Adding a rug to your home or office will make it more comfortable and cozy. Rugs are usually made of durable wool or affordable synthetic fibers. Because wool rugs are made from natural fibers, they tend to cost more than synthetic rugs which come from man-made materials.
Understanding the pros and cons of wool rugs vs. synthetic rugs will help you make a better choice for your space and budget.
Benefits of Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are made from fibers gleaned from sheep, goats, rabbits, and camels. Because the fibers are natural, they can react to weather, especially moisture, which causes the fibers to swell. Fortunately, when the fibers swell, they release dirt, making them especially easy to clean.
Wool rugs are safer than synthetic rugs because the wool fibers are fire resistant. They smolder, while synthetic fibers burn. If a wool rug catches fire, it releases minimal smoke. The fibers are also stain-resistant and can withstand heavy traffic.
The durable rugs can help maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity in your home. The fibers absorb and release moisture, which keeps the temperature and humidity consistent inside your home or office. Interestingly, the fibers also provide insulation, which makes sense, as the animals rely on their coats to stay warm in chilly temperatures.
Cons of Wool Rugs
The biggest problem with wool rugs is the cost. They are the most expensive type of rug because of the process of cleaning, and manufacturing. The raw material isn’t expensive to make, as it grows naturally from several animals.
Wool rugs can experience fiber distortion when it’s agitated, and it is sensitive to chemicals. To prevent damage, it’s best not to use chemicals to clean wool rugs. The fibers can fade if exposed to sun for too long. Keep your wool rugs out of direct sunlight.
Where to Put Wool Rugs
Your wool rugs will perform best away from windows. You can put them in areas with heavy traffic like kitchens and dining rooms. They also do well in busy office areas. Wool rugs in bedrooms and living rooms will help those spaces stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Benefits of Synthetic Rugs
Most synthetic rugs are manufactured to resemble wool rugs. They are less expensive, but they don’t have the same softness and temperature regulating features as genuine wool rugs. You’ll find synthetic rugs easy to clean, especially with household cleansers.
They are mildew resistant, because the synthetic fibers do not hold moisture like wool fibers. You can put synthetic rugs in any space because they do not fade in sunlight.
Cons of Synthetic Rugs
Because synthetic rugs are not made from natural materials that aren’t as durable as wool rugs. The fibers show wear quickly, because the synthetic fibers get fuzzy and deteriorate with heavy traffic. The rugs also show stains from grease and oil, so they aren’t good choices for kitchens and entryways. It’s best to avoid using alkaline cleaners like bleach to clean synthetic rugs, as the chemicals can cause rugs to develop brown stains.