The single biggest mistake with any spill on wool is rubbing it. Rubbing pushes liquid deeper into the pile and can distort the fibre; the correct first move, always, is to blot — press a clean, dry cloth straight down onto the spill and lift, repeating with a fresh section of cloth until no more liquid transfers.
For wine, coffee or tea, blot up as much as possible first, then work a small amount of mild detergent diluted in cool water into the area with a clean cloth, blotting again rather than scrubbing. Cool water matters — hot water can set certain stains rather than lift them. Work from the outside of the stain inward so you're not spreading it wider as you go.
Pet accidents need a slightly different approach: blot up the liquid, then treat with a diluted white vinegar and water solution (roughly one part vinegar to three parts water) to help neutralise odour, blotting dry afterward. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on wool specifically — the smell can actually encourage repeat marking in the same spot.
For anything oil-based — candle wax, cooking oil, makeup — resist the urge to add water at all. Let wax harden fully, then gently scrape off the excess before treating the residue with a small amount of detergent. For oil stains, blot with a dry cloth first and sprinkle a little cornstarch over the area to draw the oil out before vacuuming it away.
If a stain doesn't lift after one or two attempts, stop — repeated scrubbing is more likely to damage the pile than a professional clean is likely to cost. Our full Rug Care Guide covers routine maintenance beyond spills; every House of Souravi rug is backed by at least a 1-year warranty, so it's also worth reaching out to us directly before you try anything aggressive on your own.