Natural Fiber Carpets 4

What is sisal?

Sisal is a natural fiber derived from the 'agave sisalana' cactus plant. Sisal grows in semi-arid regions. The largest producers of sisal are located in northeast Brazil. Sisal fibers (which can be up to three feet long) are sustainably harvested by hand from the leaves of the cactus plant. Sisal is not the same fiber as coir or jute. Sisal is stronger and more durable than other natural fibers. Sisal is therefore preferred for carpet and rugs. Sisal Rugs Direct flooring products are 100% authentic sisal (not a sisal blend with other fiber). Other natural fibers:

Cotton: short fluffy fibers from the cotton boil seed.
Henequen: fibers from the Mexican agave plant (used in twine & rugs).
Coir: rough textured fiber from coconut husk (used in door mats & brush bristles).
Jute: a weak, woody, inner bark that disintegrates with prolonged exposure to moisture (used in twine & burlap).
Abaca or Hemp: a banana leafstalk fiber (used in twine & burlap).

What is seagrass?

Seagrass is the perennial grass of saltwater marshes and is cut from the plant. The plants are native to the monsoon climates of the pacific basin. Our seagrass is imported directly from China. Seagrass reeds are thick and rigid. The non-porous skin is smooth to the touch and gives a slight natural sheen.

What is mountain grass or hemp?

Mountain grass is grown in the highland fields of China. Chinese Mountain Grass is also known as Hemp. It is similar in texture to seagrass (reed-like) but because of the dryer growing conditions has a deep shade of brown.

What are the advantages of natural fibers?

Sisal, seagrass and mountain grass area rugs and wall-to-wall carpet have excellent durability for residential and light commercial applications. The machine woven, natural fibers are anti-static, non-toxic and colorfast. The plant material creates healthy indoor humidity levels and prevents the build-up of static.

Will my rug need a rug pad?

No, unless you want one for added padding. All our rugs have a latex backing that provides padding and prevents curling and slipping.

Where should natural fiber flooring be used indoors?

Living rooms, family rooms, entry halls, bedrooms, computer workstations, home offices, exercise rooms and covered patios. Natural fibers provide a massaging underfoot, which is preferred for rooms where you do not sit on the floor.

Can natural fibers be used outdoors?

Natural fiber floor coverings are for indoor use only. Natural fiber rugs are highly recommended for enclosed and screened porches. Do not expose to rainfall or allow to become water saturated (i.e. sisal and seagrass are NOT for bathroom, sauna, Jacuzzi, uncovered patio deck, swimming pool or roof top patios).

How do I care for my natural fiber rug?

Natural fiber floor coverings are for indoor use only and should be used in a covered area; protected from the elements. Natural fiber floor coverings are relatively easy to maintain because dirt does not cling to the hard fibers, but rests loosely in the weave. Natural fibers do not show dirt readily.

Normal Maintenance: Regular vacuuming is the best care you can do to keep the fresh appearance of your natural fiber flooring. Visible and loose dirt should be vacuumed with a strong brush-suction vacuum. Vacuum the carpet from different directions, making several passes over the area.

Overall Cleaning: It is important during cleaning to control the amount of moisture. It is NOT recommended that the natural fiber be steam cleaned, wet shampooed or any other method that involves water saturation. It is recommended that a dry cleaning process be used.

Fresh Stains or Spills: These are easiest to remove while still moist. Immediately remove by blotting liquids with a white cloth and scrapping up solids. If necessary, follow by dabbing with a white cloth dampened with club soda. Dry immediately with a hairdryer or fan.

Water: Because sisal, seagrass and mountaingrass are natural fibers, they can absorb moisture. To avoid watermarks, spills must be cleaned up immediately with an absorbent white cloth. Dry with a hairdryer or fan.

Protecting Natural Fibers and Mountain Grass: We highly recommend that the natural fibers and mountain grass be treated with our protector to decrease absorbency and lengthen the time between cleaning. Sisal Rugs Direct can professionally apply the protector. You can purchase the protectorant in a "do-it-yourself" 32 oz. bottle.

What are the advantages of our protectorant?

Our protectorant is an acrylic polymer fabric and textile protectorant. Natural fibers and other fabrics treated with this protectorant will repell water and resist virtually all cold liquid spills and even oily soil. Contains no ozone depleting chemicals. We highly recommend treating natural fiber rugs with our protectorant to protect against spills and increase the life of your rug.

Sisal Rugs Direct

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