For centuries, wool has remained a public favorite when it comes to carpets and rugs. However, in this modern age, people consider other materials for their floor coverings too. Other fibers like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester are increasingly being used to manufacture such products.
Homeowners on the search for the perfect carpet may be overwhelmed by the variety of options in front of them. Perhaps you want to make an informed choice that will benefit you in the long-run. In such circumstances, investing in a wool carpet may be wise. However, if you are still unsure whether wool is a good pick for carpet, you should educate yourself about its benefits.
The main benefits that wool carpets have are: eco-friendly, soft texture, resilient to indents, hypoallergenic, resitant to water and flames, strong insulation and a luxury simbol
And if you want to read more about all the different types of carpet fibers, please feel free to visit our ultimate guide on How to Choose the Right Carpet Material for You
9 Carpet Materials and How to Choose the Right One for You
If you’re about to buy a carpet you need to know about the different fiber materials. They all have their pros and cons, so read this to choose wisely!
Benefits of Wool Carpets
Decorating the house is a personal affair that requires the love and attention of homeowners. Thankfully the internet has given us the power to understand the pros and cons of products before we eventually buy them. Before you purchase yourself a wool carpet, you should seek to understand what’s so good about them.
Let’s dive into the matter and learn the advantages of having wool carpets.
Benefit 1: Eco-Friendly Fiber
Wool has always been in the spotlight for being sustainable and friendly to the ecosystem.
Why would a material which is extracted from animals be considered eco-friendly? Firstly, it grows on animals, which require regular shearing to enhance their health and hygiene. Once they are shorn, these animals can return to their pastures and grow back their fleece naturally. Secondly, since the wool fibers are biodegradable, they will decompose on their own and do not pose a long-term threat to the environment. Thirdly, it is a remarkable material that can easily be recycled.
Wool is, without a doubt, a timeless material that is still being used after so many centuries. A closer look at the natural production process of wool gives further insights as to how it has a positive impact on the world. The process through which wool comes into existence reduces about 155 billion tons of carbon in the atmosphere every year. Just think about it, nearly half of the weight of clean wool is biogenic carbon. You’re doing a favor to the environment when you mindfully use such sustainable materials for your home.
Once products are manufactured with wool fibers, they tend to have a long lifespan. Keeping these facts in your mind, you can easily see why getting a wool rug is both financially and ethically responsible.
Benefit 2: Soft and Pleasing in Texture, High in Durability
If cared for properly, beautiful wool carpets have the potential to last for decades.
Homes are meant to radiate warmth. That is why homeowners carefully choose the decor, which is placed indoors as it influences the ambiance significantly. Wool has a pleasing texture and a positive vibe that will surely enhance the entire feel of the room.
Don’t underestimate the toughness of wool because of it’s soft and airy texture. A high-quality wool carpet will retain its beauty despite the endless number of steps undergone over it—homeowners who choose to buy one never regret their decision. The soft and alluring texture of wool products and their durability make the acquisition a meaningful investment.
PRO TIP
DON’T FORGET TO KEEP GOOD CARE OF YOUR WOOL CARPETS.
Your wool carpets require some consistent maintenance to remain in solid shape. Take out some time to regularly clean it before it appears too dirty. Also try to take measures that prevent the buildup of dirt on your precious floor coverings.
Carpets made of wool are ideal for long-term use if you are willing to take care of them. You’ll have to vacuum them regularly and use carpet cleaning products when deemed necessary. Apart from that, you should keep them away from sunlight exposure to prevent fading.
Wool carpets are best described as robust yet exquisite and soft yet durable.
Benefit 3: Resilient to Indents
The resilient fibers of wool do not suffer long-term shape distortion due to compression.
Another important consideration for the longevity of a carpet includes its shape retention. Have you ever seen a rug with an odd dent? Due to the prolonged pressure of heavy furniture, the fibers can flatten and lose their original shape. This deformation is visually unappealing. However, you have no reason to worry about wool rugs as they will retain their integrity regardless of whatever you place on them.
Even if a wool carpet seems to have flattened, removing the weight will ensure it bounces back to normal. Just give it a few hours. Wool fibers appear to have an inherent elasticity, which helps them recover from furniture compression quickly.
Benefit 4: Hypoallergenic Behaviour
Wool is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction when you are exposed to it.
Almost every house has someone with a weak or immature immune system. This individual could be a child who is still developing the capability to resist infection. Or it could also be an adult with a condition like asthma or chronic sinusitis. With such vulnerable people at home, it is crucial to ensure that the environment is safe for them. The last thing you would want is for allergy sufferers to be stuck in a room that triggers their condition.
With a wool carpet, you will have another reason to relax. The soft fluffy fibers of wool are hostile to the growth of organisms like bacteria. Furthermore, they also hamper the creation of dust mites.
Still wondering whether wool is hypoallergenic? Consider how wool can absorb volatile compounds (VOC) or irritant chemicals that trigger skin allergies and respiratory problems.
Benefit 5: Resistant to Water
Wool carpets can appear dry regardless of the surrounding humidity level.
Wool has traditionally been the fabric of choice for people traveling in wet and humid conditions. Some experts estimate that wool can absorb about 20 percent of its weight in water before it leaks. However, one may wonder why this extracted fiber excels in wet conditions.
The science behind this material is fascinating. The exteriors of wool fibers display hydrophobic qualities, which means that they repel water. However, the interior of these fibers is relatively hygroscopic, which means that it attracts and holds water molecules within it.
When a wool carpet is placed in a humid atmosphere, it absorbs excess water vapors, thereby improving indoor air quality. You could even call it a natural dehumidifier. Fortunately, the same carpet will also feel dry when you step on it barefooted. Isn’t that amazing? Though do make sure you don’t keep the rug in damp areas on purpose.
Benefit 6: Resistant to Flames
Wool is a reliable fiber that can hinder the spread of fire in a home through its unique properties.
Combustion is a process of burning something which usually requires a sufficient amount of oxygen to initiate. Wool, with its high nitrogen and water content, doesn’t catch fire unless there is a lot of oxygen in the surroundings. Usually, there is not enough of this gas present indoors to facilitate the process of combustion in this material.
If exposed to significantly intense fire, wool fibers may ignite for somewhile. However, the cell membrane structure of these fibers will not support the spread of the flame. Their properties substantially reduce the risk of spreading fire throughout the home. Moreover, they will neither melt nor stick to any surface and will only smolder.
Wool challenges the burning process through its unique structure and composition. Its flame-resistant behavior is highly beneficial and can become the difference between life and death. Therefore, wool carpets practically add to both the safety and the beauty of the home.
Benefit 7: Strong Insulation, Low in Static
Wool carpets are known to hold warmth in them effortlessly. However, have you ever noticed an issue of static electricity when it comes to them?
People believe wool is a culprit when it comes to passing static electricity. However, this is not true when it comes to carpets. As mentioned earlier, wool has a unique behavior that allows it to absorb and retain moisture actively. The presence of high moisture content in the interior fibers makes wool less prone to building up a static charge.
Fibers on wool carpets conduct the static charge away, thereby making the rug more pleasant to use. Want a rug with superior heat insulating abilities and high resistance to static buildup? Don’t hesitate to acquire a wool carpet as it will prove to be a perfect choice for you.
Wool has the notable ability to both be a strong insulator and a severe impediment to static buildup.
Benefit 8: Symbolic of Luxury
High-end consumers with a fine taste in indoor decor are connoisseurs of wool carpets. After all, such rugs are so soft, plush, and luxurious.
A benefit you cannot disregard when getting a wool carpet is the luxurious vibe it emanates. They have a heavenly quality that can make a room look more stunning. All of us want our house to look its best, and a wool carpet can help us achieve just that. Usually available in elegant neutral colors, carpets made of wool are a treat to the eye.
If you look closely, you will notice that luxury suites in posh hotels tend to be lined with wool carpets. Just think about that; how synonymous is wool is with opulence? If you want the home to look more classy, look no further, and get a stylish and sophisticated wool carpet.
Conclusion
The charm of wool has endured the passage of centuries. This soft yet durable material is ideal for carpets as it has an extraordinary prowess in providing strong insulation and halting static buildup. In simpler words, it is a practical yet charming choice. Additionally, since the fibers have hypoallergenic behavior, they will be safe to keep indoors. So whenever you buy a rug online, keep your eyes out on ones made out of wool. These warm floor coverings will appear effortlessly elegant and add a luxurious touch to the home.