A Complete Guide to Sisal Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance

Sisal Carpet- A Great Addition to Any Home Decor

Sisal carpets are a modern and smart solution for your home, this is because not only are they low maintenance and highly durable but also eco-friendly. Their versatility is what makes them a perfect accompaniment for even high traffic areas such as the living room as well as hallways.

Although durable, sisal carpets can get stained easily and as we know removing stains can be a devastating experience. In this blog, we will give you a detailed overview of:

• What is a Sisal Carpet and How Is it Made?
• Best Cleaning Method for a Sisal Carpet?
• How to Remove Stains from this type of Carpet?
• How to Maintain Your Sisal Carpet?
• Key Points to Remember

What is Sisal & How Is It Made?

Sisal is a natural fibre that is made from the leaves of a cactus plant- Agave Sisalana. This plant is commonly found in Brazil, Africa and Central America.

Sisal carpets are of two types and are segregated based on the material used. Some are made from synthetic fibres such as nylon, wool or silk, and on the other hand, some are made using natural fibres such as coconut, paper or seagrass.

As they are natural fibres, these carpets exude beautiful distinctive neutral colours such as tan, beige and creamy white, one that can go with any decor!

Some of the other exemplary properties of a sisal carpet are as follows:

• Its fibres are extremely strong and tough.
• It is non-toxic and great for people with allergies and asthma, and will contribute significantly to air quality in your home.
• It is biodegradable, and thus, will not lead to the harmful waste that we commonly see in landfills.
• It is not flammable as it resists any static/friction.
• It is amazingly absorbent, enough to act as a humidifier in your home, thus, helping to keep the floor cool during hotter months.

Your Detailed Guide to Cleaning Sisal Carpet

Moisture is Sisal Carpet’s Worst Enemy:

As seen, since Sisal is made from natural fibres and has a high durable property, it isn’t as hard to clean as one imagines. As any dirt or dust doesn’t stick to the natural fibres, rather it stays loosely resting on the weave. However, it is crucial to understand that like most natural fibres, sisal cannot stand a lot of moisture. So, cleaning a sisal carpet with water or placing it in areas where there are constant spills or moisture, rain or snow isn’t recommended.

Best Method to Clean Sisal Carpets

Dry cleaning a sisal carpet is the best method to go for! This is because the dry cleaning method doesn’t involve using water. Furthermore, it can be done using common household supplies such as bicarb soda or cornflour and a vacuum cleaner.

How to do it!

• Start by sprinkling corn flour or baking soda on your carpet
• Now, leave the baking soda, or corn flour on the sisal carpet for at least one hour until all the dirt is absorbed.
• Remove excess powder by shaking the carpet
• Finally, use a brush to vacuum the carpet.

Expert Tip: If your sisal carpet has a bad odour, keep it under the sun for a day. The dry heat will remove the unpleasant smell, but remember only if the odour is caused by humidity.

How to Remove Stains from Sisal Carpet?

Spills are inevitable, no matter how careful you are. The most important thing to do when you have spilled something on your carpet is to attend to it immediately.

Begin by spot cleaning the stain as soon as you see it so it doesn’t set in the fibres of your sisal carpet. To do this, start by blotting the stain with a clean, dry white towel. Under no circumstances should you rub on the stained area. If you do this, you risk the liquid seeping deeper into the fibres, and spreading the liquid to other areas.

Even though sisal carpet should not be cleaned with water, there are certain stains that will require a small use of water and detergent. Here is how you can remove such stains:

• Take a bucket and fill it with lukewarm water.
• Now, mix a little mild soap or white vinegar. If using white vinegar use part vinegar and one part water.
• Blot the spill as much as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel.
• Now, dip the cloth in the mild soap or vinegar solution made such that you moisten it and blot the stain. Please make sure you do not use too much cleaning solution as this can spread the stain further.
• Finally, dry the carpet with a hairdryer.

Make Regular Maintenance a Habit

In order to keep your sisal carpet looking its best, cleaning it regularly is imperative. Make sure to remove accumulated dirt, dust or debris by taking the carpet outside and shaking it properly. Follow that up with vacuuming to remove any remaining dust.

In case your carpet is really big and difficult to carry outside, you should vacuum it at the highest setting at least once or twice a week to keep it clean. Furthermore, make sure you do not use the beaters or any other harsh vacuum tool as this can cause wear and tear to the fibres of your sisal carpet.

Key Points To Remember From This Blog:

Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s instructions on the label of your sisal carpet to clean it safely and effectively.

• Ensure you do not opt for a water or steam cleaning method to clean your sisal carpet, as it can leave and further increase the stain marks, making them hard to remove.
• When it comes to carpets made with natural fibres, your best option is the dry cleaning method.
• Sometimes, no matter how carefully you follow the steps given above, your sisal carpet loses dull or the stains won’t come off. It’s always best to opt for a professional carpet cleaning company like My Fair Cleaning to get the job done meticulously!

Ali November 7, 2021 Carpet Cleaning