The Beauty of Natural Fibers Rugs

Synthetic-fiber carpets and carpets treated with stain repellent and other chemicals may represent an environmental and—for some people—a health challenge. Larson Carpet/Ruckstuhl has developed a full line of natural-fiber carpets and area rugs called the PUR collection, explains Mark Weidner, general manager.
Carpets and area rugs in the collection are made from wool, coir, sisal, flax, linen, jute, cotton, horsehair, goat hair, and paper yarn. In developing the line, attention was paid not only to design and weave, but also to environmental soundness. Unspoiled yams are used in these “green carpets,” which have no backing and receive no topical treatments.
Wool is the most popular fiber in the line, followed by coir and sisal. In their inexpensive versions, coir and sisal carpets are typically considered disposable, appropriate for a few years until their owners can afford to upgrade to something better. Weidner points out, though, that when the raw materials are chosen correctly and the weave is very tight, coir and sisal carpets can have a long life, even in commercial settings Since their hard fibers make coir and sisal naturally antistatic, these carpets are often used in offices and computer rooms. Another advantage to these hard fibers is that they won’t support bacterial growth.
Flax, linen, and jute are all bast fibers, which means that they are harvested from the stalk of the plant. They are beautiful yams, but because they are relatively soft, they are appropriate in areas that receive only moderate traffic, such as living rooms and bedrooms. Wool, horsehair, and goat hair are all very durable fibers that can be used in central, high-traffic areas.
Natural-fiber carpets are best cleaned using a dry-cleaning method. Shampooing and steam cleaning can shrink them and cause damage. In addition, says Weidner, shampooing often leaves a soap residue in carpets, which attracts soil. With proper care, natural fibers wear well and age nicely, developing an attractive patina with time.
