How to Clean a Sisal Rug

Sisal rugs are constructed from the natural fibers found in the leaves of the Agave sisalana, a plant that is found in Central America. Since the fibers are natural, it is important to clean the rugs immediately to prevent the fibers from absorbing the stains and moisture which can cause distortion and shrinking. Here are some safe cleaning methods for your sisal rugs.

Regular cleanings will help to minimize the amount of dirt that gets lodged in the rug. Vacuum the rugs regularly using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum hose. Shaking the rug out can also help to remove dirt and debris. If vacuuming is not an option, hold up or hang up the rug outside and beat it with a tennis racket to remove dust.

When spills and stains occur, it will be necessary to clean the rug further. Always use a minimal amount of water when cleaning to avoid the fibers absorbing the excess liquid. This is a general stain removal method that will work on most surface stains.

You Will Need:

• A bucket
• Water
• Mild soap
• White vinegar
• A cloth

Steps to Remove the Stains:

1. Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of mild soap. A mixture of one part water and one part vinegar can also be used.
2. Use a dry cloth to blot up as much of the spill as possible.
3. For any stains or sticky areas, moisten a soft cloth with a small amount of the cleaning mixture. Wring out the cloth well so the rug does not become saturated with liquid.
4. Blot the area to remove the stain and dirt.
5. Rinse by blotting with a clean cloth moistened with clear water.
6. Finally, blot the area with a dry cloth to remove any remaining water.

If your rug needs an all-over cleaning, but you don’t want to use water (which can cause the fibers to darken), here is another option. This method will also help to deodorize the rug if odor is a problem.

You Will Need:

• Baking soda or corn meal
• A vacuum

Steps to Dry Shampoo the Rug:

1. Sprinkle an absorbent powder such as baking soda or corn meal over the rug.
2. Let the powder sit on the rug for about an hour to absorb the dirt and oils.
3. Shake off the excess powder.
4. Use the upholstery brush on a vacuum hose to remove the rest of the powder.

If your rug needs more than just dust or stains removed, you may need to wash the rug. However, even plain water can stain sisal, and washing it will likely darken the fibers. If you already have water stains, then you can use this method to even out the water stains.

You Will Need:

• A vacuum
• Mild soap
• A garden hose

Steps to Deep Clean the Rug:

1. Shake out the rug to remove as much dirt and debris as possible.
2. Vacuum the rug with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum hose to remove any remaining dirt. It is important to remove as much dirt as possible so that it does not stain the rug when it gets wet.
3. Rub a small amount of mild soap or detergent, such as dish liquid, into the dirtiest areas. Don’t use a lot of soap or you will really have to soak the rug to remove it all.
4. Rinse the rug with a garden hose or under an outdoor faucet.
5. If any areas are not getting clean, gently scrub with a cloth and some soapy water.
6. Let the rug dry in direct sunlight. The sunlight can help to bleach the fibers back to their original color, though it may take several hours or days.

• It is best to contact the manufacturer of the rug to learn more about the recommended cleaning instructions. Each company has their own way of treating the fibers and will have specific cleaning recommendations for your particular rug.
• Avoid setting sisal rugs in high traffic and high moisture areas. The extra moisture leads to staining and when it is absorbed by the natural fibers they can lose their shape or shrink.
• If there are dry stains on the rug, they can be scraped away with a blunt object such as a wooden knife. Simply drag it across the rug and then vacuum away the loosened particles.
• If you plan to use your rug in high-traffic areas, you can spray it with Scotchguard to help repel water and dirt.

• How to Clean Practically Anything by Consumer Reports
• 10,001 Hints & Tips for the Home by Reader’s Digest
• Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook by Martha Stewart