WHY DO WE LIKE WOOL?

Wool is nature’s own high-performance fiber, offering durability, warmth, flexibility, and reliability. Most of the wool we use comes from New Zealand sheep, raised by farming families committed to sustainable and caring practices.

Wool is an excellent natural insulator and helps reduce noise, adding coziness and warmth to a room. It’s naturally flame-retardant and does not melt like man-made fibers. It is also sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable. Its highly absorbent nature helps control the humidity of a room, meaning that it can hold 33% of its own weight in water before feeling wet.

For allergy sufferers, a wool carpet or rug will help to cleanse the air of dust, airborne allergens, and Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs). It is a common misconception that hard floors are better for allergy sufferers – this means allergens and dust can travel in the air, which can make symptoms more pronounced. A 100% wool rug or carpet in a room will help limit the impact of living with an allergy."

MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR CARPETING & AREA RUGS

Regular maintenance helps preserve the beauty and integrity of your carpets and area rugs. Follow these tips to keep them in top condition:

Vacuuming: Vacuum at least once a week to prevent dirt from settling deep into the fibers. For high-traffic areas, consider vacuuming more frequently. Use a vacuum with a rotating brush for synthetic fibers and suction-only for delicate natural fibers.

Spot Cleaning: Attend to spills immediately to prevent permanent staining. Blot, don’t rub, the spill with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Rotate Rugs: For even wear, rotate your area rugs every 6-12 months, especially in high-traffic areas.

Use Rug Pads: Rug pads prevent slippage and provide extra cushioning, which reduces friction that can wear down your rug over time.

Professional Cleaning: Every 12-18 months, have your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned to maintain their luster and texture.

HOW TO CLEAN

Wool Fibers:

  • Blot the stain with a dry cloth to absorb as much as possible.

  • Prepare a cleaning solution: mix a small amount of dish soap with 1 cup of cold water.

  • Gently clean the stain with a clean sponge dipped in the soap mixture. Avoid scrubbing, as this can damage the fibers.

  • Blot dry with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.

  • Avoid excessive heat or agitation, as this can shrink or felt the wool fibers.

Silk Fibers (Real Silk):

  • Blot the stain immediately with a dry cloth, being careful not to rub the fabric.

  • Apply club soda to a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Club soda helps lift the stain without harsh chemicals.

  • Blot again with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.

  • Allow the area to air dry completely. Do not use heat or direct sunlight to speed up drying, as it may damage the delicate silk fibers.

Natural Fibers (Jute, Hemp, Aloe, Sisal, Nettle):

  • Blot the stain with a dry cloth to absorb as much as possible.

  • Trim any loose threads with scissors. Do not pull the threads, as this may cause unraveling.

  • Gently blot spills with a clean, un-dyed cloth, working from the outer edges of the spill toward the center to avoid spreading.

  • Test any cleaning solvents in an inconspicuous area first to make sure they don’t damage or discolor the fibers.

  • For stubborn stains, hire a professional cleaning service. Avoid dry cleaning, as harsh chemicals can damage or fade natural fibers.

Faux Silk Fibers (Bamboo Silk, Viscose, Tencel):

  • Do not wet clean. These fibers are made from wood cellulose, which absorbs moisture easily and can discolor.

  • Dry cleaning is preferable, but always consult the dry cleaner to ensure they use gentle, non-harsh chemicals that won’t discolor the fibers.

  • Avoid spot cleaning with water, as it can cause the fibers to turn yellow or become discolored.

  • Keep faux silk rugs out of high-traffic areas to minimize wear and reduce the need for cleaning.

KNOWING YOUR CARPETING & RUGS

Color: No two rugs are the same. Slight color variations are common for handmade rugs, as dye lots may change over a period of time.

Shedding: All wool rugs will shed. Shedding will subside over time, depending on traffic and wear. It typically takes 20-25 vacuums to curtail shedding.

Creases: If your rug has been rolled or folded for shipping, it may include creases. Creases should disappear within 1 – 2 weeks when laid flat. Reverse rolling the rug overnight will help.

Sprouts: Loose fibers or sprouts are a normal part of the break-in process of handmade rugs. To remove, use scissors to clip them even with the pile. Do not pull the fiber out.

Fading: If exposed to direct sunlight, rug colors typically fade over time, even if they are fade resistant.

Wear: As a general rule, rugs of all materials and constructions should be rotated every 3-6 months to balance color and evenly distribute wear.