Seagrass rugs are made from fibers derived from the seagrass plant. These fibers are known to be very strong and resilient, and they are often used to make different home decor items apart from rugs.
Seagrass rugs look great, which is why they are becoming trendy nowadays. Plus they add texture and warmth to any space.
One minor downside to seagrass rugs is the smell. Some seagrass rugs can have a straw-like or hay-like smell.
Here is how much seagrass rugs smell:
Seagrass rugs have a distinct smell that is quite similar to how straw or hay smells. It is a bit earthy. It is also a mild smell so it is not a major concern for seagrass rugs. The smell is also temporary and it eventually disappears.
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Do Seagrass Rugs Smell More Than Other Rugs?
Comparing seagrass rugs to other natural fiber rugs, seagrass rugs do not smell more. The smell of seagrass rug is very similar to how straw smells. It is slightly earthy but not very unpleasant.
Meanwhile, other natural fiber rugs like jute and sisal have a smell that is similar to that of burlap or rope.
These rugs definitely smell more compared to seagrass rugs.
Other natural fiber rugs have a musty smell that can be a bit unpleasant and problematic. The smell of seagrass rugs is milder and more subtle and is definitely more tolerable.
What Are Typical Reasons Seagrass Rugs Start To Smell?
The main reason that seagrass rugs start to smell is that they are brand new. Brand new seagrass rugs tend to have that new rug smell that is mildly earthy and is more straw-like or hay-like.
This straw-like smell is very natural for seagrass fibers. This smell tends to get trapped in the fibers while the seagrass rug is in its packaging.
Once the new rug is unwrapped and unrolled, the smell gets released into the air.
Other than being brand new, seagrass rugs do not smell at all. Unless you do not give the right care and attention. Like most rugs, seagrass will start to smell bad if you do not clean or maintain them regularly.
Seagrass rugs have a natural waxy coating that helps them repel dirt. This means that dirt does not cling to the fibers and does not accumulate over time.
This also makes seagrass rugs easier to clean.
This, in turn, means that seagrass rugs are not prone to smelling bad from dirt buildup, because they do not get dirty easily.
Do Brand New Seagrass Rugs Smell More?
Brand new seagrass rugs smell more.
This is because these rugs are kept in tight plastic packaging before they are sold. This tight packaging does not let air in so the smell lingers in the rug fibers.
This is why brand new seagrass rugs smell more. When you unwrap the new rug and unroll it, the smell gets released into the air.
Does The Smell Wear Off With Time?
Generally, the smell of seagrass rugs is quite mild compared to that of other natural fibers rugs. To some people with sensitive noses, the smell can be unpleasant.
However, the smell is not a major concern for seagrass rugs. This new rug smell eventually wears off with time. A lot of seagrass rug owners claim that the smell from their brand new rug wears off in just a few days.
If you want the smell to wear off faster, make sure the rug gets enough ventilation.
Upon unwrapping and unrolling your brand seagrass rug, it is recommended to be taken outside, ideally on a breezy day.
Take it outside and give it a small shake. Then you can lay it flat. This is so you can air the rug out for a couple of hours. Avoid laying it out under direct sunlight. Sun exposure can harm the rug and cause it to fade.
By doing the steps above, the smell of the seagrass rug will start to wear off in a few hours and should completely disappear after a day or two.
If you have an old seagrass rug that starts to smell, it means that it has not been maintained well.
It means that it was not being cleaned regularly, and bacteria might have already accumulated in its fibers causing it to have a bad smell.
Here is how you can remove the smell from your seagrass rug due to bacteria.
1. Sprinkle baking soda on the seagrass rug.
Baking soda is known for its cleaning and disinfecting properties.
So if your seagrass rug starts to smell due to bacteria buildup, sprinkle baking soda generously on both sides of the rug, and just let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.
The baking soda will help kill the bacteria and remove the smell from the rug.
2. Shake the seagrass rug.
After letting the baking soda sit, lightly shake the rug outdoors.
This is to remove the baking soda and remove any loose dirt from the surface of the rug.
3. Vacuum the seagrass rug.
Vacuum the rug to thoroughly remove all of the baking soda.
Make sure to go over the seagrass rug multiple times and in different directions to make sure that all traces of baking soda are gone and has been suctioned into the vacuum.
4. Spray vinegar on the seagrass rug.
Spray some vinegar on the rug. Just take some undiluted white vinegar and put it in a spray bottle. Then generously spray the seagrass rug with white vinegar.
The vinegar will also help remove the unpleasant smell from your seagrass rug due to bacteria.
5. Allow the seagrass rug to dry.
After doing all the steps above, let your seagrass rug dry. Air it outside on a nice breezy day, but make sure that direct sunlight will not hit your rug.
Alternatively, you can use a blow hair dryer so that the rug will dry faster.
How Do You Avoid Smell From Seagrass Rugs?
Seagrass rugs have a distinctly straw-like smell when they are brand new, but this eventually wears off after a few days.
Over time seagrass rugs will not start to smell as long as they are being kept clean.
Here is what you can do to keep your seagrass rug from smelling.
Place your seagrass rug in a dry area.
Rug placement is very important for seagrass rugs. Avoid placing them in areas that put them at risk of getting wet or that get a lot of moisture.
When seagrass rugs become damp, that is when bacteria start to build up causing them to smell bad over time.
For seagrass rugs, it is always best to place them in a well-ventilated area, ideally with lots of windows. This will help keep them dry.
Vacuum your seagrass rug regularly.
Vacuum your seagrass rug at least once a week.
Vacuuming regularly helps keep loose dirt off your seagrass rug so it will not accumulate over time. Vacuuming helps keep the rug clean and in turn, prevents them from becoming smelly.
Place a dehumidifier in your room.
Reduce the humidity indoors by placing a dehumidifier, especially in rooms where you have rugs.
This is not required, but it is very helpful as dehumidifiers help control moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers decrease the moisture, so you can prevent your rugs from having a bad smell.
A humidity range of 30% to 60% would be ideal for indoor spaces.
Keep your house clean.
Always keep your house clean.
A clean house overall means less dirt and bacteria, which in turn, will prevent your rugs from becoming smelly.
Seagrass rugs smell a bit when they are brand new. This is completely normal and it eventually wears off. Just make sure to give your seagrass rug the right care and attention to keep it clean. This is so it will not become dirty and start to smell bad over time.
Remember that rugs are a good investment and that they need to be properly maintained so that they last long.