How to Care for Natural Fibre Carpet

Airloom carries one of the widest ranges of sustainable sisal, seagrass, jute and wool carpet in South Africa, in a variety of colours and weaves. This page covers what to expect from a natural fibre floor and how to look after it.

The natural choice

• Very durable, and suitable for high-traffic areas
• Natural, renewable and sustainable
• Fitted wall to wall, cut to a custom rug, or made up as a runner in any size you need
• Finished with your choice of cotton binding colour

The one thing natural fibre does not like is getting wet, so it is not the right choice for a kitchen or a bathroom. If that is what you need, ask us about Airloom's water-resistant natural-look ranges instead.

Beautifully imperfect

Natural carpets have rich texture. Because the fibres are not synthetic, the thickness and length of the yarn is not uniform. These natural variations are what give the product its rich texture and variance in the weave and construction.

Sustainable by nature

Airloom's natural fibre carpets are made from sustainable raw plant materials. They are natural, renewable fibres that are biodegradable and don't require fertiliser or pesticides to produce. They also don't emit nasty VOCs into the air in your home.

Is natural fibre right for your home?

Natural fibre is a genuinely durable floor and stands up well to a busy household. The question is usually water rather than wear.

If easy cleaning matters more to you than the fibre being natural, ask about Airloom's Veld and Natura ranges. These have the look of a natural carpet but are woven from polypropylene, so they are water- and UV-resistant, suitable indoors or outside, and you can hose them down.

Caring for your natural fibre carpet

Every day

Vacuum regularly, without a beater brush.

Spills and spot cleaning

It is fine to spot clean a natural fibre carpet, but avoid wetting large areas. They become a bit like a sponge, and discolouration can happen.

1. Address spills immediately. Blot up with clean, un-dyed paper towel, and scrape up any solids with a dull knife.
2. Clean water can be used to dilute the stain. Dab the water on rather than rubbing it in, and take care not to over-saturate the area.
3. Once the stain is diluted, the area should be thoroughly dried by blotting with un-dyed paper towel. Gentle use of a cool hairdryer or a fan helps dry the area and reduces the chance of leaving a watermark.

What to avoid

Bleaches and most harsh cleaning products should be avoided.

Dry cleaning powder

Ask Airloom about our Dry Cleaning Powder. Spread it gently with a soft brush, wait, and vacuum. Be aware that dry cleaning one specific area may lighten that area compared with the untreated areas around it.

Loose fibres and sprouts

Loose fibres, or sprouts, are a normal part of the break-in process. To remove a sprout, use a small pair of scissors and snip it off even with the pile. Do not pull the fibre out, as this can cause a deterioration of the backing.

Order a sample

Natural weaves are nuanced, and it always helps to see the carpet up close. Visit us at The Palms Centre in Woodstock, Cape Town, or order samples to be sent to you.

Get in touch

• Email enquiries@airloom.co.za
• Phone 021 932 6318
• WhatsApp 081 032 5471

Shop online at airloom.co.za (we deliver nationwide), or visit us at The Palms Centre, Woodstock, Cape Town.