A Brief History of Wool
has been woven into fabrics for at least 12,000 years. The earliest textiles were made from animal hair, such as goat and sheep . It was probably the first material used to make clothing. The first garments were found in the ruins of Jericho in Jordan, dating back to the 7th century BC. The discovery of first true textile was found in a tomb in a remote part of Syria in 1954.
rugs are a popular choice for many homes because of their warmth, durability, and ability to be cleaned easily. They are also of great value, as they can last up to 100 years. However, there are many different types of rugs that have been around since ancient times. Some were used as bed covers, while others were used to cover floors, tables, and walls.
What Causes a Wool Rug to Shed?
The you love may shed, this is especially true on new rugs. You may notice slight direct after purchase. This can be a real disappointment and frustration for some people. There are several different reasons that rugs shed. is naturally very soft and will shed if not properly cared for.Â
Is Your Wool Rug Tufted?
is a and does shed, however, there are many types of rugs. One of the popular types is tufted rugs, which means that each individual is woven into the backing, usually performed with a tufting gun. Tufted rugs shed more because the yarns in the tufting are not cut and instead are looped through the backing of the . This is why you may notice more in a tufted than a solid .Â
Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for the backing to have a slight to it. If your tufted has an uneven or high , then this is where you will see the most . In addition, if the yarns are not sewn tightly together, they will pull off and leave behind loose tufts of on the floor.
How Long Will Shedding Last on My New Wool Rug?
is something that happens naturally over time as rugs settle down. This should happen after a few months, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for signs of a new pattern, especially if you find you have to clean your more frequently.Â
In addition to in a controlled way as your ages, you may find that different patterns, the type of used, and the specific style of the may also play a role. Because different factors affect the of a , it is impossible to say whether your will shed more in one area than another.
How to limit The Shedding of Your Wool Rug?
There are a few things that you can do to prevent your tufted from even more than what it does naturally.
These tips are very helpful if you have a tufted and want to keep it looking new for as long as possible.
Tips to Extend The Life of Your Wool Rug
rugs are a wonderful investment. However, they don’t last forever. Again, this depends on if you is tufted or not. Tufted Rugs will likely not last as long as hand-knotted, hand-woven, or hand-loomed rugs.Â
Rugs can be cleaned, but eventually, their fibers can get loose and the may have to be replaced. A should last for years if cared for properly. Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your :
Tip #1 – Keep the area around your clean.
Dirt and debris can cause a to lose its life. Vacuum or sweep the area around the at least once a week.
Tip #2 – Use the correct cleaning method for your .
Using the wrong product or methods can damage your . Always use a professional cleaning solution and the proper equipment for your . Additionally, professional cleaning services can help as well. Professional cleaners have experience and know-how on how to clean rugs properly.Â
Tip #3 – Dry your thoroughly after cleaning.
rugs need to be thoroughly dried after cleaning. A that is not completely dry may absorb moisture which can cause mold and mildew. Always follow manufacturer instructions when drying your .
Tip #4 – Don’t place your in direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight can fade a . Always keep your out of direct sunlight.
Tip #5 – Avoid using harsh chemicals.
Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and chlorine. These chemicals can cause damage. Â
Seeking Professional Rug Cleaning Help
Professional is effective, however, it can be costly. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your will help it last longer, but there are times when it’s necessary to seek the help of a professional cleaner.
The type of cleaning may depend on the type of you’re looking to have cleaned. Professionals may use different cleaning methods on a vs a . It’s important to ask the professional questions and to find one that has experience in cleaning your type of .Â
If you hire an inexperienced person to do this work for you, you may be disappointed in the results. When hiring a professional company, be sure that they have all of the right tools, equipment, and supplies. You don’t want them using any harmful chemicals or methods that may damage your . is a delicate process.
When to Give Up and Buy a New Rug?
If self-cleaning and professional cleaning of your has not brought the results you were hoping for, or if the of your is too much, then it might be time to consider a new . If that’s the case, here are some important things to consider specific to .
Natural Fiber Rugs That Shed Less
rugs, like , Seagrass, and Sisal make fantastic rugs, but some of them do tend to shed. The from these rugs is typically insignificant and can be cleaned up easily.
Seagrass rugs are great for just about any room in your home. Of the most common rugs, they tend to shed the least (along with Sisal). They are not as soft as , but they are soft enough underfoot where you could get by in a lesser traffic area.Â
Sisal rugs can shed some, but very minimal if at all. Sisal is a tough . Sisal rugs work great in high-traffic areas like entryways or hallways due to their durability.Â
are a soft . They tend to shed the most. is a normal part of owning a . Regular is necessary when owning this type of .Â
If your certain a new is your choice for buying, opposed to the other natural fibers listed above. You should consider the differences between “tuft” and “flat weave” construction.
Tufted Rugs
Tufted rugs are constructed when a long pile yarn is wrapped around a needle, and the needle is then pulled through a backing material to form loops. The tufts can be made of wool or synthetic materials and are usually dyed to create an attractive color effect. They are available in various colors, sizes, shapes, and textures. Tufted rugs shed more than other rug construction types.Â
Flat Weave
Flatweave rugs are constructed by weaving two sets of parallel yarns, one set passing over and under the other, in a manner that forms a grid or array of horizontal and vertical lines. Flatweave rugs do not have a . With no cut or constant friction on the ends of thread, flat weave fibers typically don’t shed as much as other types of rugs – even if you choose , which sheds more than other options.
In summary, you could have the best in the world, but it still may shed. That’s just the nature of . But with a little knowledge and some simple steps, you can help minimize .
