How to Clean Sisal Rugs

Sisal is one of the natural fibers popularly used in the making of area rugs. Sisal is derived from a plant that is native to Central America and which has very strong fibers. Sisal fibers are strong, versatile and flexible, making it a highly conducive material for area rugs.

Made of natural fibers, dust is very easy to clean from bamboo sisal rugs because it tends to settle very loosely among the fibers. Using a vacuum cleaner on a regular basis is sufficient cleaning to remove all the dirt and dust from sisal area rugs. You just need to ensure that you use the vacuum cleaner in many different directions to ensure that even that even deep rooted dust is removed.

While dust is easy to clean from a sisal area rug whether it is 100% bamboo sisal rug or even a wool sisal rug, moisture and humidity are a different matter. Exposure to moisture and humidity can easily deteriorate the sisal area rug quickly. It may cause it to shrink or even get misshapen. Another huge problem that happens with moisture is that it can penetrate the sisal area rug and bring old, collected dust to the surface causing an unseemly stain. This is why is it very important that you keep your custom sisal area rugs in a place that is free from moisture. Also, choose a place that is not likely to have any liquid spills.

If liquid has spilled on your bamboo sisal rug or your wool sisal rug, try and blot it out immediately. Use a clean cloth or tissue paper to quickly absorb the spilt liquid. Remember to never rub on the spill. It will lead to discoloration and staining. Lift the sisal area rug and blot from the underside as well. If the spilt liquid is likely to leave a stain, then use a mild soap water solution or a half water- half vinegar solution to clean the stain. Dampen the cloth with the liquid. Blot the sisal rug with it and then immediately bolt the rug with a dry cloth. Remember to use as little water as possible.

If there are any dry materials stuck to the surface of your custom sisal area rug, you can use a blunt knife like object to scrape it off. You may want to consider using a dry carpet cleaning powder that is available in most carpet cleaning stores. Use the cleaning powder exactly as instructed on the label.

Avoid all cleaning techniques like steam cleaning or wet shampoo that require total water saturation of your sisal area rugs. Sisal rugs will shrink in water as well as get discolored. Only use dry cleaning techniques to clean your sisal rugs.