A flokati rug, with its shaggy, cloud-like pile, is a luxurious and cozy addition to any home. Made from 100% natural wool, these iconic Greek rugs are renowned for their incredible softness, warmth, and timeless style. However, their long, natural fibers, while beautiful, also make them prone to trapping dirt, dust, and dander, and require a special approach to cleaning. Unlike conventional rugs, a flokati demands gentle, specific care to maintain its unique texture, brightness, and incredible fluffiness. Learning how to clean a flokati rug properly is key to preserving its beauty and longevity.
What is a flokati rug and why it needs gentle care
A flokati rug is a traditional Greek rug made from natural sheep’s wool. Key characteristics that dictate its cleaning needs include:
- 100% Natural Wool: Unlike synthetic fibers, wool is a protein fiber. It’s incredibly durable and naturally resistant to dirt, but it can shrink, felt (become matted), or be damaged by harsh chemicals, hot water, and aggressive agitation.
- Long, Shaggy Pile: The long, loose strands are designed for warmth and softness, but they easily trap dust, crumbs, pet hair, and dander deep within the pile. This also makes them prone to matting if not regularly fluffed.
- Unique Construction: Traditional flokatis are often loosely woven or felted on the underside, meaning too much agitation can pull fibers loose or distort the rug’s shape.
- Absorbency: While wool is somewhat stain-resistant due to its natural lanolin, it can absorb liquids if spills are not addressed quickly, leading to staining and odors.
- No Backing: Many authentic flokati rugs do not have a stiff backing. This makes them wonderfully soft and pliable, but also means they can stretch or lose shape if not handled carefully when wet.
Because of these characteristics, flokati rugs require a delicate touch, avoiding harsh chemicals, hot water, and aggressive machine washing that could damage the wool fibers, cause shrinkage, or lead to matting.
Regular maintenance: Shaking, brushing, vacuuming
Consistent routine care is essential to keep your flokati clean, fluffy, and extend the time between deep cleans.
- Shaking (Most Important):
- Frequency: At least once a week, or more often for high-traffic areas.
- How: Take the rug outside and give it a good, vigorous shake. For larger rugs, drape them over a sturdy clothesline or railing and beat them gently with a broom handle or clean tennis racket. This is the most effective way to dislodge trapped dirt, dust, and crumbs from deep within the long pile.
- Brushing/Fluffing:
- Frequency: After shaking, or a few times a week as needed.
- How: Use a specialized flokati brush (a stiff-bristled, open-design brush) or a clean, stiff-bristled pet brush. Gently brush through the fibers, working in sections to lift and separate them. This restores the rug’s fluffiness and prevents matting.
- Vacuuming (Use with Caution):
- Frequency: Rarely, or only if necessary, and with extreme caution.
- How: If you must vacuum, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment only, and set it to the lowest suction. Avoid using a beater bar or rotating brush head, as these can pull out and damage the wool fibers, causing matting and shedding. Simply use the hose to gently suction debris from the surface. Many flokati owners prefer to avoid vacuuming altogether due to the risk of damage.
Deep cleaning: Handwashing vs. Dry cleaning
When regular maintenance isn’t enough, a deep clean is necessary. For flokati rugs, handwashing is often preferred over professional dry cleaning, as chemicals can sometimes strip the natural oils from the wool, affecting its softness.
Handwashing (Recommended for most flokati rugs):
- Best for: Most small to medium-sized flokati rugs.
- Supplies:
- Large bathtub or plastic basin
- Lukewarm water
- Mild wool-safe detergent (e.g., Woolite, Eucalan, or a gentle liquid dish soap like Dawn)
- Clean towels (several large ones)
- Sturdy clothesline or drying rack
- Steps:
- Shake Vigorously: Before washing, take the rug outside and shake it thoroughly to remove as much loose dirt as possible.
- Fill Tub: Fill your bathtub or a large basin with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can cause wool to shrink or felt.
- Add Detergent: Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Dissolve it completely.
- Submerge & Soak: Gently submerge the rug in the water. Do not agitate or rub vigorously. You can gently press the rug down to ensure it’s fully saturated. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Gentle Squeeze: Gently squeeze the soapy water through the rug fibers. Avoid twisting, scrubbing, or wringing, which can damage the wool.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the dirty water. Refill the tub with clean, lukewarm water and gently squeeze the rinse water through the rug until all soap residue is gone. You may need to repeat this several times. Residual soap can cause the rug to feel stiff.
- Squeeze Out Excess Water: Gently press and squeeze out as much water as possible. Do not wring or twist. You can roll the rug in a clean, large towel and press down to absorb more water.
Dry Cleaning (Consider for large or antique rugs):
- Best for: Very large flokati rugs that are too heavy to handwash, or valuable antique pieces where specialized care is preferred.
- Considerations: Choose a dry cleaner experienced with natural fibers and wool rugs. Inform them it’s a flokati and express your preference for gentle, wool-safe cleaning methods. Inquire about the chemicals they use, as some dry cleaning solvents can strip the natural lanolin from wool, potentially affecting its softness over time.
Drying the rug without losing shape
Proper drying is crucial to maintaining the flokati’s shape and preventing matting or mildew.
- Initial Absorbency: After handwashing, lay the rug flat on several large, clean towels and roll it up tightly. Press down firmly to absorb as much excess water as possible. Repeat with dry towels if necessary. This significantly reduces drying time and weight.
- Air Dry Outdoors (Ideal):
- Hang the rug over a sturdy clothesline, a railing, or a clean outdoor furniture piece where air can circulate freely around it.
- Choose a sunny, breezy day. Sunlight is excellent for natural deodorizing.
- Periodically rotate the rug and gently fluff the fibers with your fingers as it dries to prevent matting and ensure even drying.
- Ensure the rug is completely dry before bringing it inside to prevent mildew or a musty odor. This can take 1-3 days depending on thickness and weather.
- Indoor Air Dry (If Outdoors Isn’t Possible):
- Lay the rug flat on a clean, dry surface, preferably on a drying rack that allows airflow underneath. Place old towels underneath to catch drips.
- Use fans to circulate air around the rug and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the room.
- Turn the rug frequently and gently fluff the fibers to promote even drying.
- Avoid placing it directly on heat vents, which could cause shrinkage or damage.
How to keep it fluffy and fresh
Ongoing care will ensure your flokati remains a soft, bright centerpiece.
- Regular Shaking & Brushing: Reiterate the importance of consistent shaking outdoors and regular brushing with a flokati-specific or stiff-bristled brush. This prevents matting and keeps the fibers separated and fluffy.
- Spot Clean Spills Immediately:
- For liquid spills, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub.
- For solid spills, scrape off excess first, then blot.
- Use a very mild solution of wool-safe detergent and lukewarm water on a clean cloth to dab the stain. Rinse by blotting with a clean, damp cloth.
- Dry the spot thoroughly with a clean, dry towel and air dry.
- Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic: If possible, place flokati rugs in areas with lighter foot traffic to minimize matting and wear.
- Rotate Regularly: If your rug is in an area with uneven wear, rotate it every few months to distribute wear more evenly.
- Deodorize Naturally: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the rug. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour (or longer for strong odors), then take the rug outside and shake it vigorously to remove all the baking soda.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Keep flokati rugs away from direct heat sources like radiators or strong sunlight for extended periods, as this can dry out the wool or cause fading.
- Consider a Rug Pad: A non-slip rug pad can help keep the flokati in place, reduce movement (which can cause matting), and provide extra cushioning.
By dedicating a little extra care to your flokati rug, you can preserve its luxurious softness and brilliant appearance for many years, making it a truly timeless piece in your home.
Is your beautiful flokati rug losing its fluff or looking a bit dingy? Asubra Cleaning offers expert rug cleaning services, including specialized care for delicate natural fiber rugs like flokatis. Let our professionals restore the softness, brightness, and luxurious feel of your cherished rug, extending its life and beauty! Contact us today for a free estimate.