As an interior designer, I've always been drawn to the natural beauty and durability of Sisal Rugs and Runners. They bring a touch of organic elegance to any space, but I'm often asked: "Are Sisal Rugs easy to clean?" The good news is, yes! With a little know-how, cleaning Sisal Rugs is a breeze.
I feel like, as busy people, anything we add to our homes has a duty to be practical as well as beautiful. For that reason I've put together my top tips to clean Sisal Rugs easily and without any extra fuss. If you're considering adding a Sisal Runner to your Hallway, or a Sisal Rug to your Living Room, browse our Sisal Rugs Collection.
Regular Maintenance: How to Clean Sisal Rugs Daily
The secret to a long-lasting Sisal Rug? Regular upkeep. Do I mean anything more fancy than a quick hoover? No I don't! Think of it like tending to a regular Wool Rug – a zip over with a vaccum cleaner once a week will go a long way!
See, I told you it would be easy to clean a Sisal Rug!
One thing to keep in mind:
Use the suction only setting! Do not engage the beater bar (that turning tube with bristles on at the front of the machine), because all you need to do is draw away the dirt and debris - a beater bar risks wearing the fibres.
The Occasional Spring Clean: Deep Cleaning Your Sisal Rug
Any floor covering will occasionally need a little extra tender loving care. Regular vaccum cleaning will take care of most dirt, but there will be a slow build-up from foot traffic and so it is important to do an occasional Spring Clean.
Thankfully this isn't a large task either and can be tackled quite easily using the following steps:
Flip your Rug: Depending on the moisture levels in your home, it will need a flip now and then to allow any trapped vapour to evaporate. Flipping your Rug onto its front for an hour or two once a month will ensure no build up. If your Rug is a large one, just flip one end, allow to air and then flip the other.
Treat Your Rug: Once aired out, it is time to give your Rug a Refresh. Debris over time may cause your Rug to look a little wan and darker than it really is. Using a Dry Cleaning Solvent, brush over the surface with a treated brush to revitalise its colour. We've got this fantastic Care and Cleaning Kit, which is gentle, non-toxic to pets, eco friendly and contains everything you need for this process (brush, cloth, etc..)
What about Spills?: How to Clean a Drink Spill off a Sisal Rug
Accidents happen. It's life! Is there anything that can be done? Absolutely! Sisal Rugs can be cleaned, but swift action is crucial, especially with liquids.
Blot, Don't Rub: For spills, grab a clean, dry cloth and blot the area immediately, working from the outside in. This prevents the stain from spreading and helps lift the liquid from the fibers. Remember, blotting is gentle, rubbing can damage the delicate weave.
Dry Cleaning Solvent for Stubborn Stains: Got a stubborn stain that won't budge? A dry-cleaning solvent can be your lifesaver, but always test it on an inconspicuous area first. Sisal can be a bit sensitive, and we want to keep those fibers happy.
Calling in the Professionals: Can Sisal Rugs Be Professionally Cleaned?
I remember working with a client who had a beautiful sisal rug in their dining room. They were nervous about spills and stains. The fateful day came, but after I explained the ease of engaging professional cleaners, they felt much more at ease. And their rug? It looked stunning after each professional treatment!
Sometimes, a deep clean is necessary. I highly recommend doing a professional clean every 12-18 months. Professional cleaners have specialized tools and expertise to refresh your rug without causing any damage.
The important point is that cleaning can be achieved at home, but getting some extra help can save you a lot of time.
What about Robot Vacuums?
I got asked this recently and I honestly had to do a lot of research to find an answer. Here it is:
Most robot vacuums have no issue handling Natural Fiber Sisal Rugs, even if their surfaces are very pronouced. Always check your robot's instructions first and monitor it the first few times it cleans. Typically their bristles are a lot weaker than a standard vacuum cleaner, so they should be fine.
However... some Robots can mop clean and this is very important: Do not allow a robot mop to clean your Rug.
Also, Darker Sisal might mean that the Robot's sensors aren't able to understand the type of surface it is on, so it might need training/correcting. Likewise for dark borders.
If in doubt, set virtual barriers to avoid accidental damage.
What about Sisal Rug Stain Protection?
Sisal rugs can be protected from stains with products like stain guards, stain-resistant rugs, or stain protection services. In our own Rugs this takes the form of Intec Stain Protection.
In essence, is a specialized treatment applied to the fabric of your rugs, runners, and carpets. Its mission? To prevent liquids from soaking into the fibres of the flooring, to repel grime and to reduce the wear resulting from foot traffic.
Intec is water-based and does not contain any harmful solvents or CFCs . That means it is safe to use in children’s rooms, with pets and any room in the home.
Considering Alternatives: Synthetic Sisal Polypropylene Rugs
If you're in a high-traffic area or have little ones prone to spills (let's be honest, we've all been there), Synthetic Sisal Rugs (Polypropylene) are a fantastic alternative. They mimic the natural look of Sisal but are more resilient against moisture and stains and incredibly easy to clean.
A Polypropylene Rug can be placed in a Bathroom, Kitchen, Mud Room, even taken outside onto a patio during the summer as they are UV protected and water resistant.
What About Cleaning Sisal Rug Borders?
The borders of your natural rug, whether made of cotton, linen, or leather, require their own special care:
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. Fabrics like these can be easy to clean but never use anything that might unsettle the colour.
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. A leather cream can help the long term life of your leather, just like with leather shoes.
Conclusion: A Little Love Goes a Long Way to Keeping Your Sisal Rug Beautiful
Sisal rugs bring warmth, texture, and natural beauty to any room. I think it is only fair to give them back as much care and respect as possible for all the work they do to make a home beautiful.
With a few simple cleaning practices, you can keep your Sisal Rug looking its best for years to come, enjoying its timeless appeal and enduring charm. They are a perfect addition to any home, so why not take a look at our Sisal Rug and Runner Range and add to your existing collection or start out fresh with your first. Sisal is a material that is a gift to any space.
I hope that this has helped answer all your questions, but if you need any help at all you can Contact Our Team and we'll be able to help respond to any questions you might have. Every Rug we sell gurantees you access to the best experts and lasting support from us.
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FAQ: How to Clean Natural Sisal
How to Clean a Sisal Carpet or Rug?
Use a vacuum with powerful brush and suction capabilities to remove dirt from between the carpet fibers and on the underlay. Avoid using beater-type cleaners, as they may be less effective because of the carpet's weave.
Click here for a more Comprehensive Guide
Can Sisal Rugs Get Wet?
Do Sisal Rugs Shed?
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Is Sisal Okay Around Pets?
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