How To Clean A Natural Fiber Rug

Do you have a natural fiber rug that needs to be cleaned? If so, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re wondering if natural fiber rugs are easy to clean, the answer is yes! Natural fibers include jute, sisal, and other natural fibers. These fibers are very durable and easy to clean with the right tools and tips. So whether your natural fiber rug needs an overall deep clean or you’re looking to clean pet stains, spills or other spots from your rug, read on for the best methods for natural fiber rug cleaning.

Shake It Out

Natural fiber rugs can easily be cleaned with a good shake out.

• Take your natural fiber rug outside and give the rug a good strong shake. Keep shaking until it appears that all the dirt, crumbs and debris are gone.
• For large natural fiber rugs, hang the rug from a clothesline or railing. Then give the rug a strong beating using a strong stick. Beat both sides of the rug.
• Leave the rug outside in the sun for a short time to help kill any bacteria or mildew that may be hiding in the rug.

Vacuum

Vacuum your natural fiber rug regularly to remove dust, dirt and debris.

• Natural fiber rugs can shed a little, leaving a fine dust under the rug. At least once a week, vacuum both sides of the rug as well as under the rug to keep the natural fiber dust from becoming a nuisance.
• If your natural fiber rug has a loose weave, we recommend disabling the beater bar to avoid damaging the fibers.

Spot Clean

If you’re wondering how to remove stains from a natural fiber rug, follow the spot cleaning method.

• Clean spots and spills from your natural fiber rug immediately to keep them from staining.
• Use a clean cloth and warm (not hot) water to clean spills as they happen. Be sure to blot the area, not rub as rubbing can push the stain deeper into the rug fibers.
• For solid spills or spots that are dried, use the edge of a butter knife or spoon to remove as much solid material as possible. Then brush the spot with a stiff bristled brush and vacuum the spot. Then use a clean cloth and water to remove the stain.
• Acidic stains (like wine or tomato sauce) can be neutralized and removed with club soda.
• For those tricky stains that don’t come out with water or club soda, try blotting with a small amount of mild detergent diluted in water.
• Once the stain is removed, blot the area several times with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Water And Natural Fiber

Natural fiber is very absorbent and will hold onto water and other liquids. If they’re not allowed to dry completely, natural fiber rugs can mold which is why it’s important to use as little water as possible when cleaning.

• Soaking, shampooing, steam cleaning or power washing natural fiber rugs is not recommended.
• If your rug does get wet, make sure it dries out completely before placing it back on your rug pad. If it’s possible, hang your rug outside in the sun as this will help to kill any mold.

Dry Cleaning

You can purchase a dry cleaning powder that works with jute, sisal and other natural fiber rugs online or in cleaning supply stores. To clean, sprinkle the powder onto the rug and then vacuum the powder up. Dirt and debris will come out with the cleaning powder.

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