Why Use Stair Tread Carpets?

Carpet stair treads are an asset for every home, offering beauty as well as safety. Not only do they protect against slips and falls, they also cushion every step you, your family, and your guests take on the stairs. This cushioning saves wear and tear on your joints and muscles, and minimizes noise, adding comfort while decreasing danger. In addition to helping protect your comfort and your safety, stair tread rugs and carpets also protect your stairs themselves. The action of walking up and down on the steps each day slowly wears away at the wood, leaving patches where the finish has been damaged and, eventually, hurting the wood itself. Stair tread carpet absorbs the abuse that years of walking can cause. And, since the individual treads are easy to install and replace, they can be changed out once they start to look worn or when you decide to redecorate.

How do you clean carpet stair treads?

Stair treads are best cleaned with the use of a vacuum cleaner, but for any trapped fibers and hairs that occur over time, keep a nail brush handy and give your treads a thorough brush every few weeks. Sometimes they might have to be removed for a proper clean, but this is unlikely and usually only happens with a serious spill.

How do you put down stair treads?

There are several ways to put down stair treads. Most commonly, flat and adhered to the step with either double-sided tape or glue. Sometimes you can attach stair treads with nails, but most people consider this overkill.

What is the best carpet to use on stairs?

Any carpeting used on stairs should be (1) rougher than your average carpet, (2) easy to clean and (3) durable. There are many types of carpets (including sisal) that match this criteria and can make great covering for your stairs: A carpet expert can usually help you to decide if you feel overwhelmed by your possible options.

Can you use stair treads on carpet?

Yes, stair treads adhere just fine to carpeting – and they might be easier to secure to a carpet covering than they are to the smoother flooring underneath.

How do you install carpet stair treads?

The most common way to install carpet stair treads is by using double-sided tape, glue or both. Some might prefer to adhere their stair treads using nails, but most people consider this overkill and might make stair treads harder to remove later.

What can I use for stair treads?

There's no reason why regular carpeting can't be cut to size and used for stair treads. This is a great option if you prefer taking tasks like treads into your own hands, and works just as great if you've found the perfect section of carpet to match the look you're going for.

Is a Viscose Rug the Right Choice for Your Home?

Contemporary rugs can bring life to any room and help tie all your furnishings and decorations together. Modern styles can incorporate a variety of colors and patterns, including tying in stylistic designs typically found in oriental rugs. There are many different types of materials that can be used to make rugs, including both natural and synthetic materials. One popular synthetic material often used for contemporary rugs is viscose. Understanding how these rugs are made and how they hold up compared to other popular materials can help you decide if a viscose rug is the right choice for your home.

What Is Viscose Made From?

Viscose is a manufactured material that is often marketed as silk when used to make contemporary rugs. However, while silk is a natural material that is collected from the cocoons of a caterpillar sometimes referred to as a silkworm, viscose is produced by treating cellulose with carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide. Other names often used for this material is rayon, art silk, or bamboo silk.

Are Viscose Rugs Good?

Like any material, there are both advantages and disadvantages of viscose rugs. One reason this material is popular is that it has a very similar appearance and texture as silk without the high price tag. These rugs are very soft to the touch and can be dyed any color, making it easy to find a design that can match any décor. The material is resistant to fading and can be placed in sunlight but not exposed to water.

Are Viscose Rugs Recommended for High Traffic Areas?

If you’re looking for contemporary rugs that can withstand a lot of foot traffic, then you might want to consider a different material. Viscose rugs are very delicate and prone to shedding. They can be walked on about 70 times before becoming visibly bent, and they can easily become yellow or discolored due to stains or excess moisture in the room. This material is not ideal for areas that children and pets will frequently walk and play on.

Can Viscose Rugs Be Cleaned?

Special care needs to be taken when cleaning viscose rugs. It’s best to keep this type of rug in areas that won’t get too dirty so that they only require minimal cleaning. This material is very sensitive to water, so never steam clean viscose or try to remove stains with large amounts of water.

How Do You Care for Viscose Rugs?

Since viscose is so difficult to clean and maintain, it is often recommended that you seek help from an experienced rug cleaner for the best results. You can potentially ruin these contemporary rugs with improper cleaning. The best way to remove dirt or dust from the surface of the rug is by using a carpet sweeper to brush off any debris. Avoid using a vacuum if possible, as heat can cause the fiber to shrink. If you do need to vacuum your rug, make sure to use the lowest setting possible and disengage the beater bars. If you spill any liquids on a viscose rug, blot out as much as the liquid as possible. Determine which way the weave runs and blot in that direction to avoid causing strands to come loose. Choose a cloth that is a light color since dark or bold colors can potentially bleed onto the rug. Place the cloth over the spill and place a heavy object on it to apply pressure. Let the towel sit for at least 24 hours and don’t remove the towel or object for any reason. If the spill remains, use a cleaning solution of vinegar or dish soap with cold water. Never pour water on to the rug. Instead, use a spray bottle to apply the solution and then use a cloth to blot out the liquid. You can also spray on fabric softener to the area to help the fibers remain soft and luxurious. Grab a hairdryer and work on drying the area using the lowest, cool setting. Once dry, use a napping brush to help fluff the strands back into their original position. If any staining remains after this process, the next step is to get professional help.

What Is the Best Material for Area Rugs?

While some people choose viscose rugs due to their elegance and silk-like texture, this type of contemporary rug is not best for everyone. There are many other great materials for area rugs, including natural fiber rugs. Although a more expensive option, wool rugs are very popular due to their extreme durability, softness, attractive appearance, and versatility. Not all wool rugs are made of equal quality, but some might argue that this is the best material for an area rug.

Can you vacuum a wool rug?

Yes! In fact, regularly vacuuming your rug is one of the most important ways you can maintain your rug. Just make sure to only vacuum about two times a week and shake out dirt in-between cleanings.

Can you wash a wool rug?

Wool rugs can hold onto a lot of dirt, so it is important to have them washed occasionally. Depending on the amount of foot traffic and dirt your rug is exposed to, a professional cleaning every one to three years should do the trick.

How do you remove stains from wool?

Even if you put forth maximum effort to keep stains off your new wool rug, chances are stains will happen at some point. Except for mud, address stains immediately and never rub the area. Instead grab towels and blot up the liquid. Make sure to press in deep in case any liquid has penetrated the surface of the rug. Choose a gentle stain remover that is designed specifically for use on wool or use dishwashing liquid, water, and white vinegar. It is a good idea to test a small amount of the product on the rug before treating the area to make sure that it doesn’t cause the colors to bleed.

Does a wool rug need underlay?

Ideally, all rugs have pads underneath them to protect both the rug and floor. An underlay can help keep wool rugs flat on the ground and keep them from slipping. A rug pad can also prevent a rough backing from scratching the floor. Often, smaller rugs need an underlay with more grip whereas a larger rug needs less grip and more cushioning.

Are Natural Fiber Rugs Soft?

Many people have heard that natural fiber rugs are very coarse and rough on the feet, but this is not always true. While jute may not be the softest material out there, it is one of the softer choices for natural fiber rugs. It is sometimes combined with other materials such as wool or chenille to increase its softness. Sisal rugs can be rougher on the feet, but a large chunky weave makes this material much cozier. Seagrass is one of the roughest types of natural rugs.

What Is the Softest Natural Fiber Rug?

Wool is one of the softest natural fibers available. Best of all, these rugs maintain their softness for many years due to their inherent durability and ability to keep its shape. While much less expensive than wool, cotton is also has a very soft underfoot.

What Is the Most Durable Natural Fiber Rug?

In addition to being the softest natural fiber rug, wool is also the most durable. You may have even heard claims from people that their wool rug has been passed down from generations back and still looks great.

Are Natural Fiber Rugs Easy To Clean?

Knowing how to properly clean your specific type of natural fiber rug is essential for allowing it to last as long as possible. Regularly shaking off dirt and vacuuming is one of the best ways to keep your rug looking fresh and dirt-free. Some natural area rugs are not great with high moisture levels and should not be saturated with water. Address spills immediately and do not rub in the liquid.

Do All Natural Fiber Rugs Shed?

Plant-fiber rugs, especially those made from jute, sisal, or seagrass are prone to shedding. Some shedding is inevitable with these types of rugs as the fibers can splinter and come off in small pieces.

Which Natural Fiber Rugs Shed the Least?

While wool may shed frequently when first purchased, this material sheds the least in the long run, especially if they’re hand-knotted. Due to having more durable fibers, seagrass often sheds less than jute and sisal.

How Do You Stop a Natural Fiber Rug from Shedding?

Avoid shedding by doing what you can to protect your natural fiber rug from damage. This can include using a rug pad or moving it to a low traffic area. Lightly vacuum the rug using a low setting. Don’t pull at any loose fibers. A horsehair brush can be used to help loosen any small broken pieces before vacuuming.

What Is the Difference Between Jute, Sisal, and Seagrass Rugs?

While similar in appearance, sisal, jute, and seagrass rugs are all made from different types of plant fibers. Jute rugs are made from the stalk of the Jute Corchorus plant found in Bangladesh, China, and India. Sisal rugs are made from the leaves of the Agave Sisalana plant, which is a type of cactus native to Mexico and America. Seagrass is a type of reed that grows in marshy areas within Asian countries.

What is the difference between sisal and jute rugs?

Since jute rugs are made from the stalk of a plant rather than the leaves, it is a very soft material. However, it is less durable. Both materials can be dyed or painted, unlike seagrass which comes in very limited color options. Jute is more stain-resistant than sisal, but both materials are susceptible to mold and mildew when kept in humid environments.

Are Sisal Rugs Good for High Traffic Areas?

Compared to Jute rugs, Sisal rugs are more durable and better for high traffic areas. They are a popular choice for both hallways and entryways.

Do You Need a Rug Pad for Jute Rugs?

It is recommended to use a rug pad with jute rugs and other natural fiber rugs. This can help increase the longevity of your rug, reduce shedding, and protect the flooring underneath.

Can Jute Rugs be Vacuumed?

Jute rugs can and should be vacuumed. Use a low setting to vacuum on top and under this type of rug at least once a week.

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