Rug types

There are so many rug types with different fibres & materials, choosing the best rug for your home isn’t always easy.

Many factors contribute to your decision when purchasing a rug. The composition affects a rugs durability, function & feel.

We will look at several types of area rug made with different fibres (natural & synthetic)

Natural fibre area rugs

Cotton, silk and wool are fibres usually found in handmade rugs. Durability is a positive aspect of purchasing a natural fibre rug.

Because natural fibres emit no toxic gasses they are often chosen by families concerned with chemical exposure.

Natural rugs will last longer too. Types are hand tufted, hand knotted and flat woven.

Read more about rug weaving and designs.

Wool

Woollen rugs are one of the durable and popular choices. Wool will absorb dyes easily enabling endless colour options.

They are also soft and warm underfoot. It also deals with high traffic, suiting busy households with pets.

Liquids are also readily repelled due to dense fibre construction. If left liquids can be absorbed in time, giving the householder time to remove stains and avoid ‘fixed’ staining.

Wool flat weave rugs are very popular although require more frequent cleaning.

Cotton rugs

Cotton is similar to Wool when considering colouring. Cotton absorbs colour readily.

Cotton rugs are usually braided or flat weave. They are a softer choice than Sisal or Jute rugs.

Rugs made from cotton are quite durable and are often receptive to a wash in your machine at home.

Cotton rugs are a cheaper option than woollen rugs, great for people on a budget. A popular rug type.

Sisal & jute rugs

Sisal and jute are tough and durable rugs. The weaves and textures create a finish that other fibres struggle to achieve.

If you have allergies (wool) Sisal and Seagrass are a great option. Although the fibre finish is a little rough and not particularly pleasant underfoot.

These rugs are difficult to clean and readily absorb moisture. The only manufacturers recommended cleaning method is to use microsponges.

Always use a qualified national carpet cleaners association technician.

Viscose & silk.

Viscose and silk are soft fibres. They are extremely absorbent and simple to dye.

They are not particularly durable which is why you often see these fibres mixed with others.

Another positive is that these fibres are bright and vibrant and have a sheen.

Synthetic fibres

These are almost exclusively machine made usually woven on a power loom.

Machine made rugs are easy to customize – patterns, size, colours and patterns are simply entered into a computer programme, your bespoke rug is then created!

Cleaning your rug every year can extend its life by seven times!

Rugs made from Nylon

This is a fibre that can be dyed with any colour. Nylon is easily cleaned and resists soiling.

Nylon is strong and remarkably durable and can handle heavy footfall. It can also have a silky appearance.

One drawback is that the acid dye used in nylon fibre colouring is often prone to colour fading.

Olefin rugs

Polypropylene (Olefin) has become the most popular fibre used in the contruction of rugs.

It holds colour well, its very soft (like wool) its stain resistant (repelling moisture and soiling)

For this reason polypropylene rugs are often seen outside. Although it wears easily and is difficult to repair.

Polyester rugs

This fibre is extremely durable and is often used in rug manufacture.

Polyester is died via a solution process. This makes it resistant to bleaching (often found in domestic cleaning products) and general wear.

Producers like polyester as its inexpensive. One drawback is that its not easy to dye, this limits colour choices and availability.

Its not oil resistant either – this means that oil based spillages are likely to cause stains that are irreversible.

Often when purchasing a new rug people have advanced stain protection treatments.

We believe in maintaining. Even if your rug looks clean, if it hasn’t had a deep down professional clean for over a year it will be full of debris.

Sophisticated equipment and products are used to deliver a surprisingly effective result.

Delivering carpets back to almost new condition.

Ten interesting facts about carpets & rugs in your home.

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