General Care Guide
Our Natural Fibre Rugs and Runners, including Coir Mats, Seagrass Rugs, Wool Rugs, Jute Rugs, and more, are designed for durability. To maintain their pristine appearance, it's crucial to adhere to a regular cleaning routine and promptly address any spills.
We’ve been trading for almost two decades and have built a reputation for our quality service during the purchasing process and in the aftercare of natural rugs.
Ensuring your rug looks and stays as good as the day it arrives involves a few essential steps.
New Rug Care
Unpacking Your 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.
From this point onward, seamlessly integrate the rug into your regular household routines.
Rug Backing
The backing of your rug varies based on the material. Natural fibre floor coverings, such as seagrass mats, sisal rugs, and jute rugs made in Britain, are equipped with latex backing, hindering dust and dirt accumulation beneath the floorcovering. Whether it's an action back or natural latex, it's designed to prevent slipping. However, effectiveness may vary depending on the surface it rests on, such as natural tile or wood. If you notice shedding after the conditioning period, especially on irregular surfaces, a quick remedy is a thin underlay. The shedding is often a result of excess friction when walked upon, and an underlay addresses this issue effectively.
An underlay serves a dual purpose for your natural rug. Firstly, it provides a cushioning effect that safeguards the rug's durability. Secondly, it enhances insulation on hard surfaces, ensuring a more comforting experience underfoot. Consider this additional layer for your natural rug store purchase, particularly for materials like Jute and Coir, for optimal care and maintenance.
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Addressing Fluff on a New Carpet
The shedding of fluff/backing from a new carpet, such as our Natural Wool Rugs, is normal and not indicative of a manufacturing defect. During the initial weeks post-installation, you might notice fluff and loose fibres. Combat this with regular vacuuming. Use a brush attachment, if suitable for your carpet type, to effectively lift the fluff.
For any inquiries about the care of your Natural Rug, including How to Clean a Jute Rug, How to Clean a Sisal Rug, or general queries about rug maintenance, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure your natural fibre rugs maintain their beauty for the long term.
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How to Maintain Your Natural Rug
Wondering how to care for your new natural rug? It's a simple process that demands just a touch more gentleness compared to other rugs.
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Hoovering:
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For regular maintenance, it's advisable to hoover your carpet at least once a week, adjusting the frequency based on foot traffic, especially if you have pets or small children. Use a non-beater bar vacuum cleaner for optimal results.
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Mud and Heavy Soiling:
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In case of substantial soiling, such as mud, let the dirt dry completely before brushing along the weave structure with a stiff brush. Our Cleaning Kit includes a brush for this purpose. Follow up by vacuuming the rug.
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Carpet Cleaners:
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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.
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Spillages:
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If you have chosen to apply the Intec Stain Protection Treatment to your natural rug, any spill will rest on the surface of the fibres long enough for you to use paper towels or a dry cloth to mop up the liquid.
​Should a spill not be noticed straight away, or in the case of a severe spillage, we recommend the use of a Stain Removal & Cleaning Kit. The set comes complete with cleaning solutions, applicators, and full instructions. A kit can be purchased along with your rug made in the UK at checkout or from the dedicated Cleaning Kit Page here.
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Staining:
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Natural materials, including seagrass rugs, are prone to water marking, especially in lighter shades. Enhance 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 fibres, ensuring the long-term health of your purchase.
​Specific Cleaning Guide
How do you clean a Natural Fibre Rug?
This information deals specifically with natural plant fibres and although the methods can be used for the care and maintenance of wool products, other conventional methods can also be used on the wool range where they would be inappropriate in the case of Natural Fibres such as Jute and Sisal.
Below we outline the cleaning of:
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Natural Fibre Jute Rugs and Runners
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Natural Fibre Coir Rugs and Mats
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Natural Fibre Seagrass Rugs and Mats
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Natural Fibre Sisal Rugs and Runners
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Natural Fibre Sisool Rugs and Runners
To ensure that natural floor coverings keep their appearance, it is necessary to maintain a regular cleaning routine, including the immediate attention to any spillages. Due to their nature, some natural fibre floor coverings e.g., Jute and Sisal (particularly the lighter shades), are prone to water marking when water is spilt onto them. We advise you to consider the placement of your rug to attempt to minimise exposure to liquids.
The use of a barrier mat, e.g., Coir, at the entrance to your premises greatly reduces the amount of dirt being walked into an area. Natural floor coverings are extremely absorbent and should therefore only be used indoors and away from areas of excessive moisture. Under no circumstances should they be wet shampooed or wet cleaned.
It is always advised that you test an area before embarking on a full clean and employ a professional if you are uncertain.
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How to clean a Jute Rug/Runner?
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The best cleaning method for a Jute Rug is to use a Vacuum cleaner with a strong-suction weekly. The low pile of the Rug means that most dirt can be combated very quickly. It is advised that you do not use water-based cleaning methods on Jute Rugs as you risk discolouring your Rug.
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How to clean a Coir Rug/Mat/Runner?
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The best cleaning method for a Coir Rug is to Brush and Vacuum the Rug weekly. Brushing will loosen caught dirt, owing to its complex textured pile, and then vacuuming will remove completely. It is best to avoid astringent chemicals and detergents. Never use large amounts of water when cleaning your Coir Rug.
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How to clean a Seagrass Rug/Runner?
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The best cleaning method for a Seagrass Rug is with regular vacuuming with a strong suction. Due to the nature of the material, it is advised that you avoid any sort of steam cleaning or water-based products. No cleaning product should be directly applied to the rug and should first be applied to a cloth/brush in very small amounts.
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How to clean a Sisal Rug/Runner?
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The best cleaning method for a Sisal Rug is to vacuum once per week. Thicker pile weaves may need brushing. It is best not to scrub too hard and to avoid water coming into contact with the fibres of the rug.
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How to clean a Sisool Rug/Runner?
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The best cleaning method for a Sisool Rug is to Brush and Vacuum the Rug weekly. Brushing will loosen caught dirt, owing to its complex textured pile, and then vacuuming will remove completely. No cleaning product should be directly applied to the rug and should first be applied to a cloth/brush in very small amounts.
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How do you clean your Natural Wool Rug?
Wool is the most familiar rug material to professional rug cleaners, and there are many products that will clean a wool rug very effectively. That said, it is always advised that you test an area before embarking on a full clean and employ a professional if you are uncertain.
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How to clean a Wool Rug/Runner?
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The best approach to cleaning a Wool Rug is to vacuum weekly with a brush attachment. We advise using products that avoid bleach or alkaline products as they may discolour your rug.
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Dealing with Spills
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Act promptly when spills happen. For clear liquids, use a dry towel to mop up and allow it to dry naturally. If the liquid has colour (wine, juice, etc.), mop up with a dry towel and then use a stain remover on the area. Spray the stain remover onto a cloth, avoiding direct application to the rug.
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Further Questions
Have any other questions? They may be answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page. It is a space dedicated to questions we have been asked by customers, often when considering purchasing a new natural rug or runner.
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For help, advice, information, to order samples or obtain a price for your Natural Jute Rug or Runner please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Telephone: 03330 344 403
