We all want our homes to be as safe and clean as possible – we scrub the tub, wipe the stools, wash the sheets. But what about the dirt you can’t see? The answer is simple if you choose the right carpet.

Wool carpets are scientifically proven to purify indoor air. It’s true – by choosing a wool carpet, you can improve indoor air quality and keep your home, office (or home office) healthy and comfortable all year round.

Research by scientists at New Zealand’s Agricultural Research Institute (AgResearch) shows that wool carpets can significantly improve indoor air quality by quickly absorbing common pollutants such as formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are released by many common household items, such as cleaners, disinfectants, air fresheners, printers and even home decorations.

Not only does wool neutralize these pollutants faster and more thoroughly than synthetic carpet fibers, it also does not re-emit these pollutants even when heated.

In fact, wool carpets can continue to purify the air for up to 30 years, helping to prevent so-called “sick building syndrome”.

Due to its inherent ecological characteristics, such as being 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable, people are choosing wool more consciously when decorating their homes. In addition to carpets and interior decoration, wool is playing an increasingly important role in home design, with research, manufacturing and design innovations expanding its applications to curtains, bedding, lighting, artwork and decorations. Given its luxurious color, easy maintenance and health-promoting properties, wool is a natural choice for any interior decoration.

When choosing the right wool carpet for your home, look for wool carpets and other wool furniture accessories that are Woolmark certified.

Wool is a resilient home protagonist

The materials used in your home need to be strong enough to withstand daily family use, temporary use by visitors and liquid spills. The natural protective layer of wool fibers makes wool both stain-resistant and odor-free. In addition, it generates much less static electricity than other fibers, so it attracts less dust and dirt.

With product innovation, many wool fabrics are now also machine washable. So, many wool carpets or cushion covers do not need to be hand washed, saving you a lot of time and energy. Even household items like wool blankets can be restored to freshness simply by hanging them out in the open air for a while.

Wool is fire-resistant

Unlike synthetic fibres, wool is naturally fire-resistant, making it the material of choice for public places such as airports, aircraft, hospitals and hotels – and for homes as well.

Wool is a reliable fibre whose inherent chemical structure makes it naturally flame-resistant. Wool is more difficult to ignite than many common textile fibres. Cotton catches fire at 255°C, while wool must reach a melting point of 570-600°C; polyester melts at 252-292°C and nylon at a lower 160-260°C, yet wool never melts, so it does not stick to the skin like many common synthetic materials.