How To Stop Wool Rug Shedding
There are basically two reasons why area rugs tend to ‘shed’. The more important of the two is the quality of fibers used. This issue is related to both natural fibers, like wool, and synthetic, such as nylon and polypropylene. The second aspect that contributes to shedding has to do with how the pile was constructed; i.e. hand-knotted, hand-tufted, etc. It can be very frustrating, and most homeowners who experience this problem are eager to find out how they can stop wool rug shedding (and how to stop rugs made from other fibers from shedding as well).
Keep in mind that almost every new rug will shed. However, the better the rug, the sooner the shedding problem will stop or, at least, become very minimal.
Wool Fiber
Wool area rugs tend to shed more than those made with synthetic fibers. To produce good quality wool, it has to go through several processes which can add to the cost. One of these processes is combing. The combs have long metal teeth that remove the vast majority of shorter and broken fibers. Area rugs made with this premium wool are the best in quality and tend to not shed as much and for less time. You should expect to pay more because the process is costly but produces very exquisite rugs. Some manufacturers may eliminate this combing process to keep costs low, but the wool is of lesser quality and with uncombed wool rugs shedding is more common.
Rug Construction
The vast majority of rugs are made by two methods: hand knotted or tufted, either by hand or machine. There are other methods, such as flat weaving used in Dhurries, but these are less used methods. Hand knotted rugs will shed less because of the way they’re constructed. Each pile is securely knotted to the rug backing thus giving it no room to move. Hand or machine tufted rugs don’t offer the security of knots to hold the pile in place. This makes it much easier for the pile to be pulled out, thus creating shedding, by normal traffic on the rug.
Ways to Reduce Shedding
There is really no way to prevent shedding 100%. All brand new rugs will shed at first. The best thing you can do to control how much the rug sheds and how long it sheds is to by good quality rugs. As with anything that is good quality, these rugs will come at a higher price. Less expensive rugs are made with lesser quality materials therefore will shed more and for longer periods. Here are some other ways to reduce shedding:
- You should vacuum your rug daily for the first 7 to 10 days you own it. Some vacuums high powered might actually damage rug, especially hand or machine tufted rugs. To help prevent this, set your vacuum height level to High. Vacuum slowly to allow the suction to pull out the looser fibers.
- Be sure to wipe your shoes thoroughly before walking on the rug. Dirt and sand from your footwear can get into the pile and become trapped. When people walk over the rug, the friction can act like sandpaper and break the pile up, thus adding to shedding.
- Once the initial daily vacuuming is done, vacuum the rug 1 to 2 times weekly. Be sure to flip the rug over and vacuum the backing as well. If you own a good quality, expensive rug, it’s a good idea to have it professionally cleaned at least once a year.
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