Just like the wool in your mittens, a wool rug comes from machine processed strands of wool taken from sheep or goats.  The natural properties of this fiber give these rugs qualities that are unmatched by any other fiber; synthetic or natural.  Wool is naturally elastic, which gives the area rugs their durability.  Wool rugs will survive in any traffic situation, and maintain their form.  It is not uncommon for machine woven wool rugs to survive twenty to thirty years, while hand-tufted wool rugs can last beyond fifty.  A wool rug is an investment that will pay itself off many times over.

Wool is also water resistant, as well as fire resistant!  The water resistant factor makes cleanup a breeze, as it normally takes simple blotting to soak up a spill leaving no stain at all.  Deeper cleans can be done with a vacuum, and again the durability makes this a safe procedure.  The fire resistant factor is most clearly demonstrated by firemen - you'll often find them wearing wool material as a part of their suit.  Wool can catch fire, but will not support a flame.

A less known fact about wool rugs is that due to their thick weave, they are quite efficient at absorbing sound.  You'll often find them in concert halls and airports, where extra noise is abundant. 

Wool Rugs are also friendly on the environment.  As long as our sheep and goats are healthy, they will keep producing the wool needed for rugs and clothing.  The long life of these products also make them very environmentally friendly.

It is true that wool rugs and the increasingly popular New Zealand wool rugs are more expensive than artificial fiber area rugs, but the reasons are clear and the money is well spent.