How to clean & care for natural plant fibre carpets

Natural plant fibre carpets bring warmth and sophistication to any household. While Coir, Sisal, Jute and Seagrass plant fibres boast a luxurious charm, maintaining them doesn’t need to feel overwhelming.  

The key to preserving these plant fibres’ distinctive unique properties and their beauty is by understanding the cleaning and care requirements of the specific fibre type. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential care routines for the various natural plant fibres which we offer with a clear focus on how they have a simple and effective upkeep. 

General Maintenance

Prolonging your carpets’ look and texture to ensure that it remains fresh and inspired is really important and requires the correct care for your plant fibre type.

However, there are certain practices which can be used to maintain all plant fibre types to ensure that the unique properties of the carpet remain protected.

These are the straightforward practices we recommend you follow alongside the requirements that are later outlined for each unique plant fibre:

Hoovering

• The frequency of hoovering your carpet depends on foot traffic. Generally, aim for once a week, but with pets or kids, you may need to do it more often.
• A suction cleaner without beater bars or rotating roller brush should be used to prevent surface damage. 

Heavy Soiling 

• When dealing with heavy mud buildup on your carpet, let it dry completely. Once dry, use a stiff brush to loosen the soil from the weave, then vacuum thoroughly to restore its cleanliness.

Further Considerations

• Position barrier mats near doors and ensure they are cleaned regularly.  
• Use castor mats beneath all chairs with castors. 
• They are not to be wet shampooed or wet cleaned.
• Place furniture cups under the legs of furniture. 
• Employ non-slip underlay under rugs and rotate rugs regularly.

Best Cleaning Methods for Different Natural Plant Fibres

Tailoring the cleaning approach based on the specific natural plant fibre type used is important in ensuring the quality of the carpet isn’t damaged.  

Whilst all natural plant fibres share some general maintenance guidance as previously outlined it’s important to be aware of the care requirements of each unique natural plant fibre before carrying out any cleaning: 

Sisal: Avoid water-based products and scrubbing; do dry clean or use a dry-cleaning compound. 

Seagrass: Regular vacuuming with strong brush suction is ideal; refrain from steam cleaning. 

Coir: Weekly brushing or vacuuming is sufficient; avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water. 

Jute: Use a strong-suction vacuum; steer clear of water-based cleaning methods. 

Spillages & Stains 

Reacting swiftly to prevent staining is vital; spills are commonplace in households, but our response determines whether they leave lasting marks on the carpet. 

If a spill or stain occurs: 

Do: Lift solids, blot liquids gently with absorbent paper, and utilise Crucial Trading’s Stain Removal & Cleaning Set which can be purchased at your local retailer. 

Do Not: Rub or scrub, use home steam cleaners, or apply home cleaning chemicals. 

Professional Cleaning

For deep cleaning or stain removal, enlist the expertise of carpet cleaning specialists, ensuring compatibility with your plant fibre type.

Enhanced Protection 

Prevent stains with Crucial Trading’s INTEC stain inhibition system, it is advised for this to be applied before dispatch for enhanced stain resistance. For more information contact your local Crucial Trading retailer.