New Orlando Showroom Open Now. GALA OPENING Sep 17! 4427 N. John Young Pkwy, Suite A.
This is a revision of a previous blog post. It has been updated with new content.
Wool Allergy Rare
The number of people allergic to wool is very small. The allergen in wool that aggravates people is lanolin, the waxy subsance that covers the fibers and does so much to add to wool's moisture-protection benefits as well as it's glossy surface.
This allergy affects very few people. In fact the share of those allergic to lanolin comes in a at just .5 % to 1% of the general popuilation.
However, of those who suffer greatly from other allergies, about 7 % will be bothered by lanolin. Learn about clients' allergies.
Furthermore, the syptom of lanolin allergy appears as a rash on the skin, not as nasal discomfort. If you are vulnerable, you have to touch the wool to get the rash.
Dermatology Times
Edward Martin
So Why I Do Get Hayfever When I'm Around My Sister's Rug?
It might be because dustmites and other airbourn allergens fall on the rug and can airborn with people and pets scuffling the rug. Furthermore, a wool rug has a mild positive charge and can attract allergen particles.
This is an advantage if the allergens are vacuumed up regularly.
So What Do I Do?
Vacuum with a Hepa filter. If you have pets, hit it twice a week. In any case vacuum often enough to keep allergens off of your rug.
We suggest the common sense approach to vacuuming. Older, seasoned rugs will not need the vacuum beater. With a new rug, moderate, non-aggressive beating can clean away loose fibers and grab more allergens.
When Choosing a Rug for Allergy Sufferers
Look among rugs that have a tight, short pile. Or check out a flat weave opportunities. Why? There are fewer places for allergens to hide in these rugs and allergens are easier to remove by vacuuming.
Oldest and Most Durable
Wool has been around for many millenia and for good reasons.
The Oldest Rug in Existence
The Pazyryk rug is close to 2500 years old. It was found in Siberia, basically intact.
You can see it in the Hermatage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
It's proof enough that wool is durable.
Indeed there is a vibrant international market for antique rugs (over 100 years old). Collectors buy these not for display or to hang, but to add prestige and luster to their floors. Can you imagine placing a 100-year old rug in room?
Wool Rugs are Durable
Nothing else comes close to wool in durability.
A well-cared for rug can take a huge amount of traffic.
To prove it, you can take a piece of wire and bend it back and forth until it breaks. You can do the same thing to a wool fiber and you have to bend it over 10 thousand times before it snaps. In contrast, silk fiber snaps after around 2400 bends.
Water
For centuries people have stayed warm in wool even when it's wet. It's moisture repelling.
Water won't hurt your rug. As a matter of fact it was washed as soon as it came off the loom.
(You would not want your rug to stay wet. Under constantly wet conditions it is vulnerable to mildew and other rotting.)
Love Affair with Dye
And the way wool can hold dye is a marvel. Its fibers absorb and hold pigment in a smooth uniform manner. It is the dyemaster's art and is easily seen in any beautiful rug.
Maintenance and Accidents
Maintenance is easy compared to that of any other material. Simply blot up neutral spills. Pour water through wine spills until you can blot the grape pigment away.
Even dog accidents can be handled at home in most cases. However, sometimes you are going to need a professional to bring your rug back to a brand new state. Cats accidents can be tragic. Read more here about pet mishaps.
More Beautiful with Age
As a well-cared for rug gets older, it can become more beautiful. That's because scales on the outside of the wool fibers slough off over time, revealing shiny new fiber underneath. This process can even take away stains over time.