Rug shedding: two women sitting together on a Feizy Aura 3563F Beige Gray Rug in a cozy living room

Common Reasons Why Your Rug Is Shedding

A new rug can look perfect when you first bring it home. Then, a few days later, you notice little fibers on the floor, around the edges of the rug, or even stuck to your socks. Sound familiar?


If your rug is shedding, don’t panic. Shedding is common with certain rug materials and constructions, especially when a rug is made from natural wool. The amount of shedding can depend on the fiber, how the rug was made, and how you care for it.


So, which rugs are more likely to shed? And what can you do if your rug is leaving fibers behind? Let’s break it down.


Which Rugs Shed Less?


Amber Lewis x Loloi Alie ALE-01 Stone Mist Rug in a bright modern living room for less rug shedding

Synthetic rugs generally shed much less than wool rugs, which makes them a practical choice if you want easier everyday care. Materials like polyester and polypropylene are popular for their durability and easy maintenance, especially in busy areas of the home.


For example, the Amber Lewis x Loloi Alie ALE-01 Rug has a polyester and polypropylene pile and is power loomed in Turkey. Because it uses synthetic fibers rather than wool, it is a practical option to consider if you want to minimize shedding.


Prefer natural fibers? A flat-weave rug can also be worth considering. The Artisan Natural Weave Ivory Rug is hand-woven with jute and hemp. Its flat-weave construction has a low profile with less loose pile to shed than a thick, high-pile rug, making it a practical choice if you prefer a natural-fiber rug with easier everyday maintenance.


How to Manage Rug Shedding


How to manage wool rug shedding with gentle vacuuming and proper care for an Artisan Natural Weave Ivory Rug

Already have a rug that is shedding? Give it some time. New wool rugs can release loose fibers during the early stages of use. In many cases, wool rug shedding gradually decreases as those loose fibers are removed. Just be careful not to over-vacuum your rug.


Too much vacuuming, especially with the wrong setting or attachment, can put unnecessary stress on the rug fibers. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions and use a suitable vacuum setting for your rug.


Regular, gentle maintenance is usually a better approach than repeatedly going over the same area. And if you’re shopping for a new rug, choose a material that works well for your home. If you like the soft feel of wool, some shedding is normal. If you want less shedding and easy care, choose a synthetic or low-pile rug.


Find a Rug That Fits Your Home


Atlanta Designer Rugs showroom with a team helping customers choose an Artisan Harmony SL24 Blue Gray Knotted Rug

Choosing a rug is about more than finding a pattern you love. The material, construction, maintenance, and how you plan to use your rug all matter. At Atlanta Designer Rugs, you’ll find a huge collection of rugs in different styles, sizes, materials, and constructions.

 

Not sure what works best for your space or how to care for your rug? Our experts are here to help. If you’re looking for a rug, feel free to explore our collection online or visit Atlanta Designer Rugs. And if you need a little help choosing, give us a call at 404.826.2020. We’re here to help you find the right rug!

 


Back to blog