Wool floor rug - Claire Grey

Sheep's wool is the basis of this rug, and owes its dirt and moisture repellent properties to lanolin, the wool's own natural grease, which also insulates against the cold and muffles sound better than a hard floor. In the first few weeks the fibre may shed slightly, a normal trait that settles down with regular vacuuming. Because wool rugs are often hand knotted or hand woven, small irregularities and slight size variations are normal.

Vacuum twice a week with the brush retracted, this also reduces shedding on a new wool rug. Blot a spill immediately with a clean, slightly damp cloth without rubbing, so dirt does not work further into the fibre. Wool dries more slowly than other materials, so avoid getting it too wet. Shake the rug out outside occasionally for a deeper clean between vacuuming.

Viscose is derived from wood pulp and processed into a fibre with a subtle sheen, giving the surface a refined finish, though the same production process leaves the fibre vulnerable to water and friction. Viscose is also naturally hypoallergenic.

Blot a spill with a dry cloth, avoid soft soap, this damages the glossy fibre. Do not walk on the rug in shoes, and always use a nonslip rug underlay: it keeps the rug in place and extends its lifespan.