Eco friendly rugs are made up of fibers that are not harmful to our environment and do not consist of any harsh chemicals. Sisal, Jute, and Sea-grass are examples of fibers used to make rugs that are Eco friendly and also very durable. The textures of these three rugs are very different but they all can provide any home with a fresh and natural look and feel. These fibers also work well with people who have chemical sensitivities or allergies.
Sisal fiber is a material which is extracted from the leaves of the ‘Agave Sisalana’ plant. This plant is sometimes called the American Aloe or Century Plant and it is the native plant to Central America. Sisal is now grown all over the world, especially in Java, East Africa and Mexico. This plant is greenish-gray in color and has tight, yarn-like fibers. Manufactures use Sisal fibers from plants that have not been exposed to pesticides or weed killers. Sisal is a very replenishing and sustainable fiber. It is the most popular plant fiber used to make rugs. Sisal rugs are great to have because not only are they Eco friendly but they are also anti-static, sound absorbing, flame retardant and long lasting.
Jute is made from stem fiber plants that mainly come from India and China. Jute is a particularly soft and flexible fiber that comes from the outside skin of the Jute plant. It is naturally straw-like in color and must be dyed to achieve the color wanted by manufactures and rug makers. This fiber resists scratching and is renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. Jute fibers can be woven in thick textures or with a smooth finish. Jute works well for making strong yarns and fabrics because it is very stable and firm.
Sea-grass makes a very durable and biodegradable rug just like the other two natural fibers. Sea-grass is a very fast-growing plant and it grows in shades of light gold and muted green. It is made of grass-like stems and is an extremely durable material for rugs. Sea-grass has a non-porous surface, which means that it is resistant to moisture. Sea-grass rugs are known to have a very smooth texture. They usually have a hay-like smell and color but that will fade over time.
A great feature some of these natural fibers contain is they have a natural resistance to stains. There are no chemical stain guards that need to be applied to any of these fibers. Also, when these rugs are manufactured, they have a natural latex backing put on them but they do not require a backing at all, so no adhesive is used. Another fantastic aspect about these natural fibers is that you can also be environmentally friendly when you clean them. They require only vacuuming and if you do get a stain on them, you can use a small amount of vinegar, soap and water to clean them up.
ll three of these fibers are used to make Eco friendly rugs. If you are looking to purchase a new rug which does not harm our environment, Rugs HQ is proud to present our 'Eco Friendly Rug' option which will narrow down your options to specifically Eco friendly rugs.