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Natural fiber carpet is the first choice of many homeowners. Natural fibers are durable yet soft, and look good in homes of all styles. Carpet and rugs made of natural fibers will last for years when given the proper care. Indeed, regular maintenance is important not only in extending the life of your carpet but also in keeping it looking its best every day.

Types Of Natural Carpet Fibers

The most popular kinds of natural fiber carpets are:

• Wool: Fibers from sheep wool provide natural insulation, are resistant to most stains, and are naturally fire repellent. They can also be blended with other fibers to become resistant to mold and mildew. These features make it the most popular type of natural fiber carpet and flooring, and though it can be an expensive option, it is often a wise investment for your home.

• Jute: Jute is a vegetable fiber that is used to weave rugs and mats. It is the softest of the natural fibers, and is also the least expensive, making it a popular choice in many homes.

• Sea grass: Seagrass fibers are highly durable, resistant to most stains, and resistant to static. These natural fibers are susceptible to mold, however, so be sure to keep seagrass fiber flooring away from areas that may become wet.

• Sisal: Sisal fibers are highly durable and also very soft. They are easy to dye, but just as easily absorb stains, so be sure your sisal natural fiber carpet has been treated to help it resist stains.

Keeping Your Natural Fiber Carpet Clean

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your natural fiber carpet looking great. Vacuum at least once per week to rid the carpet of dirt and dust, and be quick to clean up liquid spills. Liquids quickly absorb into natural fiber carpet, and once they settle they become harder to get out. Even plain water can pull dirt and soil to the surface of your rug, so blot spills as soon as they happen.

Many stains and spots can be treated with simple cleaning solutions made from household items.  It’s important to understand that many natural fiber carpets can be adversely affected by moisture.  Sisal, for instance, can actually tear as it dries if moisture is introduced.  The key to avoid damage is to minimize moisture, reduce drying time with the use of fans and dehumidifiers, and consult a professional carpet cleaner if you are at all unsure.  Here are some of our favorite basic cleaning solutions that are safe for some natural fiber carpets, including wool:

• Detergent solution: 1 tsp. laundry detergent (without bleach) dissolved into 1 cup lukewarm water

• Vinegar solution: ¼ cup white vinegar mixed with ¼ cup water

• A fourth method for treating stains is commercial dry cleaning solvent. It is available at most grocery stores or hardware stores.

Be sure to test any solvent or solution in an inconspicuous area on the rug to make sure that it won’t cause color loss or otherwise distort appearance of the rug.

Here are some common stains and the best household cleaning solution to use on them:

• Blood: Use dry cleaning solvent.

• Butter: Use the dry cleaning solvent, followed by the detergent solution, followed by plain water, blotting between each step.

• Chocolate: Use the detergent solution, followed by the ammonia solution. Then use the vinegar solution, followed by the detergent solution a second time. Finally, use plain water, blotting between each step.

• Coffee: Use the detergent solution, followed by the vinegar solution. Use the detergent solution a second time, and then use plain water, blotting between each step.

• Gum: Hold ice cubes over the area until it freezes, then shatter the frozen area. Collect the fragments and vacuum the area. Use the dry cleaning solvent, then blot.

• Ink (ballpoint pen): Use the dry cleaning solvent, followed by the detergent solution, followed by plain water, blotting between each step.

• Juice: Use the detergent solution, followed by the ammonia solution. Then use the vinegar solution, followed by the detergent solution a second time. Finally, use plain water, blotting between each step.

• Lipstick: Use the dry cleaning solvent, followed by the detergent solution, followed by plain water, blotting between each step.

• Lotion: Use the dry cleaning solvent, followed by the detergent solution, followed by plain water, blotting between each step.

• Oil (cooking): Use the dry cleaning solvent, followed by the detergent solution, followed by plain water, blotting between each step.

• Tea: Use the detergent solution, followed by the vinegar solution. Use the detergent solution a second time, and then use plain water, blotting between each step.

• Urine: Use the detergent solution. Then use the vinegar solution, followed by the detergent solution a second time. Finally, use plain water, blotting between each step.

• Wine: Use the detergent solution. Then use the vinegar solution, followed by the detergent solution a second time. Finally, use plain water, blotting between each step.

These tips will help you keep your wool and some other natural fiber carpet and rugs looking good from day to day. It’s still important to have your rugs cleaned by professional carpet cleaning companies who specialize in natural fiber carpets. If you have a stain that seems impossible to get out, or an old stain that has settled deep into the rug, call on a professional carpet cleaning service to take care of it. Stains such as urine, blood and wine are notoriously tricky once they settle on a natural fiber carpet, and wax and chewing gum can be tough to get out. These stains are no problem for a good carpet cleaning company, so save your time and patience and find the best professional cleaning company to clean your natural fiber carpet.

Professional Carpet Cleaning Company For Your Natural Fiber Carpet

At First Coast Home Pros, we specialize in cleaning natural fiber carpet gently yet thoroughly. Our technicians are extensively trained to use the most effective techniques and the best tools in the industry, giving you the cleanest carpet. We are the favorite professional carpet cleaning company of homeowners throughout Northeast Florida, with services to St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ortega, Riverside Avondale, downtown Jacksonville, and more! Do your home a favor and call on the Jacksonville carpet cleaning professionals today.