Wool

 

Wool is the benchmark material for most rugs and carpets, it gives warmth and an attractive appearance. Wool is soft, strong and durable and is excellent for absorbing moisture, a natural air filter for your room. It has excellent elasticity and has a natural resistance to dirt, wear and tear. Wool does not burns over a flame but smoulders.

When it comes to wool used in rugs there are varying qualities, for most rugs the best quality is New Zealand wool which is a naturally whiter wool, meaning the whites used are cleaner, and colours more vibrant when dyed. It has a longer staple length leading to less shedding and a slightly softer, smoother finish. 

 

Characteristics of Wool

​

• It is warm.

• It resists crushing.

• It resists wear and tear.

• It is light-weight and durable.

• It absorbs moisture.

• It retains shape.

• It resists flames, smoldering instead of burning.

• Has good stain resistance.

 

As a material, wool is the most sought after when it comes to rugs. Aside from its benefits as a material for a floor covering wool provides health benefits over other materials. The main downside to wool is the cost, woolen rugs tend to be more expensive than most other materials. In addition to this, the vibrant colours that are achieved in synthetic materials such as acrylic are not always achievable in wool. Wool is also susceptible to dampness and over-wetting should be avoided during cleaning. Wool rugs can fade given strong UV exposure, not that this is an issue for most of us in the UK! Finally, wool is the natural habitat of the carpet moth, so care needs to be taken when left for long periods undisturbed, particularly in dark or damp spots such as unused rooms or under heavy furniture.

​

​

​

​

​