How to Clean an Area Rug

Sisal is a natural, easy to weave rug fiber derived from the agave sisalana plant. Rugs made from Sisal and other natural fibers are easier to clean than you may think. That doesn't mean that they aren't without their own important characteristics. Regular upkeep of a rug made from sisal is the most important way to maintain its freshness and longevity. This includes regular vacuuming with a strong brush-suction vacuum. Avoid the use of beater bars on sisal rugs as they can loosen or damage fibers. 

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of sisal, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning sisal rugs.

Jute is a stylish, durable, all-natural material. Dirt doesn't cling too easily to the hard, durable material fibers, which means it's relatively easy to maintain. One important thing to note with jute rugs is that they can't be hosed down or fully submerged in water. Spot cleaning and dry cleaning powder only.

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of jute area rugs, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning jute rugs.

You already know about sisal, but sisal wool rugs are slightly different. What's different about these types of rug is that they have a distinctively tight weave. This gives them increased durability and strength as long as they're given proper care. Care like regular maintenance and informed cleaning. Don't get them soaking wet. When you vacuum, point the vacuum cleaner in different directions over the same area to make sure you're pulling dirt from all angles of each fiber.

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of sisal wool rugs, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning sisal wool rugs.

This type of natural fiber rug is woven from hemp grass (also known as mountain grass) found in the highlands of China, which is both a renewable and pesticide-free fiber. Because of their unique nature, knowing how to properly clean your hemp area rug is necessary and can help extend the life and quality of your rug. First, make sure you’re aware of the best way to spot clean this type of rug: blotting using a clean cloth instead of rubbing so moisture absorbs into the fibers.

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of hemp area rugs, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning hemp rugs.

Seagrass rugs are made from - you guessed it - seagrass. Dried and woven together, it becomes a durable, eco-friendly natural floor covering for any type of home. Their natural tones vary, but mostly come in shades of tan and light green. Seagrass rugs are naturally stain resistant and will last a long time if cared for properly.

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of seagrass rugs, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning seagrass rugs.

Wool rugs are made of fibers from sheep and goat hair. When woven together they are a durable and eco-friendly choice for floor covering in the home. The wool fibers can be dyed or left in their natural tones making for a wide range of color options.

To find out more about cleaning and caring for wool rugs, we suggest reading our guide to cleaning wool rugs.

Nylon is antimicrobial and easy to clean, which means whatever life throws your way, you likely already have the tools you need to clean it up. Added bonus: nylon rugs don’t shed. One thing that is important to note, however, is that these types of rugs aren't machine washable. They’re exceptional at taking on excess moisture, but the added heat from a wash and dry cycle can damage their binding.

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of nylon rugs, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning nylon rugs.

One thing that’s a bonus when it comes to outdoor rugs vs. indoor ones: you can usually clean them with little more than help from the hose. That's because rugs made from polypropylene are specially designed to resist fading, dry quickly, and wick as much moisture from their surface as possible. If an outdoor rug of yours feels especially soiled, you can use a regular, mild soap (like Dawn) alongside the running water.

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of outdoor polypropylene rugs, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning outdoor sisal rugs.

Polysilk is a revolutionary fiber that mimics the feel of wool but is able to be used outdoors. This gives it higher durability and strength than wool. Care for them much as you would a wool rug.  Fibers are UV protected and mold/mildew resistant.

To learn more about spot cleaning and the unique needs of polysilk rugs, we recommend taking a look at our more in-depth guide to cleaning polsilk rugs.