How to Spot Clean Sisal Rugs

One type of sisal rug

A sisal rug is an all-natural fiber rug that is often made from jute, hemp or seagrass. There are also a few synthetic rugs that will be labeled as sisal due to the similarity in their texture and appearance.

All sisal rugs are inherently absorbent and similar methods of dealing with spots or spills need be applied.

Things You'll Need

• Manufacturer's recommended cleaner
• White absorbent towel

Instructions

1. Spot cleaning a sisal rug must take into account the fibrous material it is made of. Do not ever saturate this type of rug. Do not pour any kind of liquid cleaner or water on your sisal rug.

2. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how to clean your sisal rug. Some state these rugs are only to be dry-cleaned. In this case, take your rug to a dry cleaner and point out the spot that needs to be removed. Let them handle the spot-removal process in the appropriate chemical manner.

3. Do not hesitate to tend to any spill or spot on your sisal rug. The fibrous material these sisal rugs are made from is very absorbent. Handle this immediately upon spillage or identification of a problem spot.

4. Blot the spot that may be wet from a recent spill. Do not, under any circumstances, use a rubbing motion. This will only grind the spill into the rug. Use a white, absorbent towel to blot the spot with. If there is any solid matter that has fallen onto the rug, use a flat edge to pick these up from the sisal rug instantly. If it is a simple object that you can pick up with your fingers, this is also fine. Simply be certain not to press anything into the rug.

5. Spray a cleaner with a fine mist on the spot. Do not use any cleaner that goes against the manufacturer's instructions if you do not want to ruin your rug. Blot this area with a completely dry area of a white, absorbent towel. Using a white towel prevents the risk of color transfer.

6. Use a system of dry extraction for carpet cleaning if you have this available. Do this only if the previous steps did not work. After spot cleaning your rug, make sure to vacuum it regularly so that excess dirt does not prevent easier cleaning the next time any spills occur.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular maintenance of sisal rugs is very important to reduce the chance of staining. A protective coating may be appropriate to apply after cleaning.

• If you wait too long to deal with a spot on your sisal rug, the damage will be permanent.