What is the Otago Washable Wool Berber Cut Pile Rug?
The Otago Washable Wool Berber Cut Pile Rug is a premium addition to Double's New Zealand Wool Collection. Crafted from 100% New Zealand wool pile with a 100% organic cotton canvas backing, this rug features a plush 18-20mm cut pile height in a classic Berber style. Our Otago offers the luxurious look and feel of traditional Berber rugs while being completely machine washable. It's designed to compete with high-end designer rugs at a more accessible price point, delivering both exceptional quality and practical functionality for contemporary homes.

What makes New Zealand wool special for the Otago Berber Cut Pile?
New Zealand wool is renowned for its exceptional quality, featuring superior colour quality and cleaner fibres that hold dyes better for more vibrant, consistent colouring. New Zealand has been synonymous with premium wool production, with sheep farming forming the backbone of the country's economy for generations. The pristine landscapes where sheep roam freely inspired the Otago name, referencing a region in New Zealand known for its beautiful scenery and sheep farming heritage. This New Zealand wool texture creates a substantial, plush feel that's both luxurious and durable.

What sizes and colours are available for the Otago Berber Cut Pile?
The Otago Washable Wool Berber Cut Pile Rug is available in four generous sizes: 160×230cm, 200×300cm, 250×350cm, and 300×400cm, making it suitable for various room dimensions. The collection comes in five sophisticated colourways: Blue Ash, Beige, Taupe, Terracotta, and Dark Olive. These timeless options were carefully selected to complement a wide range of interior styles while showcasing the premium quality of the New Zealand wool. Each colour maintains the classic appeal of traditional Berber rugs while offering design flexibility for various home aesthetics.

How is the Otago Berber Cut Pile constructed?
The Otago Berber Cut Pile is crafted using an innovative table tufting method, where each wool tuft is mechanically inserted through an organic cotton canvas base. This specialised construction creates a plush yet durable 18-20mm pile height that captures the essence of traditional Berber rugs. Each tuft is secured with washable, water-resistant binding that remains intact even through washing cycles. This construction allows for superior yarn anchoring, consistent pile height, and better backing adhesion—engineering advancements that enable this premium wool rug to be machine washable while maintaining its luxurious appearance and texture.

What is the history behind Berber rugs?
Berber refers to a style of carpet weaving that originated in North Africa by the Berber people, making it traditionally considered a Moroccan style rug. These rugs have been crafted for generations, valued for their distinctive texture and durability. While traditional Berber rugs often feature a loop pile construction, our interpretation uses a cut pile design that offers enhanced comfort underfoot while maintaining the characteristic Berber aesthetic. Our Otago Berber rug honours this rich heritage while incorporating modern innovations that make it suitable for contemporary living—most notably, the ability to be machine washed.

How does the Otago compare to traditional designer Berber rugs?
The Otago Washable Wool Berber Cut Pile offers several advantages over traditional designer Berber rugs. While conventional high-end Berber rugs require professional cleaning and careful maintenance, our Otago is fully machine washable. The 18-20mm pile height offers practical luxury with a substantial feel underfoot. Unlike traditional hand-knotted rugs where knots can loosen in washing machines and agitation can cause unravelling, our table-tufted construction creates secure, washable bonds that maintain structural integrity. The Otago provides the elevated look of designer Berber rugs at up to 50% less than competitors, while adding unprecedented practicality through its washable innovation.

How do I wash my Otago Berber Cut Pile Rug?
Caring for your Otago Berber rug is straightforward. Remove loose dirt with gentle vacuuming, avoiding harsh brushes that could damage the fibres. For deeper cleaning, machine wash cold on a delicate cycle using a wool-specific detergent. Skip fabric softeners and bleach as they can damage the natural fibres. Begin by air drying your rug to allow it to release moisture naturally. Once it's only minimally damp, you can place it in the dryer on low heat for a final cycle to achieve a soft, fluffy texture. Spot cleaning is always a safe option for addressing specific stains or marks. For larger sizes (250×300cm and above), commercial washing machines are recommended.

How long does it take for the Otago Berber Cut Pile to dry?
Due to its efficient construction, the Otago Berber Cut Pile typically takes approximately 12-24 hours to dry completely. This is significantly faster than many washable rugs thanks to our innovative design. The Otago is moisture-resistant, allowing superior water release during the spin cycle. Additionally, 100% New Zealand wool naturally releases water efficiently. For best results, ensure a thorough spin cycle in your washer and lay the rug flat in a well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight speeds the process, though indoor drying with fan circulation works well too. Avoid draping which can affect pile direction.

Will my Otago Berber Cut Pile shed?
Some initial shedding is normal with any natural wool product. However, our Otago Berber Cut Pile features an anti-shed treatment (BONDEX® 1520: Styrene Acrylic Co-polymer Emulsion) that significantly minimises fibre loss. You may notice some wool fibres in the water during the first few washes within 3-4 months—this is completely normal and will diminish over time. The high wool consumption of 2.40kg per square meter creates a dense, substantial rug that maintains its integrity even with repeated washing. The secure yarn anchoring from our table tufting method prevents excessive shedding during regular use, keeping your rug looking pristine for years.

What sustainable practices are involved in creating the Otago Berber Cut Pile?
The Otago Berber Cut Pile reflects our commitment to sustainability throughout its production journey. We source 100% New Zealand wool, a natural, biodegradable, and renewable resource that requires annual shearing for the sheep's health. Our manufacturing takes place in a SMETA-certified facility (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) with a Green Category classification—the lowest environmental impact rating in India's industrial system. The rug features azo-free dyes, which are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safer for sensitive skin. The machine-washable design eliminates the need for chemical cleaners and professional cleaning services, reducing your carbon footprint over the product's lifetime. Additionally, the durable construction extends the product's lifespan.

What certifications does the Otago Berber Cut Pile have?
The Otago Berber Cut Pile carries the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, ensuring it is free from harmful substances and safe for use in your home. This rigorous international standard for textile safety covers both the organic cotton canvas backing and the New Zealand wool pile. Our manufacturing partner holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, meaning they maintain a comprehensive quality management system that meets international standards, ensuring consistent product quality through standardised processes and continuous improvement. We're also proud members of Care & Fair, an initiative against child labour in the rug industry, further reflecting our commitment to ethical production practices throughout our supply chain.

How does the Otago Berber Cut Pile support sustainable living?
Beyond its ethical production, the Otago Berber Cut Pile supports sustainable living in your home through several key features. Its machine washability eliminates the need for chemical-intensive professional cleaning services, reducing environmental impact over the rug's lifetime. The 100% natural materials—New Zealand wool and organic cotton canvas—are biodegradable and free from synthetic materials that can shed microplastics. The durable construction and timeless design create a long-lasting product that won't need frequent replacement, aligning with principles of conscious consumption. By choosing the Otago, you're investing in a premium product that minimises environmental impact while elevating your living space with authentic, natural materials.

How can I style the Otago Berber Cut Pile in my home?
The Otago Berber Cut Pile offers versatile styling possibilities across various interior aesthetics. Its 18-20mm pile height provides substantial comfort underfoot while maintaining a practical profile that works beautifully in both high-traffic areas and formal spaces. The five colourways—Blue Ash, Beige, Taupe, Terracotta, and Dark Olive—complement contemporary, traditional, and transitional interiors alike. Style with architectural elements and natural materials to emphasise its premium character. The Otago works exceptionally well in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, creating a sophisticated foundation for furniture groupings. For maximum design impact, consider interior spaces with interesting natural textures that highlight the rug's subtle pattern and luxurious pile.

How does the Otago Berber Cut Pile perform in high-traffic areas?
The Otago Berber Cut Pile is engineered for exceptional performance in high-traffic areas. The 18-20mm pile height offers the perfect balance of comfort and practicality, while the dense construction prevents crushing and flattening under furniture or frequent foot traffic. The table-tufted construction creates secure, washable bonds that maintain structural integrity even with regular use. The anti-shed treatment ensures minimal fibre loss even in busy areas of your home. One of the greatest advantages of the Otago is its machine washability—when inevitable spills or soiling occur in high-traffic zones, you can simply wash the rug rather than requiring professional cleaning. This makes it ideal for entryways, hallways, living rooms, and dining areas.

Is the Otago Berber Cut Pile suitable for homes with pets or children?
Yes, the Otago Berber Cut Pile is an excellent choice for homes with pets and children. The machine-washable construction means you can easily clean up after inevitable spills and accidents without specialised cleaning methods. The 100% New Zealand wool naturally resists stains and dirt, while the secure yarn anchoring prevents pulling even when exposed to pet claws or children's play. The non-toxic, azo-free dyes make it safe for all family members, including those with sensitive skin. The 18-20mm pile height is substantial enough to provide comfort but not so high that it traps excessive pet hair or creates a tripping hazard for small children. The Otago provides the perfect balance of design-forward elegance and practical durability for active households.