Complete Guide to Wool Blend Carpets (Vs Pure Wool)

Are you looking to buy a pure wool carpet, but don’t want to splurge too much? Consider the cost-efficient alternative option of wool blend carpets that won’t compromise on quality! This article will give you a comprehensive guide on all there is to know about wool blend carpets, maintaining them, the differences between pure wool carpets and wool blend carpets, and much more.

Difference between pure wool carpets vs. wool blend carpets?

The most obvious difference is their composition; pure wool carpets (also known as natural wool carpets) are made entirely from wool whereas wool blend carpets are a hybrid of wool and a synthetic fibre. In addition, pure wool carpets may offer luxurious softness that you just can’t get with wool blend carpets. On the other hand, wool blend carpets are known for their easier maintenance and durability due to their hybrid composition, making it a more practical option for families with young kids who may cause spills and dinner table accidents.

Pros and cons of pure wool carpets

PROS

1. Material Composition:

• As mentioned earlier, natural wool carpets are made entirely from wool fibres, making them extremely soft to the touch. This makes it ideal for those looking for a more luxurious carpet for their homes or office spaces. Wool also has inherent insulating properties. It can trap air which means it is able to help keep your house cool or warm depending on the season, cutting down on energy costs whilst creating a cosy living space for the family. Wool carpets absorb noise as well!

2. Key Characteristics:

• Durability: Wool contains natural fibres meaning it has a natural resilience and can recover their shape after compression, making wool carpets highly durable and suitable for high-traffic areas around the house.
• Stain Resistance: The natural oils in wool make it resistant to stains and dirt, though some spills may still need prompt cleaning to avoid permanent marks.

3. Environmental Benefits:

• Sustainable: Wool is a renewable resource that is biodegradable and produces less environmental wastage compared to wool mix carpets which use a synthetic fibre and materials that can be harmful for the environment.
• Low Chemical Usage: The production of wool carpets often involves fewer chemicals compared to synthetic carpet manufacturing, further reducing their environmental footprint.

CONS

1. Cost:

• One of the biggest drawbacks to pure wool carpets is the cost. A natural wool carpet tends to be much more expensive than mix wool carpets simply because of the natural material used. However, if you are considering buying a carpet, it is important to consider the long term value of pure wool carpets. They may be expensive at first, but if maintained well their initial price may even offset a wool blend carpet.

2. Moisture and mould:

• Pure wool carpets are more prone to moulding, shrinking and expanding (compared to other synthetic options) if not properly and regularly maintained/cleaned after exposure to moisture. Preventing these issues from occurring means that you have to be responsible for quickly cleaning up any liquid spills using a mat or rug.

3. Other cleaning/Maintenance issues:

• Water spillages are able to cleaned rather easily, but if you were to spill an oily substance onto your wool carpet, this would most likely require a professional cleaning service (depending on the severity of the spill) Furthermore, wool is actually food for some insects like moths and carpet beetles! To prevent these pests from eating away at your carpet, pure wool carpets are often permanently treated with mild insecticide. To some, this can be unsettling and uncomfortable for those not good with creepy crawlies and insecticide inside the house.

Pros and cons of wool blend carpets

In addition to the insulating qualities that a pure wool carpet can provide, a wool blend carpet has features that are worth considering when looking to buy carpets.

PROS

Affordability:

By far one of the biggest advantages synthetic carpets have over wool carpets is the price. Not only can you pay less, you can still find the aesthetic you are looking for when designing the interior of an office or living room. The price difference is of course due to the difference in material. Since synthetic materials are more readily available compared to sheep’s wool that must be properly cleaned and treated before turning into carpet fibres, synthetic carpets are often cheaper than their pure wool counterparts.

Durability, Resilience and maintenance:

Although a pure wool carpet has durable and stain resistant qualities, wool blend carpets offer even better durability and resilience to wear and tear and spillages. The synthetic fibres used in mixed wool carpets are less absorbent than wool, making cleaning easier. On top of this, wool blend carpets are made to be more fade resistant, meaning they will retain their original colour even when exposed to sunlight. Not to mention, synthetic carpets are much easier to maintain than pure wool carpets due to these durable and resilient features. Often treated with stain-resistant coatings and engineered to withstand heavy footfalls and damage, synthetic fibre carpets are simply the better option when it comes to easy maintenance.

Hypoallergenic:

Wool blend carpets are less likely to cause allergic reactions due to their ability to be cleaned easily. This means dust particles and other pollutants trapped in the carpet can be easily cleaned out reducing the risk for those with allergic reactions, making it a great choice for those who may want a carpet, but aren’t too confident about their allergies creeping up on them.

CONS

Note: Since wool blend carpets are typically made up of 80/20 wool to synthetic fibres, the cons that apply to pure wool carpets (such as mould and moisture) can still apply to mixed wool carpets but just to a lesser degree. Generally, they are much easier to maintain compared to natural wool carpets however.

Environmental impacts:

As there are synthetic materials used in the process of manufacturing, this will lead to more environmental harm than 100% natural wool carpets. Another thing to mention would be that mixed wool carpets are not 100% biodegradable, making them difficult to dispose of as well. Lastly, if you are concerned about finding sustainable options for the environment, wool blend carpets just won’t cut it for you, unfortunately.

Quality:

Despite the many benefits of mixed wool carpets, they just simply cannot outperform a pure wool carpet when it comes to quality and feel. Sure, they can get close to the real deal, but if you’re looking for the highest quality wool carpets, it’s best to look into pure wool carpets instead for that luxuriously softness underfoot feel!

Cleaning costs:

Although wool-blend carpets are easier to clean, they may require a lot of maintenance and cleaning if you happen to live with messy kids, as wool-blend carpets are often the better choice with younger families. These costs can eventually add up over time, making it a pain to maintain and get rid of stains.

Types of Wool Blend Carpets

Here are three popular types of mixed blend carpets and their specific benefits for those looking to buy a wool blend carpet, but don’t know where to get started:

Wool and Nylon Blend Carpets

• Durability and Easy Maintenance Blending combines the natural resilience of wool with the synthetic durability of nylon, creating a carpet that balances quality and affordability. Wool provides excellent insulating qualities and softness while nylon offers stain resistance and ease of cleaning. This combination ensures that the carpet maintains its appearance and comfort over time, even in high-traffic areas.

Wool and Cotton Blend Carpets

• Versatile and Stylish: Cotton is often blended with wool to create carpets that are perfect for smaller areas such as kitchens, hallways, or stairways. Cotton’s ability to retain dyes enhances the carpet’s colour vibrancy and design versatility. While cotton alone can be expensive, blending it with wool offers a cost-effective way to enjoy its benefits.
• Design Options: Wool-cotton blend carpets come in a variety of colours and designs, making them a stylish choice for both residential and commercial settings. The blend combines the softness of wool with the versatility of cotton, adding aesthetic appeal to any space.

Wool and Silk Blend Carpets

• Luxurious and Elegant: Silk’s luxurious softness pairs beautifully with the durability of wool, resulting in a carpet that combines elegance with practicality. Silk adds a refined sheen, while wool provides a sturdy base. Large wool and silk blend rugs often feature intricate designs, enhancing the visual appeal of any room.
• Aesthetic Impact: These carpets are ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to living spaces and are particularly suitable for commercial environments where both appearance and durability are essential.

Things to consider when buying wool blend carpets:

Carpet Colours

When choosing a carpet colour, consider that lighter shades may show dirt more readily than darker hues. For a more neutral and stain-resistant option, shades like grey or beige are ideal. For a bold statement, deep blues or reds can add vibrancy to your space. Textured patterns can also enhance visual interest without compromising functionality.

Maintenance Tips

To keep a wool blend carpet in top condition, regular vacuuming and professional cleaning are essential. Vacuum with a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fibres. For spills, blot immediately with a clean, white cloth—avoid rubbing. For persistent stains, spot clean with a mild detergent or carpet cleaner, or consult a professional carpet cleaner for best results.

The verdict – Pure Wool VS Blended Wool Carpet

So, if you are someone looking to buy a carpet but aren’t too sure whether to get a pure wool or wool blend carpet, here’s a quick guide to help you decide based on you situation:

Consider buying a natural wool carpet if you:

• are willing to spend a little extra in exchange for some luxury and an unbeatable soft feel
• don’t have messy young kids or your kids are on the older side
• want the best quality wool
• want something nice underfoot for an office room

Consider buying a wool blend carpet if you:

• still want a high quality carpet but don’t exactly have the money for a 100% natural wool carpet
• have young kids prone to spilling liquids or foods
• don’t have so much time to clean and maintain a carpet in case it gets dirty