Choosing rugs made with natural fibers, including sisal, is a healthier choice for your family. Synthetic carpeting can release harmful volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, into the air in your home. Sisal rugs are made only with natural materials, keeping your family safe from potentially dangerous toxins. What's more, sisal doesn't build up static the way that synthetic rugs can, making natural rugs a welcome relief during dry months.
For most allergy sufferers, natural sisal rugs are also a great choice. Dust and mites can easily get trapped in wall-to-wall synthetic carpeting, worsening asthma and allergic reactions. Furthermore, full room carpets — especially those with a deep pile — can be very difficult to keep clean. With sisal area rugs, you'll breathe easier knowing that the rug both helps prevent dirt and pollen from circulating in the air and allows it to be easily vacuumed away. Place sisal rugs strategically around your home in seating areas, bedrooms, and near doorways.
Sisal is a species of agave plant, and the fiber has been used for thousands of years to make rope and twine. Today, it's often found in paper, carpet backing material, and even clothing accessories like hats and bags. Because the plant biodegradable and can be grown without the use of fertilizers, natural sisal rugs are healthy for the planet in addition to being safe for you and your family.
Sisal area rugs can be used in a range of different places around your home, including your stairs. You can find chic sisal stair treads that will not only add a warm touch to your home, but also keep you and your family safe. This embellishment can soften the look of your staircase and help you create a somewhat formal, elegant look.
Since the best sisal rugs and ready sisal carpets are appropriate for high-traffic areas, you don’t have to worry about yours becoming worn out quickly when placed on the stairs. Sisal rug fibers are extremely strong, which brings a high level of durability to your home.
A well-placed large sisal rug can really bring out the ambiance in a room, adding to a feeling of warmth and comfort. In Feng Shui, the natural beige and brown tones are said to contribute to a sense of safety and security. Sisal rugs are durable and easy to clean, so they're perfect for entryways and other high traffic areas. In the living room or dining area, soft sisal rugs can provide a beautiful neutral background that highlights nearly any décor. The next time you throw a dinner party, your guests will feel the warmth of the room and they'll all want to know more about how you got that stylish look and feel in your home.
Natural Area Rugs is the perfect place for choosing the next area rug for your inviting home. Our vast selection of beautiful sisal rugs is bound to charm you, so feel free to browse and pick one that you like. We also offer charming seagrass rugs and area rugs made of jute if you prefer some other natural material. With our rugs, you can decorate your home in style.
FAQ: Custom Sisal Rug
Sisal rugs are a great new interior design trend and they can be seen anywhere the designer or owner is hoping to compliment a specific style with a rugged, natural fiber carpet option. They're an increasingly popular choice in homes and hotel rooms, but they can take some extra work if you want to take the right kind of care of your rug.
Here's what you should know about sisal rugs, where they go and how to take care of yours.
What is a sisal rug?
Sisal rugs are natural fiber rugs made from the plant fibers of the Agave plant. Like other natural fibers such as hemp, sisal rugs are a more environmentally friendly option and they can be much stronger when compared to other materials. They are also considered entirely biodegradable and won't pollute the planet after their usefulness has been exhausted.
Can sisal rugs go outside?
The simple answer is no.
Natural fibers such as sisal or jute rugs are best suited to the inside of a house, where they can experience considerable foot traffic without being magnets for moisture, rain or seriously hard-to-clean dirt that digs its way right into the carpet.
What is the difference between jute and sisal?
Both jute and sisal are made from natural materials, but where sisal is made from the Agave plant, jute rugs instead get made from the Jute plant.
How do you clean a sisal rug?
Because sisal rugs are made from natural plant fibers, it's best if you don't get them wet: Water and chemicals can dig their way deeper into the carpet than you would like and can cause natural fibers like these to stain. If you want to clean your sisal rug, instead of opting for water, try vacuuming it first and sprinkle baking soda on your rug if you need to get rid of a smell.
If this doesn't take care of the problem, your next best option is to get in the services of a professional carpet cleaner instead of trying to clean it yourself with water.
- Which is better jute or sisal rugs?
Technically, neither jute or sisal rugs are better overall – but one might be better than the other based on what individual look or feel you want to achieve. Try out both before making your final decision on which one would suit your house best.
- Can you vacuum a sisal rug?
Yes! Sisal rugs, jute rugs and generally any other types of rugs that have been made from natural materials are best vacuumed rather than cleaned with any type of moisture that might risk staining your rug.
If you really aren't sure how to get a specific stain or very serious dirt out of your carpet, approach a professional carpet cleaner rather than risk it.
Sisal rugs are made from natural fibers, and it's always best never to get your sisal or jute rug wet. Water can stain your rug – and could mean that you have to replace the entire rug because the stains went further into the fiber than they were supposed to.
If your rug needs a proper clean, opt for a wet and dry vacuum or call a professional carpet cleaner for help.
- How durable are sisal rugs?
Sisal rugs are durable where they are put to the right use. Where put inside, not exposed to constant foot traffic and cleaned regularly in the proper ways, your sisal rug can last you for years – although put outside, you'll be lucky if it lasts for a week.
If you want your sisal rug to last, clean it off at least once every few days. Take it out and give it a good shake to get any loose dust off the carpet before bringing it back inside.
- Is sisal comfortable to walk on?
Sisal is as comfortable as any other carpet. For areas where you want to minimize the risk of slipping or want to keep the floor underneath in good condition, sisal carpets are great – although many people will find a sisal carpet too rough for bare feet first thing in the morning and don't opt to put them in their bedrooms.
- Is sisal or jute easier to clean?
Sisal or jute carpets can be a lot easier to clean than carpets that have been made from harsher materials that trap dust in a different way. If you want to get the dust out of your sisal or jute rug, just pick it up and give it a good shake. As long as it's dry dust or soil, jute and sisal are pretty easy to maintain.
- Is sisal carpet good for dogs?
Sisal carpeting is a great idea if you have small or large dogs: They're easy to clean and can help dogs to keep their paws clean when coming into the house. Just make your dog is not one who likes to chew – and make them gradually used to not chewing your sisal carpet with deterrents like vinegar spray if they do.
Sisal is a natural carpet fiber extracted from the long spiny leaves of a cactus plant called Agave sisalana. The Agave plant is believed to have originated in Mexico, but is now grown all over the world. Each sisal plant can live up to 10 years and creates over 200 useable leaves. These leaves are sustainably harvested by hand and usually contain about 1,000 fibers three feet in length. In addition to carpet creation, sisal is also used for rope, twine, paper, cloth and wall coverings.
Sisal is known for being an extremely durable fiber for floor covering and can be used in areas of high foot traffic. It is an eco-friendly and green option that is ideal for use in areas like entryways, stairs, offices and living rooms.
How are sisal rugs made?
After being harvested, the sisal fibers are spun into a yarn-like material before being woven into rugs, rope, twine or even cat scratching posts. Sisal is naturally a creamy white color but can be easily dyed various colors - although most sisal rugs come in wheat, beige and gray as muted shades tend to be popular.
Sisal rugs are woven together with a cotton canvas fiber for a rugged yet durable look. While the final product is quite course, it holds up incredibly well to continued foot traffic. However, sisal rugs may not be the best choice for homes with small children as it can be rough on bare feet or legs.
Each sisal rug from Natural Area Rugs is handcrafted by skilled artisans to create a customized and attractive carpet that compliments any hardwood floor. Many of these rugs also offer bindings, from serged edges to cotton canvas borders. Each rug design can be customized with solids, patterns or geometrics shapes and all come with a non-slip finish for hardwood floor stability.
What is the difference between jute and sisal?
While sisal and jute rugs are both made from natural carpet fibers, they differ in terms of texture and durability. Since Agave sisalana plants grow in torrid and arid environments, their fibers tend to be rougher and more coarse. Jute plants, on the other hand, grow in the monsoon climates of India and Bangladesh and produce softer stalks. Since jute rugs are chunky, soft and comfy they are great in bedrooms or family rooms.
Should you get a jute or sisal rug?
Choosing between jute and sisal depends on the space and planned uses for your natural area rug. Since sisal rugs are known for their durability, they are perfect for high-trafficked areas and will introduce a level of versatility and flexibility into your home. Sisal rugs can also be used to accet and embellish independent details in your room design as they can draw focus to other elements.
Jute rugs are much softer and can be used in any room. While they have the long-lasting nad eco-friendly qualities of a natural area rug, they also come with a lovely texture and delicate design. These rugs will be better for families with young children and pets since they are comfortable on bare feet.
How do you clean a sisal rug?
Because of its durability, sisal carpet is naturally stain-resistant and easily cleaned. Vacuuming a sisal carpet twice a week will keep it clean since dirt does not cling to the fibers. If something is spilled on your sisal rugs, clean it immediately by picking up solids and blotting liquids. After removing the bulk of the spill, blot he area with a damp cloth of water and white vinegar. Do not use a lot of water or cleaner as it can dissolve the dirt particles and bring a watermark to the surfacer of your rug. Dry the cleaned area with a cloth, hair dryer or absorbent powder.
Additional FAQ: Sisal Rugs
Sisal rugs can last for many years, but can require some special care to keep their high quality look, especially after years of heavy foot traffic. Here are a few additional Sisal Rug FAQs.
- Can sisal rugs go outside?
Since sisal rugs cannot absorb moisture, they should never go outside. All natural fiber rugs are best suited for indoor use only.
- Can you vacuum a sisal rug?
You can! Any natural rugs should be vacuumed regularly since their fibers prevent dirt from sticking. If you need to clean a specific stain or large amount of dirt from your sisal rug, lean on the air of caution by calling a professional carpet cleaner. As a reminder, treating your sisal rug with any type of moisture could cause permanent stains.
- Is sisal or jute easier to clean?
Sisal and jute rugs are both easier to clean than other synthetic carpets. With a weekly vacuum or shaking to release dust and dirt particles, your natural fiber rug will have a long and prosperous life.
- Is sisal carpet good for dogs?
Yes! Sisal carpet is great for large or small dogs and can keep their paws clean when they come inside.
