“Will My Rug Shed?” Here's What You Need to Know
It’s a question we hear time and time again—usually after someone has experienced the frustration of rug shedding for themselves. Shedding isn't always top of mind when you're choosing a rug, but once you’ve seen those little woolly tumbleweeds around your home, it quickly becomes a concern.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through which types of rugs are more prone to shedding and which aren’t. And if you’ve already got a rug that’s shedding like crazy, don’t worry—we’ve got practical tips to help manage and reduce it, too.
Rugs That Shed vs. Rugs That Don’t
Handmade vs. Machine-Made Rugs
Let’s start with the basics. Handmade rugs, made using natural fibres like wool, cotton, and silk, are typically much less prone to shedding than their synthetic, machine-made counterparts.
Synthetic fibres (like viscose, acrylic, and nylon) are weaker and wear down more easily with foot traffic—leading to constant shedding. These rugs often start off looking great, but the shedding tends to worsen over time.
Handmade rugs, especially hand-knotted ones, may shed a little in the first few months, but it tapers off quickly. That's because each knot is securely tied into a cotton (or sometimes silk) foundation, which holds the fibres in place long-term.
In contrast, many machine-made rugs are tufted by punching yarn through a latex base, which cracks and breaks down over time—causing fibres to fall out more and more.
So, if minimal shed is your goal, opt for handmade. Yes, they come at a higher price point, but the quality, longevity, and ease of maintenance are well worth it.
That said, if you’re working with a tighter budget, consider a flatweave rug (like Kilims), or even jute rugs—these can be more affordable and are also low-shed options.
The Shedding Scale: From None to a Little
Zero Shed: Flatweave Kilim Rugs
Flatweaves—like our Kilim rugs—have no pile, meaning there's essentially nothing to shed. These rugs are woven (not knotted), using vertical and horizontal threads interlocked on a loom. Any shedding that does happen will be minimal and practically invisible.
✨ Top Picks: INDIGO, MEADOW, BOBBI
🛒 Shop Kilim Rugs
Minimal Shed: Hand-Knotted Wool, Silk & Blends
Persian, Afghan, and Indian rugs fall into this category. These are made with strong, natural fibres: 100% wool, or wool blended with silk, on either a cotton or silk foundation. Being hand-knotted, they’re incredibly durable, and any shedding is usually minor and short-lived.
✨ Top Picks: TAD, IRIS, OCTAVIA
🧵 Learn more about how they’re made
Initial Shed (First Few Months): Moroccan Berber Rugs
Moroccan Beni Ourain rugs are hugely popular for their plush pile and timeless design. But they can be a bit more complex when it comes to shedding.
Mass-produced versions found at large retailers are often synthetic and machine-made—these will shed a lot. Then there’s the “market quality” type, which are handmade but use lower-grade “dead wool” from local markets. These rugs are typically less dense, loosely knotted, and therefore prone to prolonged shedding.
At Lilla Rugs, we source high-quality Berber rugs made with Atlas Mountain wool—a longer-fibre wool from high altitudes. These shed in the first couple of months, due to their thick pile and leftover fibres from the weaving process, but it fades away over time. Once settled, they’re incredibly hardwearing and suitable even for high-traffic spaces.
✨ Top Picks: EDIE, GABRIEL, MATCHA
Got a Shedding Rug? Try These 4 Tips
If your rug is already shedding, here’s how to calm it down:
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Vacuum Gently but Often
Use a low-suction setting without a rotating brush. This helps remove loose fibres without pulling out more. -
Use an Underlay
A good underlay reduces friction and movement, which can contribute to excess shedding. (We stock a great one—here) -
Brush It Out
A soft broom or rug rake helps lift loose fibres gently without damaging the weave. -
Reposition Strategically
Move shedding-prone rugs to lower traffic areas while they settle.
Whether you’re in the market for a new rug or just trying to tame the one you have, we hope this guide helps. As always, feel free to get in touch with any questions—we’re happy to help you find the perfect low-shed option for your space.
Want help choosing the right rug? Pop into our showroom or drop us a message (info@lillarugs.com)—we love matching people with their perfect piece.
