What makes New Zealand wool special?

New Zealand wool is renowned globally for its exceptional quality and cleanliness. The wool features superior and cleaner fibres, allowing it to hold dyes better and produce more vibrant, consistent colours. New Zealand's pristine landscapes and sustainable farming practices contribute to wool that's not only beautiful but ethically sourced producing a kinder alternative to traditional sheepskin, making it the perfect foundation for our premium rug collection.

How are these rugs different from your other collections?
Our New Zealand Wool Collection represents Double's strategic move into the premium segment. These rugs feature 100% New Zealand wool pile with 100% organic cotton canvas backing, offering luxury-quality at accessible prices—up to 50% less than competitors. What truly sets them apart is our innovative table tufting technology that allows these premium natural fibre rugs to be fully machine washable, combining high-end design with practical functionality that other wool rugs simply cannot offer.

What textures are available in the New Zealand Wool Collection?
Our New Zealand Wool Collection features a range of distinctive textures that deliver both comfort and character to your space:

Deep Cut Pile – Plush and inviting with generous depth for exceptional comfort.
Ultra-High Pile – Our most luxurious option, featuring dense, premium fibres that create substantial texture and dimension.
Textured Loop – A sophisticated, varied surface that adds subtle visual interest while maintaining durability.

Each texture maintains that unmistakable New Zealand wool quality – naturally soft, wonderfully warm, and surprisingly resilient even in high-traffic areas. Like all our collections, these rugs combine beautiful form with practical function, creating spaces that look good and live better.

How are these rugs manufactured?
Our New Zealand Wool rugs are crafted using an innovative table tufting method, where each wool tuft is mechanically inserted through an organic cotton canvas base and secured with washable, water-resistant binding. Unlike traditional hand-knotted rugs, this technique allows for superior yarn anchoring, consistent pile height, and better backing adhesion—all crucial factors that enable these premium wool rugs to be machine washable while maintaining their shape and integrity through numerous wash cycles.

Why can't traditional wool rugs be machine washed?
Traditional hand-knotted wool rugs cannot be machine washed because their construction relies on tension and friction between threads, which can loosen during washing. When saturated, the foundation threads weaken, knots can unravel during agitation, and traditional glue-based bindings dissolve in water. Additionally, they often use multiple fibre types that react differently to water and dyes that may not be colourfast. Our New Zealand Wool rugs address these issues with secure, washable bonds, single fibre type, specialised backing, and water-resistant bindings that stay secure through wash cycles.

What sizes are available in the New Zealand Wool Collection?
We offer four generous sizes to suit various spaces: 160×230cm, 200×300cm, 250×350cm, and 300×400cm. The Sheepskin rug in particular is available in these same area rug sizes, plus a smaller 75×110cm option perfect for accent spaces. This range of dimensions ensures our New Zealand Wool Collection can accommodate everything from cosy reading nooks to expansive living rooms.

How do I wash my New Zealand Wool rug?
Caring for your New Zealand Wool rug is simple. Spot cleaning is always a safe and effective option for addressing specific stains or marks. For general maintenance, remove loose dirt with gentle vacuuming and avoid harsh brushes. When deeper cleaning is necessary, 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. We recommend front loading washers to avoid matting and further shedding of the rug over time.

How long does it take for these rugs to dry?
Our New Zealand Wool rugs dry significantly faster than traditional washable rugs due to their innovative construction. Drying typically takes approximately 12–36 hours. This efficiency is possible because our rugs feature moisture-resistant materials that dry faster in your washing machine, getting your stylish rug back on the floor where it belongs—quicker and cleaner. Additionally, 100% New Zealand wool naturally releases water efficiently, and the organic cotton canvas has excellent moisture-wicking properties. For best results, ensure a thorough spin cycle in your washer and lay the rug flat in a well-ventilated area.

Will my New Zealand Wool rug shed?
Some initial shedding is normal with any natural wool product, but our New Zealand Wool rugs feature an anti-shed treatment (BONDEX® 1520: Styrene Acrylic Co-polymer Emulsion) that significantly minimises this. 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 secure yarn anchoring from our table tufting method prevents excessive shedding even during washing, ensuring your rug maintains its luxurious appearance and texture for years to come.

Are these rugs sustainable and ethically produced?
Yes, our New Zealand Wool rugs reflect our commitment to sustainability and ethical production. The 100% New Zealand wool is a renewable, biodegradable resource where sheep are not harmed in the wool collection process. Our manufacturing takes place in a SMETA-certified facility (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) that prohibits child labour and is a member of Care & Fair. The facility holds a Green Category classification—the lowest environmental impact rating in India's industrial categorisation system. Additionally, our rugs feature azo-free dyes, which are non-toxic, biodegradable, and better for both sensitive skin and the environment.

What makes your Sheepskin Pile rug a more ethical alternative to real sheepskin?
Our Sheepskin Pile rug offers the aesthetic and tactile experience of traditional sheepskin without any animal harm. While we still use 100% New Zealand wool that's ethically farmed, we craft it into a high-pile (45 mm) textile that resembles an actual sheepskin, then cut it into a distinctive shape. This creates a cruelty-free alternative that delivers the same luxury and warmth as traditional sheepskin rugs. Additionally, our version is machine washable and more durable, making it a more practical and sustainable choice for modern homes.

What certifications do your New Zealand Wool rugs have?
Our New Zealand Wool rugs are certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and safe for use in your home. The organic cotton canvas backing and wool pile meet this rigorous international standard for textile safety. Additionally, our manufacturing partner is ISO 9001:2015 certified, 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.

How do these rugs compare in price to similar premium wool rugs?
Our New Zealand Wool Collection offers exceptional value, priced up to 50% less than comparable designer rugs while maintaining superior quality and functionality. This pricing strategy is part of our commitment to democratising designer rugs—making premium quality accessible without compromise. Unlike our competitors, we've eliminated unnecessary markups while investing in innovative construction methods that add practical value. The machine-washable feature alone saves you significant money on professional cleaning services over the rug's lifetime.

Can I order swatches before purchasing?
Yes, we offer a convenient swatch kit service to help you make the perfect selection. You can purchase up to 5 swatches for $7 per swatch, and the cost will be deducted from your future rug purchase. Each swatch allows you to experience the exact texture, colour, and quality of our New Zealand Wool Collection before committing to a full-sized rug. This service is particularly valuable for our New Zealand Wool Collection, where feeling the premium texture firsthand truly makes a difference in your decision-making process.