Help, my wool rug is shedding!
Do you have a wool rug? Then it's possible that your wool rug sheds in the first weeks after purchase. Don't worry, this is a natural settling process that comes with wool rugs. Want to know what you can do about a wool rug that sheds? You'll find out in this blog!
Why a wool rug sheds
Wool naturally has a soft and fluffy structure. However, in the initial phase of using a wool rug, you may experience more shedding. Why? During the production of a rug, fibres and yarns are cut. Those loose fibres can remain in the rug and accumulate. That a wool rug sheds can be seen as a process where a rug gets rid of those loose fibres. Fortunately, excessive shedding is only temporary. Depending on the amount of wool, the number of cut fibres and pile height, the shedding process can take an average of 2 to 3 weeks. After that, shedding will decrease again.
Tips if your wool rug sheds
As time heals many things, your wool rug will shed less over time. In the meantime, you can reduce shedding with the following tips:
1. Don't pull loose fibres
If you do, you risk pulling out tethered fibres too. So just wait until the loose fibres come up naturally and remove them if necessary with a vacuum. Do make sure you use a vacuum cleaner mouth with retracted brush bristles or a special carpet brush attachment. A pet hair remover can also help you de-shed a wool rug. Run a dry remover over the rug (not too hard) and you'll see that loose dust particles stick to the rubber.
2. Keep humidity levels balanced
Low humidity can cause a wool rug to shed. One way to maintain humidity levels is to place a bowl of water on the heating. You can also lightly sprinkle the rug with some water. Do this about once a week.
3. Turn the rug
A wool rug can, after intensive use, develop some wear patterns. Areas that are walked on more than others suffer more friction and can therefore shed more. By turning or rotating the rug every six months, you prevent this and ensure that the rug wears evenly all around, so it sheds less.
It's important to remember that shedding is a temporary phenomenon and decreases over time. Apply these tips to a wool rug that sheds and let the enjoyment begin!
Shearing a wool rug
Shearing a wool rug means using a special device or comb to gently remove loose fibres and lint from the surface. This can be useful if the rug looks a bit fuzzy after a while or appears "bobbled".
- Step 1: Clean the rug thoroughly first. Vacuum it well so no sand or dust remains.
- Step 2: Use a fabric shaver or lint comb. Ordinary razor blades are too sharp and can damage the pile.
- Step 3: Work calmly in one direction. Apply light pressure and always test first on a corner.
- Step 4: Vacuum again after you're done. This removes all loose fibres so your rug looks fresh again.
