Rug shedding occurs when stray fibers are not tightly bound to the rug’s backing or each other.
These fibers eventually work their way loose when people walk on the rugs or through normal wear. Shedding is a natural occurrence for rugs.
Rug shedding becomes problematic when it does not stop, which is the case for some types of rugs:
Here is Why Rugs Shed:
Shedding varies depending on the material and how the rug was made. Rugs shed for different reasons. Most rugs tend to shed when they are new. They eventually stop shedding and come out softer and nicer. Some rugs are continuously shed because of how they were made and the materials used.
What Rugs Shed the Most?
If you dislike rug shedding, here are the rugs that shed that most and that you should avoid.
Nylon Rugs:
Nylon rugs are a type of synthetic rug that is quite popular.
Nylon rugs have a strong fiber that stands up well to abrasion and is known to be quite low maintenance compared to other types of rugs.
However, nylon rugs are prone to shedding. This is because nylon is a synthetic material that tends to break down easily and cause the rug to shed.
Viscose Rugs:
Viscose rugs are very versatile because they can mimic the look of wool, cotton, linen, and silk.
They are also quite soft and comfortable.
Among other types of synthetic rugs, viscose rugs are the most problematic of all when it comes to shedding. This is because viscose rugs go through many processing during their production.
Viscose is a fiber made from chemically processed wood pulp, normally pine, beech, and eucalyptus.
These fibers go through more chemical processing. This makes them weak and brittle and very much prone to shedding.
Wool Rugs:
Wool rugs are a type of natural rug.
Wool fibers come from protein keratin from animals – primarily sheep.
These rugs are very comfortable and are natural insulators. Wool rugs have a luxurious feel and are great for sprucing up any indoor space.
Expensive as they may be, wool rugs tend to have a shedding problem. Wool rugs shed more than viscose rugs, and viscose rug shedding is known to be problematic.
This is because wool fiber has a tendency to split and fray, which makes them shed so much.
These Rugs Shed the LEAST:
If you are looking for a rug with little to no shedding, these rugs would be great options.
Cotton Rugs:
Cotton rugs are great for home decor because they are very versatile.
They can come in various patterns and designs. They are soft, and they add some warmth underfoot.
Cotton fibers are very strong, and when manufactured into flat-weave rugs, they make for affordable and durable rugs that do not shed.
Jute Rugs:
Jute rugs are natural fiber rugs that add an earthy feel to a room.
They are made from the same fiber as burlap, and they are known to be the softest out of all-natural fiber rugs.
Jute rugs also tend to shed when brand new, but this is normal. This part of their life cycle and the shedding eventually stop after weeks.
Polyester Rugs:
Polyester rugs are made of durable synthetic fibers, thus making them less prone to shedding.
They cost less than natural fiber rugs, but they hold fairly well in areas with a lot of traffic.
Polypropylene Rugs:
Polypropylene rugs are another type of rug made from synthetic materials: a thermoplastic polymer.
These fibers are cost-effective yet durable, making for rugs with very little to no shedding.
These rugs can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh outdoor elements.
Silk Rugs:
Silk rugs are known for their shiny texture. While silk fibers are soft, they are very strong and woven into fine, detailed patterns.
These rugs are also very expensive, but they are worth it at real silk rugs do not shed at all.
When constructed poorly, silk rugs can shed a little when new. But good-quality silk rugs have no shedding.
Do New or Old Rugs Shed the Most?
Generally speaking, new rugs shed more than old rugs, regardless of made and material.
As mentioned earlier, most rugs tend to be shed when they are brand new. This is part of their life cycle and is nothing to worry about.
New rugs of good quality materials will stop shedding after a couple of months. Some light vacuum and normal wear should stop the shedding of a new rug.
Can You Stop a Rug From Shedding?
Depending on the material and how the rug was made, the shedding may or may not stop.
For natural fiber rugs such as jute, sisal, and silk, and strong synthetic fiber rugs like polyester and polypropylene, shedding normally occurs when the rug is new and would eventually stop with little intervention.
Meanwhile, the shedding does not stop even after months of normal wear for rugs that are known to shed a lot like nylon, viscose, and wool.
However, you can minimize the shedding. Here is how:
- Vacuum lightly.
- Most rugs need regular vacuuming to prevent dirt build-up and keep them clean. For rugs that shed a lot, always remember to vacuum on low settings and avoid using the heavy beater bar to prevent further damage on the rug.
- Use a soft brush such as a horsehair or velvet brush when removing the loose fiber.
- If possible, place these rugs in areas of the house that have very light foot traffic, especially if you have kids and pets in the household.
- Place a good-quality rug pad underneath.
- A rug pad helps absorb the impact caused by walking all over the rugs, and this will help lessen the shedding.
- Use a fiber protector spray.
- For rugs with extreme shedding like wool, a fiber protector spray would help strengthen the fiber. The spray can also help prevent stains.