How do you clean a wool rug?
Vacuum weekly without the beater bar to avoid pulling fibers. Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth, then dab with cold water and mild wool detergent. Avoid hot water, bleach, and steam cleaning. Professional deep cleaning once a year is recommended for high-traffic areas.
Are wool rugs good for homes with pets?
Wool naturally resists stains and odors better than synthetic fibers, making it practical for pet owners. The lanolin in wool repels liquid initially, giving you time to blot spills. However, wool can snag from pet claws — a flatweave or low-pile wool rug is the best choice for homes with dogs or cats.
What's the difference between hand-knotted and hand-tufted wool rugs?
Hand-knotted rugs are made entirely by hand, knot by knot, and can last 50-100 years. They're thinner, more detailed, and more expensive. Hand-tufted rugs use a tufting gun to push yarn through a canvas backing — they're thicker, softer underfoot, and more affordable but typically last 10-20 years.
Do wool rugs shed?
New wool rugs shed loose fibers for the first 2-4 months — this is normal and not a defect. Vacuum regularly during this period to remove loose fibers. Shedding decreases significantly after the initial break-in period. Hand-knotted wool rugs shed less than hand-tufted.