Natural Fibers in Carpets and Rugs: Wool, Silk, Cotton, Seagrass, Jute, Sisal , Coir and Leather Hides

Natural Fiber Rugs and Carpets - Advantages, Disadvantages, Cleaning and Care.    The Most Common NATURAL Fibers Used in Rugs and Carpets are Wool, Silk, Cotton, Seagrass, Coir, Hemp, Jute, Sisal, Bamboo and Leather (Cowhide). Click on link above to go to specific fiber. WOOL: Wool is the most common natural fiber flooring material, used in both carpets and area rugs. Wool is normally from sheep hair, but can also come from other animals like goat hair, etc. At one time, wool was the primary fiber in carpet, but its cost has resulted in steadily decreasing market share. Wool cells come in two different types: the paracortex and the orthcortex, which lie on opposite sides of the fiber and grow at slightly different rates. This causes a three-dimensional corkscrew pattern of coiled springs gives wool. Advantages of Wool Fiber: The tiny microscopic scales in wool fibers help prevent the carpet from soiling and disperse light, allowing it to hide soil very well. It also hides soil much better than synthetic fibers because it is not clear and, therefore, soil cannot be seen through it Soil in wool fibers are easily vacuumed out because its unique cellular structure releases soil up to 25% more readily than synthetic carpet. Wool is an incredibly durable. Wool can handle heavy traffic and keep its original appearance for many years if it is well maintained. It is very resilient and has strong bounce-back qualities, although not quite as resilient as nylon. Wool is hypo-allergenic. It is very soft. Wool can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, making it feel cooler. Wool is readily dyed with excellent color fastness. Because its fibers trap air, it has both soundproofing and thermal insulating properties Wool is naturally flame resistant making it an excellent option for rooms that have hearths or fireplaces and is also the preferred fiber where cigarette burns are a problem. DISadvantages of Wool Fiber: Wool is expensive. Wool fades easily in direct sunlight. Wool needs to be installed in a relatively dry area and should not be immersed in water, or mildew may form. Because wool is very absorbent, it is easily stained by nearly everything, making spot and stain removal much more difficult Wool is attacked by carpet beetles and moths. Wool has very poor chemical resistance - sensitive to excessive alkaline chemicals with prolonged exposure - tends to make wool brittle and somewhat discolored. Wool is also very sensitive to chlorine bleach - it will completely dissolve wool within a matter of minutes. Wool carpets and rugs are easily damaged by improper cleaning agents and should only be professionally cleaned. Specialized spot and stain removal products are required to removed stains - Stain Magic for Wool and Red Relief for Wool, for example. Wool attracts and stubbornly holds on to protein soils such as urine, blood, vomit and meat juices. Wool is very prone to distortion by excess agitations such as jet streaks and wand marks. How to Care for Wool Fiber Rugs and Carpets: If spills occur, be sure to clean them immediately or else the wool will soak it right up. For any sort of deep cleaning, wool carpeting should be cleaned by professionals who are familiar with the material, as many cleaning products could stain or otherwise damage the wool. Weekly vacuuming and avoiding spilling food and liquids will keep wool in good condition. Because wool rugs and carpets “love” pet urine so much, they should NEVER be used in a home with cats or dogs. Per WoolSafe North America, wool carpets and rugs should always be neutralized after cleaning to a natural pH of 4.5-5.5. Therefore, wool should be extraction cleaned with LCA®-256 followed by application of Brown Out®. Natural Fiber Cleaner is designed for cleaning sensitive fibers such as wool. Wool rugs should always be treated with a solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® to help prevent permanent stains. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs, including wool rugs. Click here for a much more detailed information on wool. RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE SILK: Silk, one of the oldest fibers that is known to humankind, is a natural fiber harvested from the silkworm larva’s cocoon. This is the most expensive natural fiber used in rugs and carpets. Because it is so pricey, silk is sometimes woven with wool to lower the cost. Pure, 100-percent silk carpets and rugs are luxury goods with a beautiful sheen and a distinct softness. Silk rugs are often hung on walls for decoration rather than on the floor exposed to foot traffic. Advantages of Silk Fiber: Silk rugs have a very luxurious expensive appearance and soft, silky feel with a very high sheen. Silk rugs are durable and long-lasting. Silk is easily dyed for many colors. Silk is very strong - five times stronger than steel and twice as strong as Kevlar (of the same weight). Silk is naturally flame resistant, and will resist temperatures up to 330 degrees. Silk is hypoallergenic; it does not attract dust mites and is a natural fungal repellant. DISadvantages of Silk Fiber: Silk rugs are relatively expensive. Silk is chemically sensitive to alkalinity and chlorine bleach much like wool. Silk rugs will yellow when exposed to alkaline detergents. Silk is easily stained and removing stains from silk rugs is difficult and dangerous. Silk rugs are easily physically damaged during wet cleaning, because it loses about 20% of its strength when wet. Much more delicate than wool rugs Fades and yellows when exposed to direct sunlight. Water-spots and watermarks easily. Silk rugs can be damaged by hot water, detergents, steam cleaning, and vacuum cleaners with beater bars. How to Care for Silk Fiber Rugs and Carpets: Cleaning silk can be tricky because water spots and watermarks can result from wet cleaning, plus the fiber is much weaker when wet. Dry cleaning is best for cleaning Removing stains from silk rugs is difficult. To remove stains, try to absorb them quickly. Most stains should be removed by a professional carpet cleaner. If you are a consumer and nervous about removing a stain or cleaning your silk rug, call the Bane-Clene locator service at 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!) for a professional in your zip code area. Or use our Find a Cleaner function to locate a cleaner in your area. Like wool rugs, silk rugs should be vacuumed a couple of times per month, but because they’re more delicate, the vacuum cleaner should not have a beater bar. Silk rugs should always be treated with a solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® to help prevent permanent stains. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs, including wool rugs. RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE COTTON: Cotton is commonly used in bath, throw and handmade rugs including ragg rugs, but rarely used to manufacture large area rugs and carpets. The most common use of cotton in rugs is in the fringe. Cotton is one of the few natural rug fibers that are machine washable. Cotton is the most widely used textile fiber today in the world. Cotton is a very soft and natural material that grows with the seed of the cotton plant. Advantages of Cotton Fiber: Cotton is very strong, and 15% stronger when wet. Easily dyed and available in many colors and patterns. Static Resistant. Heat Resistant. Soft to the touch - softer than some other natural material options like jute and sisal. Cotton is fairly durable. Cotton rugs are often machine-washable. Cotton rugs are less expensive than wool rugs and have a more casual look. Cotton can be cleaned of pet hair and dirt more easily than other types of rugs. DISadvantages of Cotton Fiber: Slow drying time. Stains easily. Over a long period of time, cotton rugs severely brown. Cotton is flammable. To make cotton rugs flame retardant, they are treated with chemicals during finishing or by blending the cotton with flame retardant. It can gray and does not wear well in heavy traffic areas. Cotton stains and soils easily. Cotton fades and yellows with direct sunlight. Will wear out rapidly if placed in high traffic areas. Tear easily. How to Care for Cotton Fiber Rugs and Carpets: Cotton rugs are very easy to clean and most are machine washable, (if without backing) allowing for even easier cleaning. Using a rug pad under the carpet will help keep the rug safe from tearing. Cotton rugs should always be treated with a solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® to help prevent permanent stains. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs, including cotton rugs. RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE SEAGRASS: Seagrass is a reed grown in marshy areas in Asian countries such as China and Vietnam, usually with the rice in rice fields. When grown in more arid soil, it is called Dragon Grass and will take on a darker color. Often comes with a latex backing, so is not reversible. Seagrass fibers have a light sheen and often start out with a light-green tinge that fades to khaki. Seagrass rugs are typically bound with cotton or leather and backed with latex. Seagrass is fast-growing and easy to harvest, making it an eco-friendly choice. Advantages of Seagrass Rugs: Sustainable because fast growing and easy to harvest. Textured weaves and dark color helps to hide stains. Super strong and incredibly durable. Repels water. Stain-resistant because of its natural coating. Subject to sprouting because of shorter fibers. Seagrass fibers don't take dye well so the color choices are limited. won’t fade in direct sunlight. Anti-static. DISadvantages of Seagrass Rugs: Very rough under feet. Susceptible to mold and mildew damage if used in damp areas Hard to dye - available only in its natural hue How to Care for Seagrass Rugs: Seagrass rugs are durable and easy to maintain too. Seagrass rugs usually just need to be vacuumed regularly, and blot spills quickly. Seagrass rugs should always be treated with a solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® to help prevent permanent stains. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs, including seagrass rugs RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE COIR: Coir is a natural fiber harvested from coconut husks and is an eco-friendly renewable source. Coir is one of the strongest, durable natural fibers. The longest fibers are selected, soaked (for months!), and eventually woven into yarn that is used to make rugs and carpet. Advantages of Coir Rugs: Coir is incredibly durable. Naturally water resistant, rot resistant and mildew resistant. Washes and vacuums easily. Coir is a natural pest repellent, including carpet moths, because of natural oils found inside of Coir fibers. Resists bacterial and fungal growth. Dries quickly. Naturally rustic look. Difficult to ignite. DISadvantages of Coir Rugs: Extremely scratchy, coarse and stiff. Coir is not recommended for use in areas where people will sit on the floor, walk barefoot, or where children may be playing Fades in direct sunlight and tend to shed over time. Susceptible to staining Needs to be kept dry and should not be installed in wet environments. How to Care for Coir Fiber Rugs: Protection against salt during winter months. Coir rugs should always be treated with a solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® to help prevent permanent stains. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs, including coir rugs RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE HEMP: Hemp rugs are woven from hemp grass, also known as mountain grass, which is grown in the highlands of China. Hemp is one of the most eco-friendly materials used in the production of rugs because it goes through minimal processing before being spun into yarn cords. Hemp rugs come in warm tan hues, but they can also be dyed or mixed with other fibers. Advantages of Hemp Rugs: Naturally durable and hard-wearing. Stronger than cotton. Water and mildew resistant. Coarse texture will soften with use. Can be woven into intricate patterns. Hemp rugs are ideal for people with allergies, especially people with asthma. Very pet-friendly since the fibers are normally pesticide and fertilizer free. Hemp is a natural material that does not attract dirt and dust. Their tan hues help hide any dirt. DISadvantages of Hemp Rugs: Some shedding. Susceptible to mold and mildew. How to Care for Hemp Fiber Rugs: Vacuum regularly, and spot-clean. Hemp rugs do not require a lot of attention. They resist most dirt. Hemp rugs should always be treated with a solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® to help prevent permanent stains. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs, including hemp rugs RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE JUTE: Jute is harvested from the tall stalks and outer layers of the fast-growing Corchorus Jute plant primarily in Bangladesh, India and China. Sometimes, it is blended with chenille to create a softer rug. Jute used to often used as carpet backing, but rarely now because of its tendency to rot when wet. Advantages of Jute Rugs: Jute is very soft to walk on - almost like wool and is often blended with chenille to create an even softer rug. Relatively inexpensive - usually much less expensive than other rugs of the same size. Extremely strong - high tensile strength. Eco-friendly - doesn’t require fertilizer or pesticides to grow jute. Biodegradable and recyclable. Easily dyed. DISadvantages of Jute Rugs: Shed easily, especially hidden underneath the rug. Tear easily. Easily stretch out of shape. Not very durable. Fibers become brittle as Jute ages, losing its strength. Stain and water spot very easily. Stains and water spots are hard to remove Yellow when exposed to direct sunlight. They brown and yellow when wet. When wet, jute will deteriorate and rot. Dry rots faster than other natural fibers. Very susceptible to mold and mildew. Nearly impossible to remove odors, especially pet odors - urine. How to Care for Jute Fiber Rugs: Cleaning and care: Vacuum regularly, and blot spills quickly to avoid rotting and browning. Dust regularly from underneath as well as on top because of shedding. Wet cleaning Jute rugs is extremely risky - shrinking, browning, discoloration could result. If it must be wet cleaned, extraction clean preferably using an upholstery tool to avoid over-wetting with Natural Fiber Cleaner, get as dry as quickly as possible, apply Brown Out® after cleaning to avoid browning and apply solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® when finished. Force dry face down on a clean surface to avoid wicking of cellulose browning material. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs, including jute. RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE SISAL: True Sisal is an extremely long, strong and durable natural fiber harvested from the agave sisalana cactus plant, grown in semi-arid regions in Brazil and Mexico. Sisal is not the same fiber as coir or jute. Sisal is stronger and more durable than other natural fibers. The stiff fibers of this eco-friendly option are spun into yarns, which are woven into rugs and carpets. Naturally tan, beige or cream-colored, sisal fiber readily absorbs dyes, resulting in rugs and carpets in nearly any color. Sisal rugs are highly durable and can easily be placed in high traffic areas. Sisal rugs are for indoor use only and are often found in enclosed and screened-in porches. They should never be exposed to rainfall or allow to become water saturated. Advantages of Sisal Rugs: Fibers are strong and stiff. Highly durable. Accepts color well and often dyed. Excellent choice for high-traffic areas, including halls, entrances and commercial office spaces. DISadvantages of Sisal Rugs: Relatively expensive, typically costing more than coir but less than wool. Uncomfortable underfoot - fibers are coarse. Scratchy, prickly texture. Very susceptible to moisture damage. Very susceptible to stains. Requires treatment to make it resistant to dirt and spills. Tough stains can be hard to remove. Subject to sprouting. Can become quite slippery over time Sisal rugs SEVERELY brown and water stain! How to Care for Sisal Fiber Rugs: Should be lifted up and debris swept out from beneath regularly. Vacuum regularly and remove spills quickly. Sisal rugs can be quite tricky to wash and maintain. It is important during cleaning to control the amount of moisture. It is NOT recommended that Sisal be cleaned with a wet cleaning method. If the Sisal rug is severely soiled and it must be wet cleaned, extraction clean preferably using an upholstery tool to avoid over-wetting with Natural Fiber Cleaner, get as dry as quickly as possible, apply Brown Out® after cleaning to avoid browning and apply solvent-based stain protector such as Sta-Clene® when finished. Force dry face down on a clean surface to avoid wicking of cellulose browning material. Applying Protector will NOT GUARANTEE that your sisal will never stain, but it will reduce the chances should a spill occur. The Bane-Clene article titled “Rugs, Area Rugs, Orientals, Partitions, Tapestries - Cleaning the Bane-Clene Way” goes into more detail on cleaning of rugs. Click here for more detailed information on Sisal Rugs. RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE Related Rug Articles and Information: Browning Care and Cleaning of Wool Rugs, Oriental Carpets, Area Rugs, Partitions and Tapestries Carpet and Rug Fiber Chemistry Chemistry of Detergents Dye Bleed on Rugs Moth Damage to Rugs How to Remove Severe Pet Urine Stains and Odors from Wool Rugs by Submersion Sisal Rugs Valuable Rug Rescued VIDEO: How to Clean Sisal and Jute Rugs VIDEO: How to Identify, Clean and Protect Area Rugs VIDEO: How to Remove Stains from Wool Rug with Red Relief for Wool Wool Fiber Characteristics Wool and Silk Rug Stains Related Rug Care Products (Links Open to the Bane-Clene Store in Separate Tabs or Windows): Brown Out® Carpet & Rug Fiber and Manufacture 2-hour Video on DVD by Bane-Clene’s Chemist Chemspec® Oriental Area Rug Shampoo LCA®-256 Low pH Liquid Cleaning Agent Natural Fiber Cleaner Red Relief® for Wool Stain Remover Rug Restorer Pet Urine Treatment Rugs Training DVD - How They are Made, Identified, Cleaned, Maintained, Protected Stain Magic for Wool Sta-Clene® Protector RETURN to TOP of ARTICLE Free Bane-Clene Information Package Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form. “A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site Bane-Clene Home Page Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp. Author: Donald W. Terry, Sr. - Bane-Clene’s Chemist Date Modified: September 9, 2020 Date Originally Published: September 9, 2020 VIDEO: How to Clean Sisal and Jute Rugs If the Sisal rug is severely soiled and you must wet clean, try cleaning with Natural Fiber Cleaner followed with protection by Sta-Clene® protector. VIDEO: How to Identify, Clean and Protect Area Rugs - The Bane-Clene Way® These are Changing and Challenging Times for the professional carpet cleaner. One factor is that carpets are being replaced with wood and stone floors. BUT, the consumer then places, sometimes very expensive, wool and silk rugs on top of the hard floors. This provides the professional carpet cleaner with the opportunity of actually increasing his or her bottom line IF he or she can clean those rugs - at a much higher square foot rate then carpets!