Wool is a natural fibre that insulates underfoot, keeping a room warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and its structure naturally resists stains and dust rather than trapping them. It’s also renewable and biodegradable, and a well-made wool rug – hand-knotted especially – is built to last for years rather than needing regular replacing.

At Rugvista, our collection of wool rugs is vast – from single-colour neutrals like wool rugs in beige and grey to bold multicolour, geometric and abstract designs, plus traditional medallion motifs on hand-knotted pieces. A neutral tone suits most interiors, while a patterned or hand-knotted rug works well as a room’s focal point.

Some shedding is normal in the first few months, as loose fibres left over from weaving work their way out – it isn’t a sign of poor quality. Hoovering on a low setting a few times a week during this period, without a beater bar, helps it settle faster. Read more in our guide to wool rug shedding.

Wool works well in most rooms because it insulates underfoot and resists stains, but pile height matters: a flatter, low-pile wool rug is easiest to clean in hallways, kitchens and dining rooms, while a thicker pile suits wool rugs for living rooms and wool bedroom rugs, where it feels warmer and softer underfoot.

Most living rooms suit a large wool rug (230–349 cm on the longest side), sized so the front legs of your sofa and armchairs sit on it. A smaller room or a snug seating area often works better with a medium-sized wool rug (160–229 cm) instead.

• Use a hoover to remove dust, hair and dirt. When clean the fringes, use the upholstery hoover attachment.
• Use an undyed cloth and cold water to spot-clean the area. Make sure that the area underneath is well protected.
• You can also use a stain remover, that’s suitable for use on natural fibre rugs. Check the label of the stain remover for instructions.
• Contact a professional rug cleaner if the stain is hard to remove.

Woollen rugs are famous for their durability and some have been passed on for generations. Even though they contain a natural substance that repels dirt, make sure to clean them on a regular basis to keep them lasting for many years. Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen, so make sure to treat any stains or spills as soon as possible. Before you start cleaning, ensure you follow the specific product recommendations.

No – wool rugs should be spot-cleaned rather than machine washed, since water and agitation can felt or shrink the fibres. Blot spills straight away with a clean cloth, hoover regularly to lift dust and grit, and use a stain remover suited to natural fibres for anything that doesn’t lift on its own.