Rug manufacturers will use either local Indian wool, or imported New Zealand wool, known for its subtle shine. Easily dyed and spun into yarn, wool is the standard for every rug-producing country in years past and present. Wool rugs can contain a variety of knot counts and levels of pile. The higher the quality of wool, the more the rug can be washed, sheared or even sand blasted to achieve a desired effect.
Wool is undoubtedly the most common and useful material for rug construction. Naturally hydrophobic (repels water), lanolin oil in the wool fiber helps bead and protect against water spills.
Wool is very durable. With proper cleaning and care, even an average quality hand-knotted wool rug will last a lifetime.
On Your Floor:
- Wool pile has a light side and a dark side
- Lower pile is best for high traffic areas and vice versa.
- Spot clean wool rugs with soap and water
- For major spills (wine!) have rug professionally cleaned
