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Wool rugs respond well to light steam cleaning. Steam cleaning can help lift the dirt out of a wool rug and eliminate odors. However, because wool rugs are so absorbent, excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, so you’ll need to be cautious with the amount of steam being used, and avoid steam cleaning more than once a year to protect the rug’s fibers.

The duration of mildew smell in carpets depends on several factors, including the extent of moisture, cleanliness, and ventilation. If promptly addressed, the smell can diminish within a few days to a couple of weeks after thoroughly drying and cleaning the carpet. However, in severe cases or if not properly treated, the smell might persist. Persistent odors could indicate deeper mildew growth, requiring professional cleaning or, in extreme cases, carpet replacement to completely eliminate the smell.

Because you likely don’t have the equipment to dry your oriental rug adequately, cleaning it with a hose or any deluge of water is a bad idea. The fibers of an oriental rug are especially dense, so water can cause damage like marking, fading, mold, and odor. Since sunlight can also fade an oriental rug, that’s not a good option for drying it to prevent damage.

The best solution for mopping floors depends on the type of floor you have, but a good all-around or multi-purpose DIY floor cleaner is 2 cups of warm water, 5 to 10 drops of liquid dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This is safe to use on tile, laminate, wood, polished concrete, vinyl, and more, as it’s relatively neutral and lacks caustic and abrasive chemicals that could be harmful to children and pets. You can also use a multi-purpose commercial cleaner, but make sure to follow the directions for safety.