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Wool has long been hailed as the best material for making carpet. The very nature of wool causes it to create material with the perfect characteristics for carpet. It creates a comfortable bulk, retains heat for excellent insulation, holds its shape well, readily absorbs and releases moisture, reduces noise levels, and is naturally flame retardant. Wool is a natural fiber produced by the fleece from sheep. It has been used for centuries for rugs. Although people have done their best to top the performance of wool by producing synthetic fibers, wool remains a favorite. Because wool is very elastic and ‘bounces back’ after being stretched or compacted, it stands up to foot traffic and does not easily show wear. The ability of wool to retain and release water allows for easy cleaning and helps with moisture control in a room, as it absorbs and releases moisture into the air. Of course, one of the biggest assets of a wool carpet is its luxurious depth and its beauty. In terms of the ‘green home’, wool carpet is a good choice. It is completely biodegradable and is not a petrochemical product, as are most synthetic polymer carpet fibers. Many shoppers turn quickly away from wool carpet when they look at the price tag. The cost of processing wool as well as consumer demand makes it a very expensive fiber. Although this may be the main deterrent for purchasing wool carpet, there are other possible reasons to look at synthetic or silk carpets. One of the attributes of wool is also a problem for cleaning. The absorbency that makes it easy to clean typical dirt and debris from a wool carpet causes the carpet to stain easily. It is dyed after processing and therefore the colors may be more pronounced and varied than other carpets, and yet the absorbency that allows for the vibrant colors also allows it to be corrupted by stains and fading. Stain treatments are available to counter this problem. Some complaints have surfaced about wool carpets ‘pilling’. However, one must remember that fiber is only one factor that affects the wear and durability of the carpet. You must also look carefully at the construction of the carpet itself, such as the twisting, density, and backing used. Wool carpet provides luxurious flooring that has been a favorite for thousands of years. The beautiful colors and lush textures available from wool fibers have long graced the floors of fine homes all over the world. |
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