Rugs are a great way to decorate your house and add warmth. When choosing a rug, most people look into the size, color, texture, and design.
However, they tend to overlook one factor when shopping for rugs: the material.
When you have a busy lifestyle, you want an easy rug material to maintain. A low-maintenance rug does not need a lot of cleaning and saves you from the hassle of deep cleaning it every so often.
Here are rug materials that you can vacuum easily:
1. Wool
This is one of the toughest rug materials out there, so they are popular.
Wool rugs can last for decades, and the hand-knotted ones can last for generations.
The fibers of wool rugs are so resilient that they can handle heavy foot traffic very well. The rug will not stretch or lose its shape.
Plus, wool rugs do not stain easily, and they are so easy to clean compared to other rugs.
Placing a wool rug would make the room feel warm and cozy. They are very plush and great to sit or walk on. Wool rugs are the perfect combination of durability and comfort.
One of the downsides to owning a wool rug is that it tends to shed when it is brand new. The shedding can last for a couple of months, so it can be a hassle having to deal with loose fibers during those months.
When vacuuming wool rugs, it is recommended that you do it only once a week. You should also avoid using the heavy beater bar as it can damage your rug.
If you use the beater bar, your wool rug will become coarse and shed more.
When you encounter liquid spills on your rug, it is recommended to spot clean it as it happens. Moisture can damage your wool rug, so you want to clean it as soon as possible.
You can use a dish soap mixed with water and a clean cloth to dab the mixture over the affected area.
It is always best to have deeper stains on wool rugs professionally cleaned. Wool rugs cannot go in the wash, and you do not want to risk damaging them by trying to clean them yourself.
2. Polypropylene
While this material is commonly used for outdoor rugs, polypropylene also works well indoors.
If you want the look and feel of a wool rug without having to spend a lot, then this is a great alternative.
It is very easy to clean, yet its fibers are durable. Polypropylene can hold up well in areas with heavy foot traffic. They are resistant to water and do not stain easily.
They are also resistant to mold and mildew.
The downside to polypropylene rugs is that some of them can have volatile organic compounds, harmful to children and pets. So when buying polypropylene rugs, it is best to check if the type of plastic used to make the rug is eco-friendly.
Polypropylene rugs are so low-maintenance that they only need to be vacuumed once every two weeks. You can use the suction to remove any dirt and debris from the fibers.
In case of liquid spills, you can easily clean polypropylene rugs by just taking a damp cloth and dabbing it over the area. And then let it dry.
3. Seagrass
Seagrass fibers are derived from dried leaves of the seagrass plant, and they are known to be extremely durable.
Seagrass rugs hold up well in high-traffic areas because of their durability. The fibers are non-porous, which means that these rugs can resist stains and moisture.
This characteristic of seagrass rugs makes them great for kitchens and bathrooms.
These rugs also have a natural coating that makes them repel dust and dirt easily. If you have pets or children running around the house, you won’t have to worry about your seagrass rug getting too dirty.
When vacuuming seagrass rugs, it is recommended that you do it on a low setting. Once every two weeks should be enough to keep them clean.
In case of liquid spills, spot clean the rug gently. Do not soak the rug.
Even if seagrass rugs are resistant to moisture, they will get distorted and lose their shape if they get soaked.
4. Jute
This is a popular material for rugs nowadays. Jute rugs are known to be very durable.
They can withstand areas with heavy foot traffic. They are very soft, plus they add texture and a rustic and earthy vibe to a room.
Jute rugs tend to shed a lot when they are brand new. The shedding is caused by loose fibers that come off when the rug is being made.
Eventually, the shedding stops and your jute rug will become softer eventually.
These rugs are easy to maintain. Jute rugs need to be vacuumed lightly at least only once a week.
It is not recommended that you use a heavy beater bar as this can damage the rug and cause it to shed more.
When liquid spills onto the rug, you can easily spot clean it with a damp cloth. Avoid using too much water as it can ruin your jute rug.
For deeper stains, many people would recommend using a baking soda solution. This helps remove the stain faster and more effectively.
Jute rugs are good, but there are a few downsides. They tend to lose shape when exposed to heat, so it is best to avoid placing them in areas where direct sunlight may hit.
They also do not do well in damp areas. They do not hold well against moisture and liquid spills, and they are prone to mold and mildew growth if they become wet.
So make sure to place your jute rugs in a dry area. Avoid placing them in the kitchen or areas close to the bathroom.
6. Nylon
This is another durable synthetic material for rugs.
These rugs are soft and warm but can hold up well in areas with heavy foot traffic. Nylon fibers are resilient, and nylon rugs are known to have very minimal shedding.
Nylon rugs make for great indoor-outdoor rugs because they can withstand dirt and be cleaned easily. They are also resistant to moisture and can handle different weather conditions when placed outdoors.
When vacuuming nylon rugs, once a week is enough. Light vacuuming is all you need to keep these rugs clean and great shape.
Spot cleaning with a wet cloth should do the trick when it comes to liquid spills. These rugs can withstand moisture and tend to dry quickly, so they are not prone to mold and mildew growth, which can be a problem for other rugs.
The downside to nylon rugs is that they tend to fade over time. So it would be best to place them in areas of the house where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
When placing these rugs outdoors, put them on covered decks or patios.
7. Cotton
These rugs are a good option if you want a soft, warm, and affordable rug.
Cotton rugs are very inexpensive compared to other types of rugs, and they do the job of decorating your house and adding cushioning underfoot.
Cotton rugs are easy to maintain. You can vacuum them once or twice a week, and that should be enough to keep them clean and free from dirt.
Another good thing about cotton rugs is that they can go in the wash. If your cotton rug gets dirty or has deep-seated stains, you can toss it in the washing machine and run a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
Using the spin dryer is not recommended as it can damage the rug. You can lay it flat outside to dry.
However, there is a disadvantage to choosing a cotton rug. You may need to replace them often.
Cotton rugs do not last very long compared to other rugs, and you would find yourself having to buy a new one every two or three years. They wear out easily, but then again, they are quite cheap.
If you want a rug that is easy to clean and maintain, any of these rugs on the list would be great for you. Your choice among these would depend on your design preference and budget.
Remember that it is always best to do so as prescribed when cleaning rugs. This keeps them looking great and makes sure that they last long.
Sources:
Easiest To Clean Rug Materials