Wall to Wall Wool on the rise...

[Jim Pemberton]

Who'd have thought it?

I've been getting those:"Why does the carpet I'm cleaning smell like sulfur" calls more and more, so I did a little research:

Wool Carpet Market Overview​

The wool carpet market is poised for steady growth due to increasing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly flooring options. Wool carpets are valued for their natural insulation properties, durability, and luxurious texture, making them popular in residential and commercial settings alike. Regions with colder climates particularly favor wool carpets for their warmth and comfort, further driving market demand. Additionally, innovations in manufacturing techniques have enhanced the stain resistance and maintenance ease of wool carpets, expanding their appeal across broader demographics.

Wool Carpet Market Opportunity​

The wool carpet market presents significant opportunities driven by rising environmental consciousness among consumers. Increasing awareness about the environmental impact of synthetic materials has led to a shift towards natural fibers like wool. This trend is supported by the growing preference for sustainable home décor solutions. Manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend by introducing eco-friendly wool carpets that meet both aesthetic and environmental standards. Moreover, the versatility of wool as a material allows for a wide range of designs and textures, catering to diverse consumer preferences and interior styles.

Wool Carpet Market Growth Drivers and Challenges​

Key drivers of growth in the wool carpet market include the expanding construction industry, especially in developing economies, which drives demand for quality flooring solutions. Moreover, the increasing disposable incomes and changing lifestyles of consumers contribute to the demand for premium flooring options such as wool carpets. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs and competition from synthetic carpet alternatives pose significant hurdles. Manufacturers are focusing on technological advancements to mitigate these challenges and enhance the overall value proposition of wool carpets, thereby sustaining growth in the competitive market landscape.

(From: Market Intelligence Growth, July of 2024)

 

[hogjowl]

Even Matt will start seeing it before I do
But I’ve got past experience

 

[Jim Pemberton]

Even Matt will start seeing it before I do
But I’ve got past experience

It is showing up mostly in places that might be slightly more upscale than the little bit of heaven from where you reside (no sarcasm intended...I'd surely live in Prattville before I'd live in a big city).

The majority of cleaners today have never cleaned a wool carpet, only wool area rugs, if those.

 

[BIG WOOD]

Several upscale homes have been growing over here rapidly, so I won't be surprised to see that soon.

Thanks Jim for the update on that.

It seems that the flavor of the month carpet soap needs to have a lower ph of 9-10, instead of 13-14 that all the chemical companies are pushing.

My average treatment mixture is around 10 anyway, but just a heads up for the big wigs.

 

[hogjowl]

You can make that wool pop by descaling it

 

[Jim Pemberton]

Several upscale homes have been growing over here rapidly, so I won't be surprised to see that soon.

Thanks Jim for the update on that.

It seems that the flavor of the month carpet soap needs to have a lower ph of 9-10, instead of 13-14 that all the chemical companies are pushing.

My average treatment mixture is around 10 anyway, but just a heads up for the big wigs.

It isn’t just pH, but how buffered the pH is.

Think of a pH of 9, say, that isn’t buffered (safe for most wool) as a 6’ tall man, alone.

Think of a buffered pH of 9 (most all synthetic fiber presprays of any pH are buffered) as a dozen 6’ tall men.

None are taller than 6’, but together are stronger than the one 6’ tall man.

 

[icleancarpetz]

I’ve done them and still do.
Upscale homes for sure. You won’t see them in your normal folk home that’s for sure.

From reading the article Jim shared, I never thought of how much warmth wool carpets can be to a home. Amazing.

 

[roro]

Keep in mind that wool is like a natural air conditioner and will take in and release moisture so sometimes once it is dry it will feel cool, and your customers may think that it is still wet. All it is doing is going back to its natural state of equilibrium which can take a couple of days.
Telling them this before you clean is an explanation. Telling them after can be seen as an excuse.

 

[hogjowl]

The last thing we need down here is warmth in our homes

 

[icleancarpetz]

Keep in mind that wool is like a natural air conditioner and will take in and release moisture so sometimes once it is dry it will feel cool, and your customers may think that it is still wet. All it is doing is going back to its natural state of equilibrium which can take a couple of days.
Telling them this before you clean is an explanation. Telling them after can be seen as an excuse.

Thanks for sharing!