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Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering

2007-03-01 12:52:00

Wool carpet ages gracefully

: My friend and I had a discussion the other day about which is better, a wool carpet or one made with synthetic fibers. What are the main differences? Is one appreciably better than the other?

ANSWER: For starters, perhaps this analogy will help you. Just as in the medical world there are products which are considered "standard of care," so also wool carpets are considered the "standard" in the carpet world. In fact, wool carpets are what everything else is measured against. In pure and simple terms, wool simply is beautiful and looks alive. That is why people have chosen wool fibers since ancient times. It has always been a top performer. Wool is also soft and silky as natural wool develops a rich shine over the years as it renews and restores itself. In fact, it has been said that wool ages gracefully. Here are some aspects of wool carpets that you may not know. Wool has a natural ability to shed water; and since 80% of stains are water-based, this is an important aspect. Have you ever walked on a wool carpet and noticed how it does not crush down like a rug with nylon fibers does. That is because wool fiber has resiliency while nylon does not possess that quality. Because of wool's protein content, it resists flames. In fact, it is almost impossible for it to support combustion; and should such a fire ignite, it will almost always go out by itself. Wool is also free of toxic elements. You will find local farmers cheering for wool carpeting because it pushes wool production forward. Wool is biodegradable. This is good information for people who are concerned about our natural resources. Wool carpeting will usually last 10 years or more if the proper grade is selected and it is taken care of. Of course, the amount of wear will affect any type of carpet. Some people have found the best of both worlds by combining wool and nylon. This allows for the "spring" and beautiful look of wool but coupled with nylon's durability. Combining less expensive materials with higher priced ones can result in a significant savings. You might wonder about the specifics of caring for wool carpets. Picture layered shingles on a roof. Just as this arrangement keeps out inclement weather, the layer upon layer of wool fibers in wool carpeting keeps dirt particles on top where they can easily be vacuumed. This same characteristic provides protection from wear and abrasion. Actually, if you look, you will find miniature external scales on the fibers themselves. This implies that it naturally is resistant to soil and stains. However, if dirt or stains happen, the quicker the handling of them, the more chance there is of preserving the looks and performance of the carpet. Only occasionally will wool carpeting need a professional wet cleaning operation. A subject that always comes to the forefront and especially with wool is, will wool carpeting cause allergies? When the fiber is pure wool, it has not been known to cause allergies; however, the best answer always is to consult your doctor for his opinion if a person in your family suffers with allergy problems. One suggestion if you do go with wool is to treat your carpet to withstand a possible insect attack. Manufacturers do warrant against such damage; however, it would still be smart to ensure the safety of your carpet through this means. There are those who say that a wool carpet is the best carpet you will even own. According to them, if you demand great design and great performance, you can be assured that natural wool will meet or exceed your expectations year after year.