Wall to Wall Wool Carpet is Back! Are You Ready to Clean it?

Wool was once the leading choice for all carpet and rugs, but the synthetic fiber revolution in the late 1950's vastly diminished wool's presence in the marketplace! 

Because of the incredibly low cost of manufacturing nylon, PET (polyester), PPT   (Triexta), and olefin; as well as affordable maintenance costs, these synthetics have dominated the floor covering market for over 40 years.

However, with the growing dissatisfaction that consumers have had with hard floors, both in performance and the “hard feel underfoot”, there is a growing trend in consumers to go back to wall-to-wall carpeting.
 
As this interest grows, there also remains a level of disappointment with the poor performance of both polyester fibers that had been dominating the remaining wall to wall carpet market, especially with the overwhelming growth of pets in today's home environment!

The result?  Wool carpeting is coming back!
                Why is this happening?

According to flooring industry journals, the reasons are:

 Sustainability trend:
 Consumers are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly flooring options, and wool is a naturally renewable resource.
  Health benefits:
  Wool's ability to absorb dust and allergens is appealing to people with allergies.
 
  Luxury appeal:
Wool carpets are often associated with high quality and are preferred for their soft texture and classic look.
 
  Wool Shows Better Performance:
While not mentioned in journals that will are not likely to share negatives about their products, there is little doubt that the poor performance of polyester fibers (PET and PPT) has also contributed to this trend.  Wool is far more resilient and resists oily soils (such as caused by pets) better than “the polys”. 

  What Does This Mean for You?

1. 
   Know the Product:  If you aren't already versed in the unique sensitivities of wool as a rug and carpet fiber, you'll need to become more familiar with them. If you are one of the many cleaners who have moved to in plant cleaning of area rugs, you likely are more than prepared to clean these carpets.  If not, it will pay to learn more.
   
   
2. Watch Your Cleaning Techniques:  Wool is a very resilient fiber, but very high heat, mechanical brush machines with brushes designed for synthetic fibers, and aggressive spotting techniques can all damage this fiber!!!
   
   
3. Use Proper Chemistry:  Most on location cleaners use products designed for heavily soiled, oil loving synthetic fibers. These products can and often do cause color damage on wool fibers!
   
   
4. Understand Wool's Limitations:  Your customers purchase wool for its feel,                        appearance, and durability.
   What they might not expect is: the tendency of many stains, especially urine and dyes, to permanently discolor wool.
   
   
5. Get Paid Accordingly: The special tools, cleaning products, and mostly “your knowledge” of how you use them should be rewarded with premium pricing for the care you will be giving this expensive, luxury floor covering.

Whether or not wool carpeting has “hit” your market yet, it will. 
And remember: As an added benefit, when you become skilled at cleaning 
wall to wall wool carpet, you'll also be better prepared to clean wool fiber area rugs as well.