When you buy a wool rug but after some time it starts to shed then don’t worry it’s a normal process when a rug is 100% made of wool material. However, with little care, you can get rid of the problem.
What Causes a Rug to Shed?
All wool rugs will shed a little, especially when they are new. This happens because, during the manufacturing process, the wool pile is cut, and tiny bits of wool fibers become embedded within the rug. These stray fibers are not part of the actual structure of the rug but remain loosely attached. As you walk on the rug or vacuum it, these fibers get disturbed and appear on the surface.
The shedding is most noticeable during the first few months of use as the rug settles, but it’s important to know that shedding is normal and will taper off over time. High-quality wool rugs typically shed less than lower-quality rugs because they use longer and more tightly spun fibers, which are less likely to come loose.
Several factors can exacerbate shedding:
- Rough Treatment: Excessive foot traffic or moving heavy furniture over the rug can loosen fibers.
- Harsh Cleaning Methods: Using chemical cleaners can damage the fibers and increase shedding.
- Improper Vacuuming: Vacuuming with a beater bar or using high-suction settings can pull out more fibers than necessary. It’s recommended to use a suction-only vacuum or a vacuum with a setting designed for delicate rugs to minimize shedding.
How Long Does Wool Rug Shedding Last ?
Wool rug shedding typically lasts 3 to 6 months. During this period, the rug releases loose fibers left from the manufacturing process.
How can we minimize shedding from a rug ?
To minimize shedding from a wool rug, you need to focus on proper maintenance, including gentle vacuuming, correct placement, and careful cleaning techniques. Reducing shedding is about taking consistent actions to protect the rug’s fibers and avoid excessive wear.
Gentle Vacuuming
Avoid using vacuums with a beater bar or a high-suction setting, as these can pull out loose fibers and increase shedding. Instead, use a vacuum with a suction-only attachment or a low-suction setting. Vacuuming once a week is generally sufficient to remove loose fibers without damaging the rug.
Using a suction-only vacuum reduces the shedding period from an average of 6 months to about 3-4 months for a high-quality wool rug.
Proper Placement
Place the wool rug in low to moderate-traffic areas to minimize friction and fiber loosening. Rugs placed in high-traffic areas, like hallways or living rooms, experience more wear and tear, which leads to increased shedding.
Positioning the rug in lower-traffic areas can reduce overall shedding by 30-50% compared to high-traffic areas.
Rotate the Rug Regularly
Rotate the rug every few months to distribute the wear evenly. This helps prevent excessive fiber loss in high-use areas and prolongs the lifespan of the rug.
Regular rotation can extend the life of the rug by 10-15% and reduce shedding in concentrated areas by 20-30%.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Methods
Do not use harsh chemical cleaners or scrub the rug aggressively. If the rug needs deep cleaning, go for professional cleaning services that specialize in wool rugs. Using mild, wool-safe detergents and water will also help keep the fibers intact.
Professional cleaning every 12-18 months can help maintain the rug’s integrity and significantly reduce the likelihood of shedding over time.
Use a Rug Pad
Place a rug pad underneath the wool rug to reduce friction between the rug and the floor. This helps stabilize the rug and reduces fiber loosening due to foot traffic.
A rug pad can decrease shedding by about 20-30% by minimizing movement and friction between the rug and the floor.