sSisal rugs are one of the top flooring investments that impart an elegant and functional touch to your floor surface due to their durable nature and texture. These are crafted using heavy-duty, renewable, and natural sisal fibers from the cactus plant “Agava Sisalana”. Aside from this natural fiber, some other synthetic fibers are also used in the crafting process such as Wool bled or Nylon. Over time, they can become dirty and stained if they are not properly maintained.
The cleaning and maintenance of this rug type require appropriate tools, time, and experience. In this effective guide, Shaggy Rugs has uncovered the complete procedure for DIY cleaning and caring for these rungs. By following this step-by-step guide, you can keep your sisal rug clean and maintained for a long time.
Cleaning & Caring For Sisal Rugs | A DIY Guide
These rugs require a little yet technical effort for cleaning due to their dust, moisture, and stain-resistant nature. If you have a DIY plan to clean these rugs, just follow our steps and collect the essential tools & materials that we mentioned below.
Required Materials For Cleaning
Before initiating the process, you must fulfill these essential items to ensure a flawless or smooth cleaning journey.
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Small Bowel
- Hair dryer
- Microfiber Cloth/ Sponge
- Water Bucket
- Mild Detergent
- Soft Towel
- Broom
1- Dusting /Vacuuming
Generally, two common techniques are used for dusting the rugs or carpets vacuuming and dusting. If you have a high-power vacuum cleaner, you must go with this option, otherwise, you can do dusting by just shaking your rugs.
A- By Vacuuming
The most beneficial aspect of vacuuming is that it improves indoor air quality. Before vacuuming, you must unfold the rug and place it on any plain surface such as a lawn, garage, or bathroom floor. Move the brush attached to the vacuum cleaner on each side of the rug for maximum removal of loose and sticky dust particles. While moving the brush, you must also consider its height from the rug surface for enhanced efficiency.
B- By Shaking
If you go with this dusting option, try to keep your rug on an open surface to prevent the spreading of dust particles on interior amenities and furniture pieces. To shake the rug, you need to hang it over the wall, a sturdy clothes rail, or a metal pipe. After hanging, use a heavy-weight stick to beat the rug surface to remove the loose dust particles from its layers and backing surface.
2- Spot Cleaning
After dusting the rug surface, now, you should clean spills and stains if you find them on its surface. Avoid rubbing stained areas because it can lead to more propagation of stains/spills towards the clean side. If it’s a fresh stain, use soft paper or a dry towel to absorb the staining content from the wet surface.
3- Deep Cleaning
Clean the stained/ dusted rugs completely by preparing an effective cleaning solution.
Formulation Of Cleaning Solution
Try to approach the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solution for more favorable results. If you don’t have a commercial cleaning agent, you can prepare it at home with a simple formulation. Mix the household detergent with clean water in a bucket at an appropriate concentration. Agitate both these ingredients until bubbles have been formed in the solution.
Use a Sponge/Brush For Scrubbing
To scrub the rug, use a soft sponge or brush to avoid damaging its fibers. Dip the sponge or brush into a bucket of detergent solution and then gently rub it on the rug, treating both sides. Begin scrubbing from one edge and gradually work your way to the other. When the brush becomes dirty with soil or mud, rinse it with clean water before scrubbing it.
4- Rinsing Of Rug
After thoroughly yet gently scrubbing the rug, it’s time to rinse it with water. Using a garden hose with a pressurized spray is an effective method to quickly and easily remove dust and detergent residues. Continue rinsing the rug until all the dust and detergent are completely removed, as any remaining wet dust or detergent can lead to mildew or fungal growth.
5- Drying Process & Reuse
This step is crucial after cleaning the rug. To minimize moisture content, use a towel or another absorbent cloth to blot the rug, soaking up most of the water. For optimal drying and air circulation, hang the rug on a clothesline or rail. Allow it to hang for 5-6 hours to ensure maximum air exposure and complete moisture removal.
Tips To Care Sisal Rugs With Little Effort
We have enlisted some vital care tips for sisal rugs that require little maintenance effort.
- Implement a “no shoes indoor” policy to protect your carpet surface from accumulating excessive mud and dust.
- In the case of pet accidents, rinse the affected area with diluted vinegar to eliminate odors and material. Follow up with a disinfectant to eradicate germs.
- To restore these rugs, wash them with non-toxic shampoo and dry them in sunlight until all the moisture content has been removed from the surface.
- Regularly rotate and replace the sisal rugs, especially in commercial areas to distribute wear evenly and reduce the strain from foot traffic.
- Add a shield to your rug/ carpet to protect it from excessive sunlight and rain. This also helps prevent color fading and fiber weakening.
- Annually, clean your carpet with a steam cleaner or hire professional services to remove deeply embedded dirt particles.
Wrapping Up!
Cleaning and maintenance of sisal rugs is not a difficult task rather it requires a regular cleaning strategy to keep it maintained. Shaggy Rugs has described the complete procedure of cleaning these rugs from dusting and spot cleaning to rinsing and drying. We have also enlisted some vital tips to help you care for these rugs regularly. If you have this rug type at your place, consider these tips to enjoy maximum convenience.