When wool rugs start to shed, they lose their original shape and feel, which is one of the most annoying things about them.
That’s why people often ask, “how to stop a wool rug from shedding?”
Shedding can not only ruin the look of your woolen rug, but it can also make a mess and be dangerous if pets or children eat it. So, you must know how to avoid it.
In this article, we will describe several effective ways of stopping wool rugs from shedding.
How To Stop Wool Rug From Shedding?
Use A Rug Pad
A rug pad will help to keep your rug in place and minimize shedding.
Rug pads are an excellent option not just because they protect a wool rug from wear and tear but also because they keep it dry and secure.
A rug pad will also help keep your rug’s fibers from breaking as quickly. It will also protect your floor from scratches and scuffs.
Besides all that, a rug pad will also help extend your rug’s life.
Vacuuming
If you notice that your shaggy rug or any other type of rug is starting to shed, it can be tempting to try a bunch of different vacuum settings and attachments to pick up all the loose piles and stop the rug from shedding completely.
You may actually be causing more damage to your rug by vacuuming it too often, and you may even be making it shed more.
The key to cleaning your rug right is to do it right.
Putting a beater bar or a brush extension on your vacuum cleaner will pull the fibers out more and more.
This can happen even if you’re not using any attachments and have your vacuum on high suction!
One way to make sure you’re vacuuming your rug the right way is to take off any brush or beater bar attachments.
Make sure any permanent beater bar is just barely touching the rug’s surface, and use a lower power setting on your vacuum cleaner, so it doesn’t pull fibers out of the rug when it’s not necessary.
When you first start to vacuum your rug, vacuum it in one straight direction that runs against the pile.
Next, do the opposite by vacuuming in another straight line that goes against the pile.
This way of vacuuming rugs is great because it makes sure that any loose fibers are caught, and it is also the best way to get the dirt out of the rug.
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Keep Your Rug In The Proper Place
Did you know that where you put your rug can affect how much it sheds?
If you put a rug in an area where people walk a lot, it will wear out faster than if you put it in an area where people don’t walk much or at all.
To stop the shedding, try putting your rug under a coffee table where you won’t put your feet.
If you have to put your rug in a high-traffic area, moving and turning it often can help even out any shedding and make the rug look more balanced.
You can also try temporarily moving the rug out of high-traffic areas.
For example, if you are leaving the house to go on vacation, you can take the rug out of the room and let it “cool off” before putting it back down.
Professional Rug Cleaning
If you’ve tried all of the above and still have shedding issues. It may be time to call a professional rug cleaner.
They will have the skills and knowledge to clean your rug without causing any harm.
Also, they will be able to identify any other problems causing sheddings, such as moths or carpet beetles.
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Trim The Tufts
If you have a shedding problem that just won’t quit, you may need to trim the tufts of your wool rug. This is the last resort option, but it can help to stop shedding.
Use sharp scissors to snip any loose or frayed fibers carefully. Trimming the split ends can also help with shedding because these damaged ends are more likely to be shed.
Gently run your hand over the rug to collect loose ends and discard them. Be very careful not to cut too much, as this could cause more shedding.
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Rug Rake Or Brush To Care Wool Rug
Another way to reduce shedding is to use a rug rake or brush.
These tools help to loosen the fibers of your wool rug and can also help to remove any dirt or debris that could be causing shedding.
A clean broom or a pet brush may also help. However, avoid any that is harsh on the fibers, such as wire-bristled brushes.
Buy A Non-Slip Underlay
Putting an anti-slip underlay under your rug is a great way to keep it in good shape. First of all, they keep your rug in place so it doesn’t get too much wear and tear.
This is especially helpful in areas with a lot of foot traffic, where the rug could slip and the back could get worn and damaged.
Another big reason to buy non-slip underlay is that it makes the area where the rug is placed safer.
We’ve all had rugs slip out from under our feet, almost causing or actually causing us or our pets to trip and fall. Not only can this hurt us, but it can also hurt the rug.
When choosing the right size for your non-slip underlay, it should be about 2.5cm (or 1 inch) shorter on each side than the rug itself.
This will let you put the rug all the way on top of the underlay and cover it completely, giving you the most slip-proof surface possible.
The less a rug moves around, the less hair it will lose. This is one of the best tips you can follow if you want to put a rug on a hardwood floor.
Getting Your Rugs Trimmed
This tip is only for rugs made of natural wool. When you buy a high-quality wool rug for your home, you can be sure that wool tufts will start to show up on its surface.
This is normal and something that happens when you buy a wool rug. Don’t pull these tufts out by hand.
This will eventually cause more damage to the rug’s surface, which will damage the fibers and make the rug look fuzzy.
Not what you want when you spent a lot of money on a great woolen rug. Instead, you should cut these tufts with a pair of scissors that are very sharp.
Then, after making sure your hands are clean, wipe your hand over the rug’s surface to pick up any loose wool fibers or balls.
Find Out What Your Rug Is For!
Before you buy a rug, you need to do your research and be 100% sure you know what it will be used for.
If you buy a rug that was made to hang on the wall and use it on the floor instead, you will do damage to the rug that doesn’t need to be done.
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Shop Smart!
It’s easy to be drawn to the cheaper synthetic fiber rugs when you’re looking for a rug for your home and, more importantly, when you’re looking for a rug that matches the type of floor you have.
There’s nothing wrong with synthetic fiber rugs, but there are a few things you should know before buying one. Here is a list of these:
- They’ll shed more than rugs made from natural fibers.
- They are easier to damage than rugs made of natural fibers.
- They’ll have to be changed out more often.
As was already said, there is nothing wrong with buying a rug made of synthetic fibers if your project is on a tight budget.
But as experts in this field, we will always recommend that customers buy a high-quality natural fiber rug for their space if they can.
It will make a huge difference in the look and feel of your room, and even though it costs more at first if you take good care of it, it will last much longer than a natural fiber rug in the same space.
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Why Do Rugs Shed?
Wool rugs shed because wool frays and split easily. If your hair becomes longer and isn’t conditioned, it will split and break. Dryer wool is more fragile and sheds more than wet wool.
Because lanolin-rich wool is oilier and conditioned, it sheds less. If you’re searching for a wool rug and locate two of the same structure, the cheaper one typically has drier wool.
New Zealand wool has the most lanolin; Indian wool is cheaper and dryer.
Rug-making causes shedding. Hand-knotted carpets shed less than hand-tufted rugs.
Hand-tufted wool carpets have a white or grey canvas background, so fold it over to see how it’s produced.
Hand-tufted rugs shed more. Hand-tufted rugs are manufactured by shooting wool through the rug’s webbing.
The underside is completed with latex adhesive and canvas. Shearing can leave hundreds of tiny wool filaments that take months to remove.
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Which Wool Carpets Shed The Most?
Wool carpets are popular for their durability and luxurious texture, but shedding can be a common issue.
Some wool carpets are more prone to shedding than others. Here are some types of wool carpets that are known to shed the most:
New wool carpets
New wool carpets are more likely to be shed than older carpets. This is because the fibers are still settling in and may need to be trimmed.
Shag carpets
Shag carpets have longer fibers than other wool carpets, which can make them more prone to shedding.
The longer fibers are more likely to become tangled and pull loose from the carpet.
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Handmade wool carpets
Handmade wool carpets can be more prone to shedding than machine-made carpets.
This is because the fibers may not be as tightly woven together.
Wool blends
Wool blends that contain synthetic fibers can shed more than 100% wool carpets.
Synthetic fibers can loosen and shed more easily than natural wool fibers.
Poor quality wool carpets
Wool carpets that are made with poor quality wool can shed more than higher quality carpets.
Poor quality wool fibers may not be as strong and can break off more easily.
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How Do You Take Care Of A Wool Rug?
Wool is a natural fiber that is strong and durable, but it does require some special care to keep it looking its best.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your wool rug:
Vacuum regularly
Use the suction attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from your rug. Vacuuming once a week should be enough to keep your rug clean.
Spot clean
If there are any spills or stains on your rug, spot cleans them as soon as possible. Use a mild soap and water solution to scrub the affected area gently. Do not rub the stain too hard, as this could cause damage to the fibers.
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Rotate
Every few months rotate your rug, so it wears evenly. This will help to prevent any bald spots from forming.
Avoid Soil Accumulation
Soil accumulation is one of the leading causes of wear on wool rugs. Over time, dirt and dust will work their way into the rug’s fibers and cause them to break down.
To avoid this, vacuum your rug regularly and spot clean any spills or stains immediately.
Use A Rug Pad
A rug pad will help to protect your rug from dirt and debris. It will also keep it in place, which will help to prevent any premature wear.
Keep Your Rug Out of Direct Sunlight
The sun can cause the fibers of your rug to fade and become brittle. To avoid this, keep your rug out of direct sunlight.
If you must put a rug in a sunlit room, make sure to rotate it regularly so that it doesn’t fade unevenly.
Keep in mind that wool rugs are not meant to be used in high-traffic areas.
If you are looking for a rug for your living room or bedroom, we recommend sticking with synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester.
These materials are more durable and less likely to shed. If you follow these tips, your wool rug should stay in excellent condition for many years.
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FAQs About Wool Rug Shedding
How Often Should You Vacuum A Wool Rug?
Regardless of how often it is properly vacuumed, wool rugs must be cleaned professionally every 1-3 years.
Besides the professional cleaning, you should vacuum your wool rug at least once a week if possible.
Soil is abrasive and will shorten the life of your rug.
How Much Is Shedding Normal For A New Rug?
If your rug is made of 100% wool, some degree of shedding is expected.
However, you can take measures to reduce the amount it sheds. For example, you can vacuum it regularly and use a rug pad to help keep the fibers in place.
It won’t take very long for your new carpet to “settle” and become a well-liked component of your house decor if you take appropriate precautions.
Can I Put A Wool Rug In The Washing Machine?
It depends on the rug. If your area rug is made of inexpensive materials like cotton or polyester, you can probably machine wash it like a shower or bath mat.
On the other hand, machine-washing your area rug can damage it, especially if it is made of wool, silk, or other delicate fabrics.
You are not recommended to wash your wool rug in the washing machine
Why does my wool rug shed?
Wool rugs naturally shed because they’re made from animal fibers. Shedding is a normal process, especially for new rugs, as loose fibers work their way out of the weave.
Can regular vacuuming help in reducing shedding?
Yes, regular vacuuming, about once or twice a week, can help remove loose fibers and minimize shedding. However, be gentle and avoid high-powered settings, which can pull out more fibers.
Final Thought
Wool rugs are a beautiful and luxurious addition to any home. They need special care to keep them gorgeous.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to stop wool rugs from shedding. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your rug in top condition, follow these tips.
Hope you will find it highly informative and effective. Choose and maintain your wool rug consciously for long-term usability.
