Many people today are finding comfort from nature and enjoy the feeling of having their home surrounded by items made of natural materials. There are many natural fiber rugs available today made from seagrass, bamboo, coir, hemp, jute, mountain grass, sisal, wool and paper. Each is unique and has its uses throughout your home and is a great alternative to synthetic carpeting which depends on the oil industry.
This article will concentrate on the seagrass rugs as one of your natural material area rug choices.
What is Seagrass?
Seagrass is a salt marsh grass grown in paddy fields where a flooding of sea water is needed during the crops cycle. Seagrass reeds are thick and rigid and are non-porous and smooth to the touch. After harvesting, the long reeds are dried and spun into yarns. These yarns are then woven into a variety of designs which produce a smooth broadloom with a long lasting finish. Seagrass is never dyed and comes in its natural color, which has a natural sheen and greenish sage tint that becomes brown with age. Depending on harvest conditions they also may carry a hay like scent which dissipates over time. Because of their texture and color variations in the weave no two seagrass rugs are the same.
Seagrass Rugs
Seagrass rugs are made of natural fibers and are one of the most inexpensive and versatile of all the natural floor coverings available today. Seagrass rugs are strong, withstand heavy traffic, durable, resilient, stain resistant and are also low dust and allergy free. Because of the light colored, mottled variegated appearance it hides most dirt well.
Seagrass rugs are recommended for indoor use only. They are not recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, basements or any other damp and humid area as they can be susceptible to mold and mildew.
Because seagrass rugs are made of non-porous fibers and a naturally smooth surface they are relatively non-absorbent and hard surface they are stain resistant and dirt easily brushes loose from them.
If you have pets, kids, and/or a heavily trafficked area to cover seagrass rugs are the recommended choice more than any other natural material area rug.
Seagrass rugs can last from 5 to 15 years depending on where it is used, the amount of traffic, it’s exposure to high moisture, spills, and nasty stains.
Seagrass Bindings and Backings
Seagrass rugs usually come with a natural latex backing that will keep your rug from slipping so a pad is not needed. But should you wish for additional cushioning or more protection for your floor underneath a rug pad can be used.
Bindings come in many different widths, patterns and materials. These bindings will add the personal touch to bring any room together. Some of the basic bindings to choice from are herringbone cottons, textured linen, jute, wool, chenille, leather and suede. Some prefer to have a binding that is as close to the natural color of the rug.
The width of the binding usually comes in one two or three inches. This gives you the option of deciding on how much of the binding you want to enhance the color schemes in your room.
Seagrass Rug Sizes
Seagrass rugs in most cases come in a width of 13’. The length is never usually an issue as it comes in 85’ rolls. It is not recommended that seagrass rugs are seamed together so you need to keep this in mind when selecting a size. Seagrass rugs can be cut to any shape that you may be looking for. They can be shapes like circles, ovals, L-shaped, or shapes with cut-outs to accommodate areas around a fireplace or built-in. You would need to see what the custom options are from where you plan to purchase your area rug.
Installation of a wall to wall seagrass rug can be tricky and it is recommended that you check into professional installation options.
Cleaning and Care of Your Seagrass Rugs
Seagrass is raised in the water and takes to cleaning and fluid cleaning procedures. Using dry cleaning products like K2R and the Host system avoid seeing a wet spot until the area is completely dry when using a fluid cleaning procedure.
Professional dry cleaning can also be an option you may want to use should you have a stain that is very difficult to remove. Make sure that the professional you use is experienced in natural fiber floor coverings.
Your rug should be rotated every six months or so to change the traffic pattern on the surface. Regular cleaning should be done because loose particles of dirt deduce the life span of the floor covering by causing a scouring effect when left on the rug.
Visible and loose dirt should be regularly with a vacuum. Seagrass rugs are easily cleaned because the dirt does not cling. Your vacuum should have a strong suction and brush attachment or beater brush on it to work loose those particles in the creases and edges.
Dry spills are the easiest to clean by scraping the stain off of the material using a blunt blade such as a spoon. Remove the spill from the edge to the center and vacuum.
Liquid spills can be a little more challenging. Most carpet cleaners can be used on seagrass rugs.
First use a dry clean cotton cloth, rotating frequently to it is always a clean area on the cloth, to blot the spill pressing firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub the area as this can cause the liquid to go further into the fiber. Work from the edge of the spill toward the center to contain the spill.
If the spill is oily try adding a little white vinegar to our cloth to help cut the grease. A mixture of water and a small amount of detergent (such as one used for delicate garments) can be used to also.
Use a carpet cleaner if you have a spill with color. Make sure that you use one that is recommended for the spill you are trying to remove.
Should you use liquid removers, you can use a pad of absorbent tissues, or cloth with something weighing it down to help absorb the remaining moisture in the rug. Using a fan or hair dryer will also dry the area faster. You may still see a water mark at the cleaning area for some time until the area is completely dry, but it will not leave a water mark stain as seagrass is raised in water and takes to cleaning and fluid procedures wonderfully.
If you are interested in seeing the popular seagrass rug and all its choices and selections please visit me at my website Mainlyrugs.com. Seagrass rugs are a perfect choice for your natural fiber area rug purchase.
I am a Maine native offering the best quality, selection and price on seagrass, sisal, bamboo, shag, children's activity, theme and character rugs for all your home decorating needs.
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