We know it can be alarming to see your beautiful new wool rug shedding fibers across your floor. You might be wondering if something's wrong with your rug. Don't worry! This is completely normal. All handmade wool rugs shed during their first few months, and it's not a defect. It's a natural breaking-in process.
How much your rug sheds and how long it lasts depends on the construction method. In this guide, we'll explain why shedding happens, what timeframe to expect for different rug types, and how to manage it while your rug settles into its final form.
Why Wool Rugs Shed
Shedding is completely normal and temporary for handmade wool rugs. It's actually a sign of authentic, quality materials. Your rug sheds because of loose fiber ends created during the construction and trimming process, combined with wool's natural structure that gradually releases short fibers during the first months of use.
Excess Fibers from the Construction Process
Whether your rug is hand-knotted, hand-tufted, or hand-loomed, the artisanal construction process creates loose fiber ends. In hand-knotted rugs, artisans tie thousands of individual knots that are then trimmed to create an even surface. In hand-tufted rugs, yarn is punched through backing material and secured with latex.
Regardless of the technique, the trimming and finishing process leaves short fiber ends that aren't fully secured in the structure. They're held in place only by compression from surrounding fibers. As you walk on your rug and vacuum it, these excess fibers gradually work their way to the surface and release, allowing your rug to settle into its final form.
The Natural Properties of Wool Fiber
Wool isn't a smooth fiber. Under a microscope, you'd see tiny scales covering each strand, similar to shingles on a roof. New wool that hasn't been compressed through use retains more of these loose scales and shorter fibers that naturally break away during the first months of use. This is particularly true for premium, minimally processed wool like New Zealand wool, which maintains more of its natural character and hasn't been heavily treated with chemicals to artificially reduce shedding.
Image: Stoves, J.L. (1936), NIST
Higher Quality Often Means More Initial Shedding
This might seem counterintuitive, but hand-spun or loosely twisted wool (hallmarks of artisanal quality) typically shed more than heavily processed, commercial yarn. The trade-off is a softer, more luxurious feel and better long-term durability. Machine-made rugs with synthetic fibers or heavily treated wool may shed less initially, but they lack the depth, texture, and longevity of authentic handmade pieces.
How Long Does Shedding Last?
The good news: Shedding is temporary. Most handmade wool rugs shed for 1-6 months depending on the construction method. Hand-knotted and hand-loomed rugs shed for 1-3 months, hand-tufted rugs for 2-4 months, and shag rugs for 3-6 months. Flatweave rugs don't shed at all. The shedding doesn't harm your rug's structure or reduce its lifespan. In fact, properly cared for handmade wool rugs can last generations. You're simply experiencing the natural breaking-in period of a genuine wool piece.
How Construction Method Affects Shedding
Not all rug techniques shed equally. The construction method directly impacts how much and how long your rug will shed:
- Hand-Knotted and Hand-Loomed Rugs typically shed for 1-3 months. While each knot is individually tied and trimmed, the tight compression of the knot structure means fewer loose fibers overall.
- Hand-Tufted Rugs usually shed for 2-4 months. The tufting process and latex backing create more surface fiber ends that need time to work their way out.
- Shag Rugs have the longest shedding period at 3-6 months due to their longer pile height. The extended fibers take more time to settle and compress into their final form.
- Flatweave Rugs (like kilims or dhurries) don't shed at all. With no pile and yarn woven tightly into the structure, there are no loose fiber ends to release.
How to Manage Rug Shedding
You can't completely stop shedding during the breaking-in period, but you can manage it effectively and avoid making it worse. Here's how to care for your rug while it settles.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum once or twice a week using your normal carpet setting. Regular vacuuming actually helps speed up the shedding process by removing loose fibers that are ready to come out. Our rugs are durable enough to handle standard vacuum settings - you don't need special equipment or suction-only modes.
Use a Quality Rug Pad
A proper rug pad reduces friction between your rug and the floor, minimizing the movement that can accelerate fiber loss. Look for a pad designed for your specific flooring type.
Rotate Your Rug
Rotate your rug every few months to distribute wear evenly. This helps it move through the shedding phase more uniformly and maintains consistent appearance, especially in high-traffic areas or direct sunlight.
Don't Pull Loose Fibers
If you notice a fiber sticking up above the surface, use scissors to carefully trim it flush rather than pulling it out, which can affect surrounding fibers.
For complete care guidance, visit our Rug Care Guide.
When To Be Concerned
While shedding is completely normal for handmade wool rugs, there are a few signs that something may be wrong:
- Your rug continues shedding heavily beyond the typical timeframe for its construction type (see chart above)
- You notice bald spots or patches where the backing is visible
- The shedding seems excessive compared to what's described in this guide
If you notice any of these signs, please contact us at hello@shop-jubi.com. We stand behind the quality of every rug we create and want to make sure your piece performs as expected.
In the vast majority of cases, what you're experiencing is completely normal. The shedding will taper off on its own as your rug settles into its final form.
