Are wool rugs good for allergy sufferers?
Often a reasonable choice. Wool fibres are relatively coarse and tend to hold dust until vacuumed rather than releasing it into the air, but some people react to wool itself. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum is more important than fibre choice.
The short answer
Often a reasonable choice. Wool fibres are relatively coarse and tend to hold dust until vacuumed rather than releasing it into the air, but some people react to wool itself. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum is more important than fibre choice.
How wool behaves
Wool is naturally resilient: the fibres spring back after being walked on, and their natural lanolin helps them resist soiling. It is warm underfoot, naturally flame-resistant and feels substantial. New wool rugs normally shed loose fibres for the first few weeks, which regular vacuuming removes. Wool absorbs liquid, so spills should be blotted quickly.
Other materials for allergy sufferers
| Material | Verdict for allergy sufferers |
|---|---|
| Wool | Often a reasonable choice |
| Polypropylene | Often a good choice |
| Polyester | Often a good choice |
| Jute | Mixed |
| Viscose | Reasonable |
| Wool and viscose | Reasonable |
| Recycled polyester | Often a good choice |
Verdicts are general, based on how each fibre behaves. Construction, pile height and backing matter as much as fibre, so read the product page for each rug.
Practical tips
Vacuum at least weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum, and consider washable rugs you can clean regularly.
Wool rugs we stock
We currently list 52 wool rugs.
Barnaby Wool Rug in GraphiteWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SageWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SandWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SilverWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in Off WhiteWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Loxley Wool Rug in ChalkWool · 120 x 170 cm
Loxley Wool Rug in LinenWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Loxley Wool Rug in Stone GreyWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Frequently asked questions
Are wool rugs good for allergy sufferers?
Often a reasonable choice. Wool fibres are relatively coarse and tend to hold dust until vacuumed rather than releasing it into the air, but some people react to wool itself. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum is more important than fibre choice.
What is the best rug material for allergy sufferers?
Fibres rated "Yes" in the table above are the usual first choices: .
How do I clean a wool rug?
Wool absorbs liquid, so spills should be blotted quickly.
Does Rug Kingdom deliver free?
Yes. Delivery is free and tracked to England, Wales and mainland Scotland, and you can cancel within 14 days of delivery for any reason.
Related pages
- Wool rugs
- Are polypropylene rugs good for allergy sufferers?
- Are polyester rugs good for allergy sufferers?
- Are jute rugs good for allergy sufferers?
- Wool rugs for homes with pets
- Wool rugs for homes with young children
- Wool rugs for kitchens
Prices, stock and exact specifications change, so always check the product page before you order: every product page lists the maker's size, material, construction and care details. Delivery is free and tracked to England, Wales and mainland Scotland, and you have 14 days to change your mind. See delivery and returns.