Cleaning and Care

  • Natural fibre rugs are inherently absorbent and should not be placed in damp environments or where spills are likely to occur.
  • Vacuum regularly. This will remove the fine dirt particles that can lodge between the fibres and cause additional wear. For best results, use a vacuum with strong suction and brush attachment. A beater bar is not recommended. If you have a beater bar, please set it on the highest vertical setting.
  • Remove spills as soon as they are discovered. A liquid spill will act as a magnet to any dirt particles that are in the rug, causing the dirt to rise to the surface.
  • Professionally clean as needed. Never steam clean or wet-shampoo a natural fibre floor covering, which can cause shrinkage, discolouration, and/ or staining.
  • Pro Tip: Use a coarse doormat or walk-off mat at your front door. This will provide a great deal of protection for your new rug. The goal is to remove as much of the outside dirt as possible from the shoes of those entering your home.
  • Short natural fibres from sisal, jute and seagrass may “sprout” during general handling and normal wear and tear. This is a normal part of some irregularities found in natural woven rugs. Clip sprouts off with a scissor and does not pull. There is no harm in clipping the sprouted fibre because there are two backing layers on your natural fibre rug that support and maintain the integrity of the weave.

 

Treating Stains and Spills

  • Spills and spots need immediate attention. A liquid spill, even if it’s only water, will act as a magnet to any dirt particles that are in the rug.
  • Remove spills at first notice. Immediately blot (DO NOT RUB) spills with white paper towels or a clean absorbent cloth. Scoop up solids using a spoon, working from the outside of the spill towards the centre.
  • Pretest any spot-removal treatment in an inconspicuous area.
  • Apply the cleaning agent listed on the Spot Removal Chart to an absorbent towel and begin to blot up the spill with a blotting motion, working inward from the edge of the spot to prevent excess spreading. Flip cloth to prevent reapplying soil.
  • Do NOT saturate or overuse water.
  • Wait a few minutes for the cleaning agent to work on the spot. Once the cleaning agent has removed the spot, blot excessive moisture by applying pressure with paper towels or a dry absorbent cloth. Refer to the Spot Removal Chart below for further guidelines.

 

Cleaning the Binding

  • For routine maintenance of our woven fabric bindings (cotton, linen, jute, etc.), simply vacuum the edge finish as you do the rug. If excessive soiling or spills occur on the binding, a dry extraction cleaning system such as a dry carpet cleaning kit like Host or Capture (widely available online) will be very effective. Alternatively, you may use a mild, neutral cleaning solution on spots and small soiled areas, but be sure to test an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the cleaner will not affect the fabric colours.
  • Once you’ve tested an area, follow these steps:
    • Blend just a couple drops of liquid dishwashing detergent with a quart of warm water and add it to a spray bottle.
    • Lightly mist a small amount of solution on the spot; do not saturate the area.
    • Blot with a clean cloth.
    • Do not allow the area to stay wet for more than a few hours.
    • If it is not drying by itself, apply heat with a hairdryer.
    • To maintain leather bindings, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge.

 

Mould and Mildew Treatment

  • Exposure to the elements and changes in humidity levels can potentially create an environment for the growth of mould or mildew. Do not place your natural fibre rug anywhere that is damp or where spills are likely to occur. Seagrass is especially susceptible to mould and mildew growth. Mould and mildew spots may not respond to the cleaning procedures that work with other types of soil, but we strongly recommend that you try a dry carpet cleaning kit like Host or Capture (widely available online).
  • If that does not work, or if the mould is on a seagrass rug, thoroughly mix one part liquid chlorine bleach with six parts water in a spray bottle.
  • Test the mixture by spraying a little in the corner of the rug (not on the binding).
  • If bleaching occurs, dilute the solution and re-test until it is safe to use.
  • Mist the solution lightly on the mouldy area, using a soft brush to work it down into the weave to reach all the mould growth.
  • After five or ten minutes, rub the area with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat if necessary.
  • When you are finished, be certain that the rug dries thoroughly within five or six hours, using a hairdryer on the damp spot if required.
  • If mould or mildew persists, your setting is probably too humid for the use of your rug. The rug may be permanently damaged; we recommend prompt removal and replacement with another material.