How To Clean a Sisal Rug

Sisal rugs are a modern solution that can enhance the look of your home and add a touch of nature to your space. They are very durable and versatile, which means you can enjoy them in any room of your home. High-traffic areas, like hallways and living rooms, are a great choice for this type of rugs.

In spite of its durability, sisal rugs can still get stained and cleaning those spills can be a pain, if not done properly and in a timely manner. We are here to show you how to clean and maintain your sisal rug at home.

What is sisal and how is it made?

Sisal is a natural fibre made from the leaves of a specific cactus plant called Agave Sisalana. This plant is found in Central America, Brazil and Africa. Since it’s a cactus, its leaves are very hard and require to be crushed, washed, and dried before they can be used.

When it comes to sisal rugs, there are two types – one made from synthetic fibre, such as nylon or wool bled materials; and the other natural fibre, made of plant products such as seagrass, paper, or coconut fibres.

Cleaning sisal rugs

Sisal is a very durable material and it’s actually not as hard to clean as you may think. The dirt doesn’t attach to the hard fibres, rather, it rests loosely on the weave. However, like most natural fibres, sisal doesn’t do well when exposed to a lot of moisture. Due to that reason, it’s best not to clean your sisal rug with water or place it in areas that receive constant wet spills, rain or snow.

How to clean stains out of a sisal rug

Most people don’t spill liquids on their carpet or rug on purpose. Things like that usually happen by accident. And as a general rule of thumb, if you spot a stain, you should attend to it immediately.

If you notice any stains or spills on your sisal rug, spot-clean it as soon as possible before the stain sets in. Blot and do not rub the area with a clean, dry towel. Rubbing can work the liquid deeper into the fibres, making the spill more likely to stain. It can also spread the liquid to a larger area of the rug.

Some spills may require the use of water and a small amount of detergent. If your rug comes with specific cleaning instructions, please follow them. Here’s how to remove water-based spills out of your sisal rug using a DIY cleaning solution at home.

What you’ll need:

How to dry clean your sisal rug

Dry cleaning is considered to be the best option when it comes to cleaning natural fabric. This cleaning method doesn’t involve the use of water. It’s simple and you can do it at home using items you already have. Here’s how you can dry clean your sisal rug at home.

1. Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour on top of the rug.
2. Leave the powder to sit on the rug for about one hour in order to absorb all the dirt.
3. Shake the rug to remove excess powder.
4. Afterwards, use the upholstery brush to vacuum the rug.

If you think you may damage your beautiful sisal rug or have doubts that you won’t be able to clean it properly, it’s best not to take any risks. Opt-in for a specialised dry cleaning treatment.

Regular maintenance

If you want your sisal rug to keep its good looks for as long as possible, you need to clean it regularly. To remove accumulated dirt and debris, you can take your rug outside and shake it properly. Then, vacuum it to remove any remaining dirt.

If the size of your rug doesn’t allow you to take it outside, vacuuming it once or twice a week will preserve its great looks and keep it clean. Make sure to put the vacuum at the highest setting and don’t use the beaters, as they can cause more wear and tear to the fibres.

Did you enjoy our article on cleaning sisal rugs? Do you have any questions or thoughts to add to the topic? Share your opinions in the comment section down below!