Wool & Shaggy Rug Shedding: What to Expect

Shedding is a normal and expected characteristic of wool rugs and many shaggy or high-pile rugs. Loose fibres can work their way out of the pile, particularly when the rug is new and during its initial period of use.

We recommend reading the full product description and specifications before purchasing, particularly when choosing a wool, natural-fibre, shaggy or high-pile rug.

• Wool rugs naturally shed fibres, particularly when new.
• Many shaggy and high-pile rugs can also release loose fibres as part of their normal use.
• Initial shedding will often reduce with normal use and appropriate vacuuming.
• Some rugs can continue to shed to a degree throughout their lifespan.
• The amount of shedding can vary depending on the material, construction, pile, traffic and care of the individual rug.

Wool is a natural fibre. During manufacturing, cutting and finishing, small and loose fibres can remain within the pile. These fibres can gradually work their way to the surface as the rug is walked on and vacuumed.

The amount and duration of shedding can differ between individual rugs depending on factors such as the type of wool, construction, pile density and manufacturing method.

Genuine sheepskin and other natural-fibre rugs can also release loose fibres and show natural variation in texture, appearance and density.

Because these are natural materials, individual pieces should not be expected to have the complete uniformity of a machine-made synthetic product.

Plush shaggy and high-pile rugs have longer fibres than short-pile rugs and can therefore show pile movement, compression, flattening and loose fibres more noticeably.

This is particularly relevant to deep-pile ranges such as Montana, Polar, Sierra 9000, Olympia 3D Shaggy, Plush and Barnaby.

• Long fibres can move and settle with use.
• Pile can flatten or compress in frequently walked-on areas or beneath furniture.
• Loose fibres can work their way out of the pile.
• Occasional longer or sprouting fibres can become visible.

An occasional fibre or yarn end may protrude slightly above the surrounding pile. This is commonly referred to as sprouting and can occur with wool, handmade and high-pile rugs.

An isolated protruding fibre can normally be carefully trimmed level with the surrounding pile using scissors.

Rugs are textile products and different materials and manufacturing methods naturally produce different characteristics.

• Wool rugs: natural shedding, particularly when new.
• Sheepskin rugs: natural fibre, texture, appearance and shedding variation.
• Shaggy and high-pile rugs: pile movement, compression, flattening and some shedding.
• Handmade rugs: natural variations in weave, dimensions, pattern placement, texture and finish.
• Natural fibres: tonal, texture and fibre variation.
• Rolled rugs: temporary creases, curling or pile compression after storage and transport.

• Vacuum regularly using suction only where recommended for the rug.
• Avoid aggressive vacuum settings or a rotating beater bar on delicate wool, viscose or long-pile rugs.
• Vacuum gently and avoid repeatedly passing over the same area unnecessarily.
• Trim isolated protruding fibres rather than pulling them.
• Rotate the rug periodically to help distribute traffic and wear more evenly.
• An appropriate anti-slip rug mat can help reduce movement.
• Always follow any product-specific care instructions supplied for your rug.

Although shedding can be an expected characteristic, this does not mean that every possible fibre-loss issue must automatically be considered normal.

If you believe the shedding is abnormal or excessive for the rug's age, material, construction and level of use, or you believe there is an underlying construction problem, you can submit a manufacturing defect claim for assessment.

Examples of concerns worth reporting can include unusual or localised fibre loss, visible deterioration of the construction, or shedding that appears materially different from the expected characteristics described for the rug.

If you believe the shedding or fibre loss goes beyond the normal characteristics of the rug, submit a manufacturing defect claim through our Returns Portal.

• Select the appropriate manufacturing defect or fault reason.
• Explain why you believe the shedding is abnormal.
• Provide clear photographs showing the overall rug and the affected areas.
• Include any other relevant information about the age, use and care of the rug.

Manufacturer assessment forms part of our evidence and claims process but does not replace your statutory rights or Rug Love's responsibilities as the retailer.

If you are reporting a suspected manufacturing defect after the Returns Portal submission period has elapsed, for example where an issue develops or becomes apparent more than two weeks after delivery, please email us or submit a Support Request through our AI chatbot.

Please provide your Rug Love order number, a clear description of the issue and clear photographs showing the rug and the concern so we can submit the defect claim to the relevant manufacturer for assessment.

Reporting an issue promptly is helpful to the evidence and investigation process, but it does not replace or reduce any statutory rights you may have.

If the rug is behaving as expected but you decide that the normal shedding characteristics of wool, shaggy or high-pile construction are unsuitable for your home or personal preference, this is different from a manufacturing defect.

If you are within the applicable return period, you can register the rug as an unwanted or unsuitable return through our Returns Portal.

We aim to give customers as much practical information as possible before purchasing, including relevant material, construction and care information.

We also recommend reviewing the relevant guidance for the type of rug you are considering:

• Hand-Made Rugs Disclaimer
• Product Colour & Design Disclaimer
• Wool & Shaggy Rugs Shedding Disclaimer
• Rug Warranty & Defects Policy

For returns and claims within the applicable portal period, all return types and claims start through our self-service Returns Portal.

• Normal shedding but unsuitable for you: select the appropriate unwanted or unsuitable return reason.
• Suspected abnormal shedding or fibre loss: select the appropriate manufacturing defect reason and provide photographs and details.

• Wool rugs naturally shed fibres, particularly when new.
• Many shaggy and high-pile rugs can also shed and show pile movement or compression.
• Expected shedding is stated within relevant wool and shaggy rug product descriptions before purchase.
• The amount of shedding can differ between rug materials, constructions and individual rugs.
• Some rugs can continue to shed to a degree throughout their lifespan.
• Normal shedding does not automatically indicate a manufacturing defect.
• Abnormal or excessive fibre loss can still be submitted for assessment.
• Sprouting or isolated protruding fibres can occur with wool, handmade and high-pile rugs; trim rather than pull.
• If shedding is unsuitable for your requirements, consider a low-shedding synthetic rug.

If anything above is unclear, you are unsure whether the shedding you are experiencing is normal, or you need help submitting a claim, please submit a Support Request through our AI chatbot.

• Select “Submit Support Request” if you need a member of our team.
• We aim to respond within 3 business hours during Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.
• Please include your name, Rug Love order number and a clear explanation of the issue.
• For a suspected manufacturing defect, please include clear photographs of the overall rug and the specific area of concern.