Not all rugs are the same.
Rugs are made of different materials – some more expensive than others. There are also different ways to make rugs, largely affecting their costs.
While most rugs shed at one point, some rugs shed less than others.
Generally, expensive rugs shed less compared to cheap rugs.
Here Is Why Expensive Rugs Shed Less:
Expensive rugs are hand-knotted rugs that use high-quality materials such as wool and silk. These rugs shed less than cheap acrylic, polyester, and viscose rugs. Expensive rugs are made so that the fibers are tightly knotted to each other, so they shed less than machine-made rugs.
What Types Of Rugs Shed The Least?
There are lots of things that people consider when buying rugs.
They check the size, color, design, and rug material, but one often overlooked factor is how much the rug sheds.
Rug shedding is normal and is not a big deal, as some rugs only shed when they are new. Shedding will eventually stop over time, but there are a few rugs that would shed continuously even as they age.
If rug shedding is a huge factor for you when it comes to buying rugs, then here are the types of rugs that shed the least:
1. Flat Weave Rugs:
Flatweave rugs are one of the rugs that shed the least.
This is because their fibers are knotted tightly together, so it is less likely for these rugs to have loose fibers, which can cause the shedding.
One of the most durable flat weave rugs that you can get is wool rugs.
They would have minimal shedding, and they are extremely comfortable and warm.
2. Cotton Rugs:
Cotton rugs are a good choice if you want a rug to handle heavy foot traffic.
Cotton rugs rarely shed, yet they are affordable. Even if you wear them out, you can easily replace them because they are not as expensive as other rugs.
Their downside is that they are not as soft and comfortable as other rugs.
3. Nylon Rugs:
Nylon rugs are made of fibers that are considered thermoplastic with a silk-like finish.
They are synthetic and machine-made. These rugs have a very little shedding, and they do well in areas with high foot traffic.
They are great for outdoor use because they are durable and can withstand any weather or outdoor condition.
4. Polypropylene Rugs:
Polypropylene rugs are synthetic material rugs that mimic the look and feel of wool rugs, that they can feel soft and plush underfoot.
These rugs have little to no shedding. They are very durable and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
They are even made for high-traffic areas, and they can withstand outdoor elements.
How Are Expensive Rugs Different From Cheaper Brands?
There are several reasons why certain rugs are more expensive than others.
Let us break down these reasons and what sets them apart from cheaper brands:
Expensive Rugs Use Expensive Materials:
Expensive rugs are typically made of wool or silk or a blend of the two. Both materials add a luxurious look and feel to any room and make for very comfortable and durable rugs.
Wool is a common material that is used for making expensive rugs. Wool comes from a sheep’s skin and is often dyed using vegetable dyes to create various designs and patterns.
Wool fibers are also very durable, and they are even flame resistant.
Silkworms produce silk fibers that normally take a long time to harvest and produce. These fibers are extremely soft to the touch.
Cheaper Rugs Use Cheaper Materials:
Most affordable rugs use cheap materials like polyester, viscose, and acrylic rugs, which tend to shed a lot.
Some of these can have wool blended in the fibers, but it is not as comfortable and plush as rugs that are purely made of wool.
They are also not as durable and resilient.
Some affordable rugs can also be made of natural fibers like sisal and jute. These organic materials do not hold well in high-traffic areas and can shed a lot.
They are also not resistant to stains.
Manufacturing Of Expensive Rugs Is Labor-Intensive:
Expensive rugs are typically hand-knotted or hand-woven, and a lot of work goes into these rugs.
These rugs are made by skilled artisans using techniques that are centuries old.
These rugs often take months or even years to complete, with their intricate designs and beautiful colors.
This largely affects the price of expensive rugs.
Manufacturing Of Cheaper Rugs Is Less Labor-Intensive:
Cheaper rugs are machine-made.
Machine-making rugs involve a process wherein a machine weaves the fibers into a backing material. This makes for less durable rugs.
Machine-made rugs tend to shed because some fibers come loose when they are not glued or attached properly to the backing.
Do All Rugs Shed More When New?
A lot of rugs shed when they are brand new. This goes for wool rugs and other natural fiber rugs.
Shedding occurs when loose fibers fall out from the rug or when they stick out from the rug in tufts. While brand new rugs shed a lot, this does not long.
Eventually, you would notice that it would shed less and less as your rug ages. And then the shedding would stop in a few months.
However, some rugs will not stop shedding as they age. Examples of these rugs are polyester rugs, viscose rugs, and acrylic rugs.
These rugs tend to shed continuously to the point of being problematic.
How Often Should You Vacuum Expensive Rugs To Avoid Shedding?
Vacuuming your rugs regularly can help stop or minimize the shedding. How often you vacuum them depends on the material that the rug is made of.
Most rugs need to be vacuumed at least once a week to minimize the shedding. You need to vacuum rugs two to three times a week for rugs that shed more.
What Causes Rugs To Shed?
Shedding is very common for most rugs, but how much they shed depends on their material.
Some types of rug fibers are not as resilient as others.
The main reason they shed is that they are brand new, and there are loose fibers. Manufacturers may not tightly bind some fibers to the rug’s backing, so they tend to fall off. This is very common, but it eventually stops.
If a new rug sheds even after a couple of months, there may be other reasons.
One reason is poor construction. Most of the rugs that shed a lot are machine-made. When the rug is poorly made, or the fibers are not glued properly to the backing, your rug will shed.
Shedding also occurs with rugs that are made of poor quality. Poor quality rug fibers break down or wear off easily, causing them to fall apart.
Heavy foot traffic is another cause of shedding. When there is a lot of activity or foot traffic in the household, or if you have pets or children running around the house, your rugs may tend to shed more.
Do High-Quality Rugs Stop Shedding Eventually?
Even though high-quality rugs shed, this normally occurs when they are brand new.
When you take a brand new rug out of its packaging, any loose fibers will fall off, causing shedding.
Eventually, high-quality rugs would stop shedding months after getting your rug.