Q&A: Dyson Vacuum and a Hard Twist Tufted Rug

Question:

I purchased a hand tufted 8x10 rug made in India of new wool. I think it is probably a hard twisted rug because some of the yarns do turn back and the rug has an almost berber like look and feel. The surface has a look that is very textured.  The problem is I have had this rug for almost a year and it sheds continuously. And by shedding I mean it will put quite a bit of wool into my Dyson. It really does not feel at all soft, I would have to describe it as having a scratchy, course texture. Could this just be because the yarns turn back or does the shedding and courseness just amount to a bad rug? What would you give the longevity of such a rug? Might I have recourse with the manufacturer rather than the furniture store through which is was purchased?

Thanks very much!

Thanks for writing in about your carpet and providing detailed information.

If the following seems somewhat critical, out apologies in advance.  We're simply providing information based on our expertise in a forward manner. 

While almost any carefully chosen area rug can visually augment the look and feel of a room, there are certain types we instruct our audience to reconsider prior to purchasing.  Although there are some excellent quality tufted rugs out there, simply put (in general) tufted rugs are not the best investment.  There are many reasons for this:  Know Hand Tufted

Shedding is really not uncommon.  Even for hand knotted rugs.  In a well made carpet with good material inputs and balance in structure, shedding should dissipate after time.  As you mentioned, your rug appears to have hard twisted wool, which can and may develop pulls.  If removed, it can potentially place additional strain on adjacent fibers as density is lessened.

There's really no proper solution to prevent the rug from shedding.  To accurately assess the severity of your situation, we really would have to see the rug in person.  However, other than vacuuming regularly, the only alternative option would be to use a less aggressive vacuum - perhaps one with suction rather than a brush.  This may take more time to 'clean', although in the long run, could prove to keep the rug from shedding exponentially higher amounts down the road.  If you don't already have a suction adapter, we would not recommend the purchase of one.  A dyson is a great vacuum, and will be well suited for a fine quality hand knotted rug down the road.

Even if the company you had purchased the carpet from were still in business, there would be little case against them in recovering money.  Perhaps they may replace the carpet if they were still around?  That in itself would be a stretch.  You mentioned a new company [deleted] will be carrying on the designs of Hellenic.  It may be worthwhile to mention to them the experience you've had with this particular line.

Truth be told, tufted rugs are (in our opinion), considered disposable rugs.  Unfortunately, due to high decorative demand, turnover and consumer interest in lower price point area rugs in addition to 'change up' design schemes every few years... These rugs have become well accepted by consumers in the last decade.

As for the longevity of these carpets, it really depends on the extent of shedding and many, many factors.  Additionally, these are very difficult rugs to have cleaned as they're often limited to a simple shampoo on the face of the rug, rather than a full wash.  One bad stain could justify a toss to the curb as traditional, thorough cleaning may be cost prohibitive as replacement for a similar carpet may be as little as twice the investment of cleaning.  With tufted rugs, there's also the problem of deterioration.  Even if the rug was purchased brand new, there's no telling how long it had been in stock for prior to purchase.  If it had been imported 4 years ago but purchased today, generally, that's already 4 years closer to expired lifetime of the latex.

The best thing to do is enjoy the rug for its colors, design and comfort.  Although the shedding you describe may be irritating and cause for concern, it's just one of several potential downsides to a rug which is suited for a lower investment. 

Going forward, we highly recommend consideration of a fine quality hand knotted rug.  With well known established importers of program lines in oriental rugs, there is often a higher degree of oversight and much greater quality control.  In the long run, a well constructed hand knotted carpet with good quality wool will not only be easier to 'maintain', but also be a much more cost effective purchase despite the higher, initial investment.

All the best,

David Dilmaghani
Co-Founder,

Rug Rag

We look forward to talking with anyone who may have questions on or about Oriental Rugs.  We are an Independent Reviewer, and will give you our opinion for any rug, new or old.  Should you have any questions you would like to submit for a blog entry response, please do so, and be sure to include photographs of your rug.  For more i

Share this!