Soft, allergen-resistant, extremely durable, and strong, bamboo is an ideal material for rugs – in fact, bamboo is even stronger and cheaper than steel. Bamboo rugs are also easy to care for without the need to resort to toxic cleaning products. By caring for your rug an eco-friendly way, you can keep it in excellent condition for years to come.
Shake and vacuum
One of the reasons bamboo is so great for welcome mats and entry areas is it’s easy to keep looking fresh – just give your bamboo rug an occasional shake or gentle beating with a broomstick or tennis racket. You’re looking to dislodge any dirt, dust, and debris that’s accumulated over time. You’ll also need to vacuum regularly – particularly if your rug is too big and heavy to lift for a beating. Ideally, use the suction attachment instead of the beater brush to avoid scratching or damaging the rug. Give it a good going over with the vacuum in different directions for best results.
Keep it clean
Since bamboo rugs typically have a polyurethane coating, they’re largely scratch- and stain-resistant. If you do spill something on your rug, however, it’s best to deal with it as soon as possible to ensure it doesn’t set in and become permanent. So, simply blot the spillage with a cloth, before following up with a damp cloth to get rid of any lingering residue if needed. If the stain still remains, mix together a 50:50 solution of mild soap and water, dip a cloth in the solution, and wipe the stain as needed. If you’re dealing with a very dirty rug, you can even make a stronger cleaning solution of water mixed with a few drops of vinegar.
Protect your rug
A rug pad is a useful protective tool – particularly for antique rugs requiring special care. It’s simply a piece of material that functions as a buffer between the floor and your rug. Antique rugs typically are typically damaged if placed on bare floors without rug pads as protection (the fibers gradually weaken, warp, and overstretch). Although bamboo rugs are carbonized and kiln-dried to increase their durability and longevity, a rug pad can still be useful to prevent the rug slipping and sliding underfoot. It’s also best to keep your rug out of direct sunlight. UV rays gradually bleach bamboo until it has to be restrained. Keep in mind, if you have an outdoor rug, check if it has a natural fiber backing – if this gets wet, you’ll end up dealing with unwanted mold and rot issues. It’s therefore important not to keep this type of rug dry at all times, and not place it somewhere it can get wet. Similarly, you should always ensure your rug is dry before rolling it up to the store.
Bamboo rugs are eco-friendly, long-wearing, and look great. By taking correct care of your rug, you can ensure it stays in optimal condition for years to come.
Photo by Keegan Checks.
