Should I buy a synthetic or wool rug?
The difference between wool and synthetic carpet?
Wool? Nylon? Polyester? With so many choices out there, it's easy to default to the most popular choice, nylon. It's affordable, easy to dye, and durable. Unfortunately, it needs a special chemical coating to make it stain-resistant. And when it comes time to clean it or throw it out? Not so nice for Mother Nature.
Go Natural
If you want to be a kinder person to Mother Nature this year, opt for a quality wool carpet. On top of it being a renewable resource that's naturally biodegradable, wool is also flame-retardant, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and long-lasting. The beautiful wool carpets you find in antique shops or museums are a testament to how durable the material is. An antique synthetic carpet is simply an oxymoron, as they degrade and yellow just like any other plastic. Wool is also easier to clean - ask any professional carpet cleaner. Synthetic carpets are lint/hair/grime magnets, and it can take some serious steam or vacuum power to get them clean. Wool will have you saving money in the long run as you spend less on maintenance and replacement.
Wool also feels so much better on the skin, and has a natural bounce to it, making it feel extra cushy. For those who are chemically sensitive, a natural wool carpet might be the only option. Wool is also a more effective insulator, helping you keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
What If I Don’t Like Wool?
Sisal (from agave) is another natural material that is typically grown without chemical fertilisers or herbicides. It is highly durable, and only needs vacuuming due to its anti-static nature. However, sisal comes out like a hemp material, so it's a bit rough to the touch.
Seagrass, like sisal, is a natural material made from grass and reeds that grow in Chinese paddies and marshes but is much softer. It also resists dust, dirt, bacteria and allergens, making it perfect for those who don't have time to clean so often and those with kids and allergies.
There is also something to be said about the inherent aesthetic of a natural carpet. It's much like comparing particleboard with a lovely hardwood - there just is no comparison!
Invest in Natural
While synthetic carpets still dominate the market due to their affordability, the smarter investment is a natural fibre rug. With so many new options available today, the home-owner looking for a beautiful addition to their home doesn't need to look any further than Rug Home.
- Alex Hirsch
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