In addition to linen and cotton, wool is one of our tried-and-true, go-to textiles for all over the house. It’s both hardy (as in a dependable wool rug) and luxurious (as in soft sheepskin blankets), and we love the way it looks in all its forms. But wool has other benefits: it’s eco-friendly, water-resistant, antibacterial, and could even help you sleep better. And, it’s the traditional gift for wedding anniversary number seven (in case you want to drop any hints). Here’s what to know about this all-purpose material:

Above: Sheepskins are a natural way of keeping warm in a Vancouver mountain house; see more in Steal This Look: A Ski House in North Vancouver, Sheepskin Included.

1. It’s been around for millennia.

Weaving wool is an ancient practice: the oldest known woven wool textile in Europe was found preserved in a Danish bog, and is estimated to date from 1500 BCE.

2. It doesn’t always come from sheep.

Though we commonly think of wool being made from sheep, when they’re sheared in spring, the wide category of “wool” actually includes textiles made from the fur of alpacas, llamas, camels, goats, and other animals. Cashmere and mohair (both from goats) are types of wool, as is angora.

Above: The trusty service blanket, made from wool. (These are Utility Service Blankets from Schoolhouse; see more picks in 10 Easy Pieces: Camp Blankets.)

3. It wicks moisture.

Fan found out, when she ordered a wool dish-drying mat, that wool is naturally water-resistant (that’s why she dubbed it her life-changing dish drying mat). She noted that, as she says, “when you place just-washed items on the mat, you can actually see drops of water resting on top of the wool.” And: “Whatever water it absorbs eventually evaporates. The mat never feels soggy.” That’s because wool fibers both repel and absorb moisture: the exterior of the fibers is water resistant, but the interior can absorb a huge amount—30 percent of its weight. This makes it a great choice for dish drying mats, bedding, and socks alike: whatever moisture is absorbed will be released, keeping the wearer or sleeper comfortably cool and dry.

4. It has antibacterial properties.

Because wool doesn’t hold moisture, it’s less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, mites, and other unpleasantries: enough to convince us to invest in wool mattress toppers immediately.

5. It’s flame-resistant.

Wool is more flame-resistant than many other fibers; if it does catch fire, it chars and burns out, rather than melting or spreading the flames. This makes it the required choice for carpets on trains and airplanes, as well as for firemen’s uniforms and army blankets.

6. And, it’s biodegradable.

Wool is completely biodegradable, and a renewable resource: sheared sheep, and other animals, will regrow their coats.

Above: Stools stacked with hardy wool throws; photograph by Corinne Gilbert from Expert Advice: How to Decorate Like a Frenchwoman.

7. Itchy? You need a finer wool.