Wool Rugs

BeEco's range of unique wool rugs are made with premium wool woven into a stunning array of intricate patterns. Add a textural masterpiece to your home with a hand knotted rug which is ultra-soft and warm. Whether you are after an alluring tribal pattern, oriental rug, geometric motif or a subtle Scandinavian feel there is something for every style.

Wool carpets are loved for their natural fibres, durability, warmth and softness. They are resistant to spills, hypoallergenic and biodegradable. If you have been searching for eco friendly rugs online look no further.

How are wool rugs made?

The production of braided wool rugs begins a haircut for sheep in the spring and summer months. During winter the sheep produce a heavy thick coat of fleece which needs to be removed ahead of the warmer months. The wool is shaved off by an expert sheep shearer and cleaned during a process called scouring. Once clean the wool is graded based on its colour, length and texture.

The graded the wool is dyed to the desired colour and dried. The dried wool is then woven into yarn which is used to make a felted wool rug, hand woven or knotted or round wool rug. The quality of the wool rugs in Australia depends on the climate for the season, as well as the health of the sheep.

How to clean wool rugs?

Rugs made from natural materials will typically shed during the first few months. Regularly vacuuming your rug will help to reduce the shedding. It is also a good idea to routinely rotate your rug to prevent uneven wear or sun damage. Wool rugs are easy to clean, here are some suggested methods for wool carpet cleaning:

• Shake: This technique was used for centuries before the invention of the vacuum cleaner. Hang your rug outside over a rail or clothes line and give it a good shake. You can use a broom stick, cricket bat or rug beater to gently hit the rug to dislodge any embedded dirt.
• Vacuum: Aim to vacuum your rug at least once or twice a week and ensure you also get the underside and underneath your rug. Make sure you are using the carpet or rug setting without the beater bar on your vacuum, so you don't damage the pile. Slowly vacuum in the direction of the weave to achieve the best result.
• Professional cleaning: Make a mixture of cold water with 1 - 2 tablespoons of wool wash or mild detergent. Some recommend using white vinegar, however wool wash is preferred as it is specifically designed to be gentle on natural fibers. Using a sponge apply the mixture to the rug using light pressure, blot the rug to remove any dirt or stains. Once you have used the professional cleaner, use a fresh sponge with clean water to remove any detergent. Use water sparingly as you do not want to soak the rug. You can use a towel or reusable paper towel to soak up any excess water.

Where possible try to save the deep cleaning for the summer months as the rug will dry much faster. If you are not feeling up to professional cleaning yourself, you can also hire someone for steam cleaning your rug.

Are wool rugs eco-friendly?

Wool is the preferred natural fiber for rugs and carpets for good reason. Wool rugs are durable and will serve your family for a long time. There is no denying that the raising of sheep has an environmental impact, however when we look at the harvesting of wool itself it is very eco-friendly. As with all eco friendly products there are pros and cons.

Here are some of the reasons why we love wool rugs. Wool is a natural renewable resource that grows annually and is warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool is very hard wearing; the Keratin protein allows it to return to it's natural shape even when stretched up to 30%. It is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and bacterial helping to keep you safe. Wool absorbs harmful pollutants and deter dust mites. It is naturally biodegradable and acts as a fire retardant.