originate natural building materials

Is Wool Carpet a Good Fit for Your Space?

by Kate Maassen
September 12, 2024

Imagine stepping into a room where the floor feels like a cozy embrace—soft, warm, and inviting. That’s the experience of having wool carpet underfoot. Beyond its luxurious feel, wool carpet is like the all-star of home flooring. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, helping to keep your air fresh and clean, while also being incredibly durable, easily bouncing back from daily wear and tear. And did we mention that wool is naturally stain and flame resistant? Yes, we said flame resistant. In the event of a fire, it does not ignite easily and tends to smolder rather than burn, reducing the spread of flames. Sounds pretty incredible! However, not all wool carpets are made equally. There are a lot of other factors to keep an eye out for when shopping around for wool.

McKinley Snowfield Bio-Floor

Earth Weave was the first U.S. based carpet manufacturer to introduce a product line that was made entirely from natural materials. Earth Weave is all about keeping things pure. Earth Weave uses natural rubber as the adhesive to bind the wool face fibers to the backing. They have a double backing system, primary backing is hemp/cotton and the secondary backing is jute. Their wool carpets are made without synthetic dyes, chemicals, or adhesives. It’s like getting an organic, farm-to-table meal versus something from the frozen food aisle. They do not use pesticides or stain protections that are commonly used by other wool carpet manufacturers. Box store wool carpets often contain synthetic backings with materials like PVC, toxic glues, moth proofing and stain resistant chemicals, or even made from blends of wool with other fibers that aren’t as natural. All of these different factors will contribute to a less than ideal indoor air quality.

McKinley Silver Birch Bio-floor, Photo by Logan Havens

Earthweave’s primary material is untreated wool sourced from sheep. This wool is sourced from farms in Britain that adhere to sustainable and ethical practices. Their original Bio-Floor line uses no dyes, the wool is sorted by the natural colors of the sheep, to achieve their different carpet colors. The color tones are often referred to as Heathered as there is a slight variation from the different shades of the sheep’s wool. Earth Weave’s newer line of extra plush carpet, called OrganoSoftColor™, uses organic, low impact dyes. These dyes not only provide rich, warm hues but also ensure that the carpets remain free from harmful synthetic chemicals. The colors in this line are designed to complement a variety of interiors, offering tones that are both sophisticated and grounding, perfect for creating a welcoming and stylish space. To clean and maintain your wool carpet, regularly vacuum using a suction-only attachment to avoid damaging the fibers. For spills, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth—never rub. Use a mild, wool-safe detergent with water for spot cleaning, and avoid harsh chemicals. With proper care, your wool carpet will stay beautiful and durable for years!

Earth Weave carpets are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, focusing on quality over quantity. This means they take the time to ensure each carpet is made to last, with superior craftsmanship. Box store carpets are often mass-produced, which can sometimes mean corners are cut in terms of durability and finish. Polyester carpets often need to be replaced every 5-10 years, and nylon carpets can last about 15 years. However Earth Weave’s wool carpets will last up to 25 years putting them at the top of the list in terms of longevity and durability. And the best part is that at the end of their life cycle they are completely biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about adding a pile of plastic junk to the landfill systems that will never fully break down. This carpet will decompose just as trees, plants, and grass clippings, replenishing the Earth with nutrients as it breaks down. Earth Weave’s wool carpets are the perfect blend of safety, comfort, and sustainability. It’s not just a carpet; it’s a whole vibe that makes your space feel extra special!