Largely used in Asian cultures for many centuries, bamboo rugs have rightfully gained many loyal followers over the years. They are a superb carpeting option during the hot months and make excellent summer outdoor rug choices for their cool, comfy feeling on the feet (unexpectedly soft, too) even when we sizzle in blazing sunshine. They can also be used as decorative pieces and help enhance the interior décor of a home, liven up a boring room, and give a more naturalistic feel to any space. Now, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the largest member of the grass family, here are some tips to make your life much easier.
Interesting Facts About Bamboo
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Bamboo is used to make a wide array of products, ranging from bamboo rugs that are large enough to place the dining furniture upon them to small bamboo table mats, coffee coasters, and window treatments that can be used as a great contrast both at home and the office. Among other things, bamboo mats can even be used to give your outdoor seating area a roof!
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Bamboo rugs are made of bamboo that is woven using fine strips that come bound with cotton fibres or are mixed with jute or other natural materials.
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Bamboo silk an a fairly new type of silk in the rug market that is gaining more and more people by the day. Due to the fact that bamboo is much more affordable than traditional silk, given that it is very easy to grow (stalks can grow more than 70ft per year), and that it has many of the characteristics one may look for when shopping for traditional silk, luxury rugs (i.e. smooth, silky feel and textured look), bamboo silk is a new kid on the block that is here to stay.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
1. Shake it!
To keep your bamboo rug looking fresh, a slight shake from time to time will be enough. You don’t need to put too much effort to it and, say, beat the rug with a tennis racket or broom stick. Just a gentle shake will help dislodge debris and dirt. Another reason why we love bamboo rugs and use them in entry areas as welcome mats!
2. Vacuum it!
As with every indoor or outdoor rug, vacuuming bamboo rugs regularly will help maintain their great looks for long. This also goes for large bamboo rugs that are difficult to lift and shake the dirt off of them. Make sure you make several passes over the rug with your vacuum cleaner and alternate directions to remove as much debris as possible. Also note that using a suction attachment, instead of a beater brush, is much more preferred to avoid scratching the surface of the rug.
3. Clean it!
Bamboo rugs are usually coated with polyurethane, which helps protect them against scratches and stains. However, accidents may as well happen – although very rare.
We all know by now that the sooner you address a spill or stain, the better the results will be. If you allow a spill to set in the foundation of the rug (any rug), cleaning it instantly becomes much more difficult and, in some cases, nearly impossible. So, if your bamboo rug gets a spill, blot liquid until the affected area is dry and then use an old cloth or rag that has been dampened with warm water to get rid of any residue that has remained. It really does not need anything more than just a few minutes to get it back to its great-looking condition.
Now, if you need to clean your bamboo rug after prolonged or outdoor use and/or heavy foot traffic, shake it out or vacuum it to remove debris, clean the surface with a clean, damp cloth and use a water-and-mild-soap solution to spot-clean the borders.
Finally, if you must remove clay, gum or any other solid material that can ruin the natural fibers of your rug, use a spatula or spoon with a firm edge and gently scrape away the material from the affected area. Once it is lifted off completely, you can remove any residue with a dampened rag.
4. Protect it!
If you have chairs or a table sitting on bamboo flooring (bamboo slats fastened to the floor joists), you will probably have used felt or plastic casters on the legs of the furniture to help protect the bamboo slats against cracking and scratching from the sharp, straight edges of the chair or table.
With a bamboo rug, you do not need to worry about that because most bamboo rugs are kiln dried and carbonised to help increase their durability and strength. Plus, bamboo fibers are far stronger than even wood fibers (and also coated with a synthetic material for added protection against mold and mildew). It is highly unlikely you will see a bamboo rug with divots or cracks from constant moving, changing atmospheric conditions or the weight of a heavy chair.
However, if you use a bamboo rug as an outdoor area rug, make sure you rotate it regularly, especially if it is placed in a sunny location. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause some degree of fading to any type of rug, bamboo included.
Finally, if your bamboo rug comes with a natural fiber backing, making sure it stays dry will prevent rot and mold issues. In this case, always check whether the rug is dry before you roll it for storage and avoid using it in areas where it could be soaked by water (i.e. rain).
5. Be Proactive!
Avoid placing a bamboo rug in direct sunlight, especially if it has been stained to fit your décor. The sun’s UV rays will lighten the bamboo over time. Of course, this is not much of a problem as you can have it re-stained; but, why go through this if you can avoid it?
To maintain an even wear, besides rotating the rug every 6 months, it is best to store it inside (clean and dry) so that it is not affected by harsh weather conditions.
Tip: If you also want to protect the floor below the rug, make sure the bottom has a soft, yet rubbery, backing or purchase a rug pad instead, especially if you plan on putting a bamboo rug on tiles or hardwood, where they also slide too easily.
Why Consider Using a Bamboo Rug:
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Bamboo rugs are fire and insect resistant – Pretty much like other natural fiber flooring choices, the natural structure and oils of bamboo rugs make them fire retardant up to a certain point. This means that a fire may start on a bamboo rug but it will take quite a lot of time to spread. Also, insects find bamboo particularly unappealing to live in so no worries about infestations either.
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Bamboo rugs are a better option for allergy sufferers – Thanks to their smooth, easy-to-clean surface, allergens cannot hide in their fibers as easy as with other types of rugs. This allows allergy sufferers to breathe a bit better.
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Bamboo is a renewable resource – Bamboo regrows at its base very quickly when it is cut. So, it can be easily grown over and over without damaging the bamboo population. Plus, it can thrive in smaller spaces, given that it does not take as much space as a traditional tree. If you have eco concerns, bamboo is a green option that you will love!
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Bamboo rugs are extremely durable – They can hold up to wear and tear on both the environment and you, and retain their shape and hardness due to the special treatment they receive after they are cleaned and cut.
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They are convenient for any room – They have the strength to hold up against the wear and tear of a home that receives heavy foot traffic, without sacrificing style for function.
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They come in a rich variety of colours and sizes – Although brown and tan are the most common colours you will find, there are plenty of other shades to choose from, depending on the décor and style of your home, as well as your personal preferences. They also vary by size and are particularly price-friendly to fit every budget.
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Bamboo rugs make great additions to a home – You can find a plethora of patterns to help enhance the theme of your décor, from tropical, Bali to Chinese designs. For more modern touches, a mahogany bamboo rug is just great while a key lime green piece will inject colour into your space.
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They don’t cost much to have them cleaned by a professional carpet cleaner – At LoveYourRug, we use the latest technology and eco-friendly cleaning options that allow us to thoroughly clean new flooring materials like bamboo with relative ease and at a low cost. Do feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions about how to clean your rug or if you want to have it cleaned or repaired after a nasty accident by our specialists.
Undeniably, a bamboo rug does a superb job adding to your ambiance, looks elegant, and comprises a great investment, especially if you are looking for green options in every aspect of your life. Whether featuring beautiful patterns woven with bamboo or mixed with natural fibres, your bamboo rug can last long with proper care, which, thankfully does not require much on your end. And, if you wish to achieve excellence in your bamboo rug cleaning efforts and ensure your asset is in the best possible condition for many years to come, do call us! We will be more than happy to help!
