Natural Rug Care & Maintenance
At The Natural Rug Company, we believe that every new rug should be a centerpiece of style and comfort. Our range of natural fiber rugs - from the rugged Coir Mats to the lush Wool Rugs, Seagrass, Jute, and beyond - are crafted for durability and beauty. To keep them looking fabulous, it’s all about the right care routine and a bit of TLC for those inevitable spills.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps to keep your natural rug in tip-top shape, covering everything from unpacking and initial care to regular maintenance tips and tackling spills head-on.
Let’s dive into the delightful world of rug care and ensure your floor coverings stay as gorgeous as the day they arrived!
How to Care for your New Rug
Welcoming a new rug into your home is always an exciting moment! To ensure it stays looking fabulous for years to come, it's important to start with the right care. Whether it's a charming Seagrass rug, a cozy Jute piece, or any other natural fiber, these initial care steps are your rug's best friend.
From the moment you unpack it, understanding its backing, and dealing with any initial shedding, we've got you covered. Follow these tips to help your new rug settle in and become a beloved part of your décor, adding warmth and style to your home for years to come. Let's make sure your rug gets the VIP treatment it deserves!
1. Unpacking Your New Rug
Upon delivery, your rug, whether it’s a Seagrass, Jute, or any other, will be rolled around an inner tubing. Exercise caution when removing the outer packaging to prevent any damage to the rug itself.
Lay the rug flat in a moderately warm space, allowing the ambient temperature to smooth out any light wrinkles. This is known as the conditioning period. Note that the character of natural rugs, unlike synthetic materials, may vary. If you have questions during this process, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.
2. Allowing Your Rug to Acclimate
Once unpacked, give your rug some time to acclimate to its new environment. Natural fiber rugs, like those made from Seagrass, Jute, and Sisal, can benefit from a day or two to settle.
This period helps to smooth out any wrinkles or creases from shipping and allows the fibers to adjust to the ambient conditions of your home. Place the rug flat in the room where it will be used, and avoid placing heavy furniture on it immediately to allow it to settle evenly.
3. Addressing Initial Shedding
It's normal for natural fiber rugs, especially those made from wool, to shed a bit initially. This is not a manufacturing defect but a natural characteristic of these materials. During the first few weeks, you might notice fluff and loose fibers.
Regular vacuuming will help manage this shedding. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment suitable for your rug type to lift the fibers gently without causing damage.
General Maintenance Tips
Wondering how to care for your new natural rug? Whether it's a cozy Jute rug, a sophisticated Sisal runner, or a luxurious Wool area rug, maintaining its pristine appearance and longevity requires just a touch more gentleness compared to other rugs. Natural fiber rugs bring a unique blend of beauty and durability to your home, and with the right care, they can remain a stunning feature for years to come.
In this section, we’ll walk you through simple yet effective tips to keep your natural rug looking fresh and beautiful. From regular vacuuming to handling those inevitable spills, we've got you covered. Follow these steps to ensure your natural rug gets the VIP treatment it deserves, adding warmth and style to your home for the long term.
Regular Vacuuming
To keep your rug in top condition, it’s advisable to vacuum your carpet at least once a week. Adjust the frequency based on foot traffic, especially if you have pets or small children. Use a non-beater bar vacuum cleaner for optimal results to prevent damage to the natural fibers.
Handling Mud and Heavy Soiling
In case of substantial soiling, such as mud, let the dirt dry completely before brushing along the weave structure with a stiff brush. This helps to loosen the dirt without embedding it further into the fibers. Our Cleaning Kit includes a brush specifically designed for this purpose. Follow up by vacuuming the rug thoroughly to remove any residual dirt.
Deep Cleaning with Carpet Cleaners
Every few months, consider using a carpet cleaner, particularly if you have pets or allergies. Choose a cleaner specifically designed for your natural rug material. Our Cleaning Kit provides a gentle shampoo and a targeted stain remover. Apply these to a cloth first, not directly to the rug, to avoid over-saturating the fibers.
Dealing with Spillages
Accidents happen, but quick action can prevent lasting damage. If you have applied our Intec Stain Protection Treatment to your natural rug, any spill will rest on the surface of the fibers long enough for you to use paper towels or a dry cloth to mop up the liquid.
For more severe spills, use our Stain Removal & Cleaning Kit, which comes with cleaning solutions, applicators, and full instructions. You can purchase this kit along with your rug or from our Cleaning Kit Page.
Preventing and Treating Stains
Natural materials, including seagrass rugs, are prone to water marking, especially in lighter shades. If you are yet to purchase your rug, you can add stain resistance by treating your Natural Rug with Intec Stain Protection. This water-based treatment, applied before dispatch, is environmentally friendly. Consider adding this protection during checkout for just £3.50 per sq metre. The treatment provides a window of time to address spills before they penetrate the rug’s fibers, ensuring the long-term health of your purchase.
By following these steps, your natural rug will remain a beautiful and enduring addition to your home, providing comfort, style, and durability for years to come. Proper care and maintenance will not only preserve its aesthetic appeal but also extend its lifespan, ensuring your investment pays off.
Now, let’s move on to our detailed guide on cleaning natural rugs for more specific tips and tricks.
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Detailed Natural Rug Cleaning Guide
Wondering how to care for your new natural rug? Whether it's a cozy Jute rug, a sophisticated Sisal runner, or a luxurious Wool area rug, maintaining its pristine appearance and longevity requires just a touch more gentleness compared to other rugs. Natural fiber rugs bring a unique blend of beauty and durability to your home, and with the right care, they can remain a stunning feature for years to come.
In this section, we’ll walk you through simple yet effective tips to keep your natural rug looking fresh and beautiful. From regular vacuuming to handling those inevitable spills, we've got you covered. Follow these steps to ensure your natural rug gets the VIP treatment it deserves, adding warmth and style to your home for the long term.
Natural fibre rugs, including seagrass, sisal, jute, coir, and sisool, are fantastic additions to any home, offering natural beauty and durability. Their hard fibres mean dirt doesn't cling but instead rests loosely in the weave, making them relatively easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming and prompt attention to spills are key to maintaining the appearance of your natural rug.
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Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum your natural rug regularly with a strong suction vacuum. Avoid beater bars and vacuum from different directions to remove dirt effectively. This prevents soil build-up and keeps the rug fresh, which is particularly important in high-traffic areas.
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Avoid Water Saturation: Never steam clean, wet shampoo, or use methods involving water saturation. Use dry cleaning processes instead to maintain the integrity of the natural fibres.
Spot Cleaning
For those inevitable spills, here’s how to handle them efficiently:
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Immediate Action: If you’re fortunate enough to have had our Intec Stain Protection applied to your rug, spills will rest on the surface longer, giving you more time to act. Remove spills promptly by pressing firmly with clean, white paper or cloth towels from the outside of the spill inward. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading.
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Solid Spills: For solid spills like food or pet accidents, scrape up as much as possible with a spoon or a blunt edge. Be careful not to press the solids further into the fibres. Once you’ve removed the bulk of the spill, follow up with blotting to absorb any remaining moisture.
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Stubborn Stains: For red wine, tomato sauce, coffee, or other tough stains, dab with a cloth dampened with sparkling water, then dry with a hairdryer or fan. If necessary, clean with a cloth dampened with mild soap or use our specially formulated Cleaning Kit.
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Dry Cleaning: Use our Cleaning Kit for stubborn spots. Apply the cleaner, brush through the rug, let it dry, then vacuum thoroughly.
Pet Accidents
Pet accidents are common, but with the right approach, your natural rug can remain spotless:
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How to Clean Pet Urine from a Natural Rug: Blot up as much urine as possible by pressing firmly with clean, white paper or cloth towels, working from the outside of the spot inward to avoid spreading. Neutralise the odour by mixing ¼ cup of white vinegar with ¼ cup of water. Dab a towel dampened in the solution on the spot, then blot with a dry towel.
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How to Clean Pet Feces or Vomit from a Natural Rug: Scrape up any excess with a spoon or a blunt edge, working from the outside of the spot inward to avoid spreading. Then follow the procedures for spot cleaning.
Cleaning the Border
The borders of your natural rug, whether made of cotton, linen, or leather, require special care:
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Cotton, Wool and Linen Borders: Lightly vacuum the borders using the same technique as the rug. For spills, use our Cleaning Kit for gentle spot cleaning.
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Leather Borders: Simply wipe the leather with a damp cloth to clean. Avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals to maintain the leather’s quality.
When to Seek Professional Help
While regular maintenance can be done at home, sometimes professional cleaning is necessary. For deeply ingrained dirt, stubborn stains, or delicate rugs, consider professional cleaning every 12-18 months to keep your rug in top condition.
Ensure the professional cleaner understands the specialist requirements needed to clean natural materials like sisal and seagrass, which require very low moisture cleaning methods. Sisal, for example, should be cleaned with a dry compound, while seagrass benefits from careful spot cleaning and minimal moisture.
With these tips and a bit of regular care, your natural rug will remain a beautiful and enduring part of your home décor.