Friday, April 5, 2013

Prevent Rugs from Shedding

Shedding Prevention

Shedding a natural part of owning a wool rug. Although it's impossible for a wool rug not to shed, here are some suggestions for decreasing, and even preventing, shedding.




Firstly, don't panic. Your rug is not falling apart. The type of fiber from which a rug is constructed is one thing to consider when conquering shedding. When exploring the various types of natural and synthetic fibers, remember that wool will shed. It is inevitable. If you purchase a wool rug, you can expect that it will shed. Natural fibers, like wool, naturally shed.

So, if coping with shedding is just a natural process of being a rug owner, understanding how to tame the fibers not only helps to entend the life of the rug but to minimize the amount of fibers floating around the home.

1. High or low traffic - It's important to consider exactly where the rug will be placed. In an area with higher traffic, you can certainly expect more shedding to take place. This means that you may notice rug fibers on clothes, socks, the floor bordering the rug and on other upholstery in the room. In a lower traffic area, rug shedding would be less noticeable.

2. Vacuum. A lot. - When you first purchase your rug, be prepared to vacuum once a day, for at least 10 days. Although it may sound like quite a bit of vacuuming, it will help control the shedding on a daily basis, especially in the beginning, when the shedding is more prevalent. After the initial daily stint, consider vacuuming the rug 1 to 2 times per week until you notice the shedding subsiding.


Pay Attention to Pile Height


3. Pile vs. Vacuum Height - Adjusting your vacuum to the proper height relative to the pile of your rug will help to control shedding, but not to create excess shedding. Setting a vacuum height too low, particularly if the pile of the rug is high, can create excess shedding by loosening secured piles.

4. Take Your Time - When you are vacuuming, be prepared to go slowly. Rushing the process means that you'll miss some loose fibers. Slowly go over every inch of the rug, picking up as much as possible. You'll have to go over the rug again much sooner than you anticipated if you don't take your time with it.

5. Dirty Shoes - The dirt and sand that you can bring in on your shoes have a tendency to settle into a rug. The particles travel to the bottom of the pile, as you walk over the rug, and the abrasiveness of the particles can loosen the piles. Loose piles=more shedding. Be sure to shake of shoes or avoid walking on the rug while wearing shoes.

We hope this helps. Let us know if you have any more questions about preventing rug shedding or if you have any other tips you would like to share.

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