Rugs can shed for several reasons. For example, poor fiber quality, poor construction, or poor homeowner care can cause shedding. Weekly, I get emails asking how to deal with a shedding rug.
Hi Yall, it’s Ruthie here with Arizona Oriental & Specialty Rug Care in gorgeous Prescott, AZ.
Here are some common rug shedding scenarios and some helpful tips.
Woven Rugs
Hand-knotted rugs are often sheared after weaving to achieve the desired pile height. The shearing process might leave microscopic fibers that appear to “shed when a rug is young.” However, some minor chopped pieces can be missed even with this attention to detail.
Any loose cut threads will be cleaned out quickly after the sale in the best quality carpets.
The problem with rug shedding is when it continues. Poor fibers or construction often cause this.
An excellent quality hand-knotted wool or silk rug shouldn’t shed.
To twist and hand knot a rug demands strong wool or silk yarn. Traditional hand-knotted rugs will not shed unless severely damaged (i.e., heavy traffic, water damage, or moth damage).
In a rug made of high-quality wool, the shearing process can miss certain strands. Missed strands might show up with regular use and vacuuming, looking as if a cat has clawed at the carpeting.
Shearing On High-End Rugs
Poor shearing causes strands to develop in the field. Scissors can cut these.
Tugging at these fiber pulls/sprouts will tell you if the rug comprises terrible brittle wool or merely a lousy shearing haircut.
Bad wool will pull apart and release. If it’s poorly tied, the knot will come undone. If it won’t come free, it’s only a missed strand that needs to be clipped. Cut the string with your scissors. A rug is poorly manufactured if you can quickly remove a knot.
Shedding From Shaggy Rugs
People who buy shaggy or chunky wool rugs think all wool rugs shed. Wool is made from short-staple fibers spun, twisted, and plied into yarn. However, short strands of wool are woven into the longer threads. The more prolonged and extensive the wool construction, the more likely short strands may come loose.
The wool in these carpets might be of high or low grade. They will not shed for several months as all “loose” small strands break away with use. Poor-quality rugs will shed forever and thin out in high-traffic areas due to wear and tear.
Until next time, enjoy your lovely floor art, and keep in mind that a clean rug can last a lifetime!
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Arizona Oriental & Specialty Rug Care serves Prescott, Prescott Valley, Sedona, Flagstaff, and much of Northern Arizona. We meet the highest standards in professional cleaning of area rugs, with rug wash specialists having earned the highest training, including certification as WOOLSAFE FIBRE CARE SPECIALISTS through the WOOLSAFE ORGANIZATION. Such extraordinary certification ensures our client’s area rugs receive the highest quality care.
Call us for more information on area rug cleaning at 928-445-1718, visit our website at www.ArizonaOriental.com, or stop by Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at our rug washing facility at 565 EZ Street, Prescott, AZ 86301 (pick-up and delivery also available). 07-14-2020
