Wool rugs are made from fibers derived from an animal protein called keratin. Wool rugs are also generally expensive because they are known to be one of the most durable rugs around.
Wool rugs normally last for decades, depending on how they are made:
Here is How Long Wool Rugs Last:
Machine-made wool rugs can last up to 25 years, although some people have reported that theirs have lasted for more than 30 years with proper care and maintenance. Hand-knotted wool rugs are the more expensive and rare rugs. They have a long life span and can last for multiple generations.
Do Wool Rugs Last as Long as Other Rugs?
Wool rugs are very reliable and are known to last for decades.
Synthetic material rugs like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene can normally last for five years. When given extra care and proper maintenance or when placed in low-traffic areas, they can last for ten years.
Natural rugs made out of jute and sisal generally have a life span of seven to ten years. Cotton rugs are a cheap option for rugs and can be a good alternative for wool, but they only last for an average of ten years.
Wool rugs last longer than other rugs. Machine-made rugs can last twice or three times as long as these rugs, while hand-knotted rugs can last ten times as much. Wool rugs have one of the longest life spans among other rugs.
The only rug that can compete with the life span of wool rugs is silk rugs. High-quality hand-woven silk rugs can last for 50 years or even 100 years.
Are Wool Rugs Worth the Money?
Machine-made wool rugs cost anywhere between $5 to $25 per square foot, while the price of hand-knotted ones, including Oriental rugs, range from $40 to $120 per square foot.
Some Oriental wool rugs even cost more than $120 per square foot.
Apart from adding warmth and a luxurious feel to a room, there are many pros to having a wool rug. Wool rugs are very soft and comfortable, plus their fibers are hypoallergenic, making them generally safe for kids and babies.
The fibers of wool rugs hold dye well, so they come in various designs and colors, giving you lots of options when buying, making them versatile for home decor.
Wool rugs are also naturally stain-resistant and flame-resistant. Wool fibers tend to stay dry, so they get absorbed even if you spill water on them, and the fibers feel dry to the touch. They are very easy to clean.
They are also environmentally friendly as wool is a biodegradable material.
Wool rugs are definitely worth the price. Especially when they are hand-woven!
Do Wool Rugs Require Maintenance to Last Long?
Wool rugs are generally known to last long, but like all rugs, they need proper care and maintenance to live up to their life expectancy and even exceed it.
Here is how to do care for your wool rug to make them last long:
- Place a rug pad underneath. A rug pad will act as a buffer so you can minimize the impact on the rug even in high-traffic areas. It also protects the rugs in case the flooring has moisture.
- Rotate the rug regularly. When the rug is placed in a high traffic area where the impact may be uneven, rotating it helps distribute the wear patterns.
- Vacuum it regularly. Vacuuming cleans the rug and helps prevent the build-up of dirt and debris. Just make sure that you vacuum it on a low setting and avoid using the heavy beater bar not to damage the rug.
- Spot clean stains. In case of liquid spills and stains, spot clean the rug. Do this by taking a clean cloth or paper towel dipped in water mixed with mild soap and gently blotting off the stain. Don’t rub, just blot.
- Get a professional cleaning. Once every few years, you can bring the rug to a professional cleaner, where the cleaner will soak it in cold water with a mild cleaning solution.
What Wool Rugs Last the Longest?
Hand-knotted rugs, including Oriental rugs, last the longest, with a life span of more than 100 years.
These rugs can be passed down from one generation to another as a family keepsake.
What Are the Most Durable Wool Rug Brands?
When buying wool rugs, knowing which brands are the most reputable maker of wool rugs is always good to ensure that you get one with the best quality.
Here are the most durable wool rug brands:
1. Safavieh:
Safavieh is a rug company that has established its presence in the rug market for more than 100 years.
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The company was founded in 1914, and since then, they have been making high-end rugs using different materials, including wool.
It is a reputable rug known for its durability and good quality.
2. Karastan:
Karastan was founded in 1928 and is well-known for producing luxury flooring.
Woven with the finest New Zealand worsted wool, these rugs are of incredible quality!
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Their rugs are well-made, with most of them being hand-woven and designed to be both stylish and functional.
3. Sphinx:
Sphinx is one of the world’s biggest producers of rugs, with its headquarters in Egypt.
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They have produced some of the best quality rugs for over 40 years.
You will have to contact the seller directly in order to get warranty information on this rug.
4. Surya:
Surya is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of rugs. Hand-tufted in 100% wool and made in India, their rugs are of incredible quality.
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All Surya rugs are hand-made by skilled artisans or machine woven in a specialty manufacturing facility to ensure high quality.
5. Jaipur Living:
Jaipur Living is headquartered in Georgia and is a company that offers wholesale rugs and decor.
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They offer a wide range of handcrafted and machine-made rugs with various colors and designs.
6. Kaleen:
Kaleen is a leading manufacturer, importer, and distributor of high-quality rugs, with over 50 years of presence in the rug market.
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It is a brand that is headquartered in India and is known for its beautifully-made rugs that showcase the makers’ artistry and attention to detail.
How Do you Make a Wool Rug Last Longer?
By simply following the instructions for proper care and maintenance, you can make a wool rug last longer than they are expected to.
Another thing you can do is treat it with a fabric sealer or a water-repellent spray. Repellant will add an extra layer of protection to your wool rug, which will help increase its longevity.
Just make sure to verify that the spray is safe for wool rugs.
Sources:
Ten Reasons Your Next Rug Should be Wool