use for woolen clothes. Do not use bleach. Place it in the shade to dry and then give it a good brush as soon as it dries.
If your carpet is large, place it outside and spray it with water. Take a brush, dip it in a mixture of cold water and a mild detergent and clean it. Then dry it in the shade. Clean it when it is dry and then warm it.
Shaking, winding, raking and washing your Flokati carpet should be white, fluffy and clean.
