Wool carpet is an investment in your home, and with any investment it pays to do your research. Here, the experts at Bremworth address common concerns when it comes to selecting wool carpet, the natural choice.

Is wool carpet difficult to clean and maintain?

Ever thought about how a sheep’s fleece stays white on a muddy farm? It is thanks to wool fibres’ thin waxy protective layer that resists stains – naturally. Although, wool carpet will stain if spills are left untreated. What is important is that spills are tended to as soon as they happen. Refer to Bremworth’s handy stain guide to check how best to deal to specific stains.

Having a well-maintained carpet can make it easier to deal with spills and stains. This can be achieved through regular and thorough vacuuming to increase the lifespan of wool carpet. Vacuum at least once a week and more often in high-traffic areas such as hallways, entrance ways and living rooms as build-up of soil and dirt particles can potentially damage fibres. Use a plain suction head vacuum with slow movements and avoid excessive downward pressure. Try to avoid use of vacuums with a revolving head that can cause excessive frizzing.

Rest assured Bremworth offers a Lifetime Food and Beverage Stain Resistance Limited Warranty* and a Lifetime Soil Resistance Limited Warranty*.

*Exclusions, prorating and terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, download the Bremworth Wool Carpet Warranty and Maintenance Guide. 

 

Is wool carpet suitable for pets?

The softness of wool carpet can be enjoyed both underfoot and under-paw. Along with natural stain resistant properties, wool also naturally repels odours. In a study done with pets by AgResearch, wool carpet outperformed nylon and Triexta carpet in a three month experiment [1] as wool was significantly less smelly. If your pet tends to scratch, simply opt for a cut pile over a loop pile carpet or rug so claws do not get caught in the loops.

 

Is wool carpet allergy/asthma friendly?

Wool carpet is naturally hypoallergenic which means it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

 

Is damage from carpet beetle/moth inevitable?

Carpet beetle/moth feed on any ready source of keratin protein such as wool, hair and feathers. The larvae avoid light and are often found behind furniture, in the corners of rooms and behind drapes. But they can be delt with.

Bremworth applies an insect resist agent to deter insects, however it will not stop an infestation completely. The resist agent slows down the attack of the larvae, giving consumers the opportunity to rectify the problem before any major damage is done.

For small areas of infestation, vacuum that area thoroughly and apply a residual 30-day contact fly spray directly onto the carpet, and into the gully between the carpet and the skirting.

For a stronger preparation, Ripcord can be purchased from a hardware store and be made up to a concentration to be applied using a garden sprayer. If you wish, you can have a professional apply a spray to the infestation areas.

Bremworth backs its wool carpets with a 15-year insect resistance limited warranty so if there is a genuine issue, they will put it right.

 

Is fading inevitable?

As with all textiles, fading will happen with carpet over a period of time. Bremworth uses the finest dyestuffs commercially available, but even these may change after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Glass with effective UV protection, curtains, blinds and louvres offer the best protection. Another top tip is to slightly shift furniture every so often or opt for a lighter colour to avoid harsh lines of discolouration. If you have a wool rug, rotate it every 3 months to ensure even fading.

 

[1] AgResearch, 2016. Wool carpets help prevent pet odours.

[2] German Asthma and Allergy Society (DAAB).   2005 study on Indoor Fine Particulate Load, published in Allergie Konkret.