High-pile floor rug - Richmond Anthracite 905

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.

Polypropylene is a hard wearing synthetic fibre that repels moisture, so spills do not soak in quickly and are easy to blot away, even with intensive use. Because the dense fibre structure does not hold onto dust mites, the rug is also hypoallergenic, and with a fully synthetic backing it is suitable for outdoor use too. Machine weaving also gives a neat, even surface.

Dirt barely works into the fibre, making this rug easier to maintain than a natural rug: vacuum regularly and blot a spill with a damp cloth. If suitable for outdoor use, rinse with a garden hose and leave to air dry. Store an outdoor rug rolled up over winter, not folded, to avoid sharp creases.

Polyester is a strong synthetic fibre that does not stretch easily, keeping this rug in shape even with daily use. The fibre repels moisture and is hypoallergenic; spills are easy to blot away with a damp cloth.

Polyester, like polypropylene, is easy to keep clean: vacuum regularly and blot a spill with a damp cloth, the synthetic fibre releases dirt easily.