Of all the natural rug fibers, sisal is the most durable. Sisal rugs hold up extremely well to high traffic areas like decks and patios. Unlike synthetic rug fibers, sisal has a rough feel so it may not be too welcoming for bare feet coming out of the pool or sprinkler.
Sisal Rugs
Sisal area rugs are the strongest and most durable natural-rugs you'll ever come across. They're also quite resilient in the face of heavy foot traffic and occasional dirt, which is why they are perfect for furnishing the outdoors and semi-outdoor areas.
Can Sisal Rugs Get Wet? Sisal is super absorbent and will hold onto liquids. If a wet sisal rug doesn't dry completely, it can develop mold and mildew so it's important to use as little water as possible when cleaning.
No, neither sisal nor jute are waterproof. They do tend to absorb moisture (which is fine), so over time, their shape may slightly differ. Because they aren't waterproof, avoid putting them in areas prone to water such as kitchens and bathrooms (as well as outdoor areas).
It is important to avoid getting sisal wet, though, as this may cause warping and discoloration. Blot wet spots and dry quickly to help minimize the damage.
Sisal Rug Maintenance
Sisal rugs can be easily maintained with a thorough vacuuming once or twice a week. This will help keep your rug looking new and keep it clean and fresh. Any visible or loose dirt should be suctioned up, but make sure to skip the beater bar, which can wear down fibers and age your rug faster.
Regular vacuuming is the best care to keep the appearance of your Sisal Rug fresh. Visible and loose dirt should be vacuumed with a strong suction vacuum. Do not use a beater bar. Vacuum the carpet from different directions, making several passes over the area.
If you want to go green for your outdoor rug, jute is a natural choice that instantly adds texture to an outdoor space. Since jute comes from plants, a jute rug definitely provides a patio, porch or deck with a rugged feel. Keep in mind, jute, while a durable fiber, doesn't do well in very humid climates.
Jute rugs have a softer feel, which makes them a bit more pliable than sisal but also less durable and harder to clean. That's why the experts say they work better in low-traffic spaces such as bedrooms as opposed to hallways and living areas.
What Material Is Best For An Entryway Rug? Jute and sisal rugs are popular in the entryway as they are a very durable material. They catch dirt and moisture and can be easily cleaned by giving them a good shake or with frequent vacuuming. However, jute and sisal are natural fibers that will absorb a lot of moisture.
Use a mild detergent made for cleaning natural fibers or use a 50/50 white vinegar and water mixture. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the detergent and gently scrub the stained area. Do not rub vigorously—that will just push the stain further into the rug fibers. Dry the area with a hair dryer to prevent staining.
So just remember, sisal rugs will stain easily and show dirt. Plus, although sisal fibers are very durable and wear very well, they can be tricky to clean.
Jute will turn brown when it's wet. It releases oils that brown the fibers. Since the way to get rugs clean is to wash them, this can create a cleaning challenge. Some rug cleaners, if the rug is not too heavily soiled, opt to go with a good vacuuming and low moisture cleaning methods.
They can certainly handle some moisture and even a rain shower, but remember that all natural fiber rugs, when exposed to moisture, are prone to mildew. Mildew will eventually cause the rug to discolor, smell bad and decompose.
If your outdoor rug gets wet, it will most likely mildew and create unhealthy conditions which could potentially cause a mold to grow. Your outdoor rug can also be ruined by mildew which would then call for a replacement.
Do Sisal Rugs Shed? All plant fibers shed to some degree whereas natural sisal fairs much better in the shedding category than jute. Another way to say this: the more durable a natural fiber rug, the less it sheds. Sisal is tough.
Pros: Especially durable sisal is great for high-traffic areas. Cons: Sisal fibers are coarse, so they're less comfortable underfoot than jute. They're prone to becoming a bit slippery with a lot of wear, so avoid using sisal runners on stairs. And because sisal is absorbent, tough stains can be tricky to remove.
Because sisal is a natural fiber carpeting material, it is non-toxic and good for people with allergies and asthma. Unlike synthetic materials like nylon it won't off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOC's), so sisal carpets and rugs will contribute to the air quality of your home.
Jute rugs are waterproof and easy to wash at home since they do not absorb water like other carpets. You can use soap or detergent with warm water when doing the washing. Jute rugs are perfect for those who have allergies to wool because they are made of natural fibers.
A majority of outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials. Typically, this means acrylic, nylon, polyester or man-made polypropylene. These types of outdoor rugs are popular due to their durabilty and affordability.
Jute rugs are most preferred for kitchen, bedrooms and living rooms, but they can be used in almost any room of the house. You can place them in your office too if you like the natural look. They are also great for any type of flooring.
Sisal carpet cleaning is not a standard cleaning procedure. The first and most important rule for cleaning sisal is to never wet shampoo or clean. The use of a dry carpet cleaning compound and vacuum is the only recommended option for the successful clean of sisal, limiting any risk of damage.
Did you know that natural plant fibre products like Sisal, Seagrass and Coir do not harbour dust mites or moths? They can't live in them and can't eat them making natural carpets one of the cleanest floor coverings you can put in your home and are excellent for people that suffer from asthma!
To remove unpleasant smell from your sisal rug, take it outside and let it stay under sun for about one day. If the odours are caused by humidity, the dry heat will help remove them.