Everything You Need to Know About Wool Rugs

What are Wool Rugs?

Wool rugs are some of the most high quality, durable rugs available. The natural fibers are made of sheep’s fleece and have natural resiliency. The softness of the material, its longevity, and overall quality make it appealing for any type of home. Aside from boasting a high quality material, handcrafted and woven wool rugs also have tight, long-lasting weaves. The combination of quality rug fibers and masterful construction makes these rugs last longer than their synthetic counterparts. Instead of lasting several years, with the proper care, wool rugs can last decades!

What are the Benefits of Wool Rugs

The long life and resiliency of wool rugs are both great benefits, but they are hardly the only ones. A part of their durability comes from their resistance to stains and fading. Wool is also fire-resistant and if it is exposed to a flame, it will not combust the same way that other synthetic options would. Speaking of heat, wool is a great insulator that can naturally warm your home in the cooler fall and winter months. The soft fibers of the rug and the rug’s thickness can further impact the home’s insulation and assist with soundproofing. Suffice to say, there are many benefits to using wool rugs in any room of the home.

Are Wool Rugs Good?

Wool rugs aren’t just good-- they’re fantastic. As if their natural resilience and comfort weren’t enough, wool rugs are also highly stylish. Their intricate designs are often displayed with the finest dyes and long-lasting colors. Because they are made so well, wool rugs last a long time and remain beautiful for years. This durability makes it so the rug won’t be crushed under heavy traffic as quickly as other types of rugs and their patterns, colors, and pile height will naturally persist for years to come.

Are Wool Rugs Durable?

Wool rugs are some of the most durable rugs available. Because of the inherent strength of wool and its resistance to staining, compression, and fading, wool rugs maintain their beauty far longer than similar synthetic options. Note that just because wool rugs are so forgiving and durable does not mean that the rugs do not need regular care of vacuuming; intentionally caring for the rug is an essential part of maintaining its quality and promoting its longevity.

How to Care for Wool Rugs

Regular vacuuming is a key part of caring for your wool rug. We also recommend that you take your rug outside every once in a while to shake out any loose dirt and debris or beat it over a washline. This force can help aggravate your rug and release deeper set dirt. After that’s done, vacuum your rug. Some low pile wool rugs can be vacuumed with a low beater bar, but if your rug has longer fibers, use a canister style vacuum or attachment to avoid tangling or breaking any of the rug’s fibers. 

Another way to care for your rug is to treat stains quickly and properly. Spot cleaning your rug quickly will remove the stain before it has a chance to set further and deeper into the rug. Remember, just because wool rugs are stain resistant does not mean that they are stain proof. Treat the rug with an approved cleaner, and when in doubt, try the cleaner on a less visible portion of the rug first. That way, if your rug does have an adverse reaction to the cleaner, you are not damaging the rug in a highly prominent area. 

Finally, there is the option for professional cleaning. Professionals have deeper knowledge of rugs and a wide array of tools and cleaners to treat different types of wool rugs. Their expertise is handy when it comes to treating stubborn stains and/or giving your rug a general refresh.

Styling with Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are incredibly diverse in their different styles, patterns, and color palettes. Because of this, these rugs are fitting for homes ranging from vintage to modern and anywhere in between. Large wool area rugs can define main living spaces as a comfortable place to socialize, or smaller wool rugs can complement a cozy bedroom. In any case, the possibilities are endless.

Comparing Wool Rugs to Other Materials

Even in comparison to other natural materials, wool stands out for its superb texture and comfort. Aside from the one of a kind texture, wool rugs are natural stain resistant, flame retardant, and even help with absorbing humidity. Other rug materials also have their own pros and cons with general durability, longevity, and texture, but wool is an unquestionably luxurious material that elevates any room it’s placed in.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Because wool is a natural, renewable resource, it is an especially eco-friendly choice for rugs. It’s healthy and natural for sheep to be sheared and their wool removed; in fact, it is unhealthy for the sheep to go too long without having its coat shaved, so harvesting wool is a great way to take care of these fluffy animals and use a natural resource instead of manufactured materials like polyester or polypropylene. Plus, since these rugs last for so long, they will fill up landfills much slower than cheaper synthetic options. When wool rugs do finally wear out and go to the trash, they are biodegradable and not adding to the problem of landfill pollution.