Wondering How to Clean Your Coir Carpet? Here Are the Basics!

Coir carpets are ingenious. Their fibres are derived from coconut husks. That gives you a very durable flooring suitable both for indoors as well as outdoors. A good coir carpet can last years if you care for it the right way. The warm, rustic look cannot be denied either. It gives your home a very cosy look.

It can also not be denied that cleaning coir carpets requires a different approach compared to your average synthetic carpet or rug. This post contains just that information.

Let’s do it! Now you will learn how to clean coir carpet, plus all the challenges that come with it.

Is coir easy to clean?

Coir is fairly easy to clean most of the time. Vacuum it regularly to stop dirt from building up and you should be good to go. However, when it comes to moisture, it’s another story.

A little water is fine. However, you should not keep your coir mats damp for long. If soaked, the fibres may swell or go mouldy. Most coir mats are not washable in a machine. Too much water or agitation and you can damage the fibres. Provided you only spot clean and vacuum, you can expect your coir mat to last around four to six years.

Coconut fibres are stiff and coarse. They give the carpet its firm texture and rustic look. Coir is also considered eco-friendly. These qualities make the product tough enough for high-traffic areas. Examples include entryways, offices, and hallways. Coir traps dirt before it spreads around the house and adds a warm, natural touch to the floor. Sadly, it also means dirt can cling to the textured surface more easily.

How to clean your coir carpet

Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to clean coir carpet and its many forms, from mats to fitted matting.

Grab the following:

Step 1: Dry vacuum

Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and go over the mat in several directions. This helps loosen debris caught between the fibres. For fitted coir matting, take your time around edges and corners. Dirt tends to hide there. 

Remember to vacuum once or twice a week. That should be enough to keep your mat fresh and prevent stains from setting in. Next…

Step 2: Gently brush the surface

Now take the soft-bristled brush or broom. Brushing lifts small particles that your vacuum might miss, so sweep gently across the surface. 

Pay close attention to high-traffic areas like entryways, doorsteps, and hallways. Dirt and grit in these spots can wear down the fibres faster.

Step 3: Clean the stains

Always act fast when you stain your coir carpets or mats.

The way you should go about this is to always blot the area with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub, ever. The fibres can fray, and the stain may spread.

After that, you should tailor your stain removal method to the type of stain.

After you treat the stains, let the carpet dry naturally. Never use a hairdryer or heater, even though it’s tempting. Excessive heat can damage coir fibres. Coir will recover its texture as it dries, so be patient.

Step 4: Surface wash the rug carefully

You already know that coir is strong but sensitive to soaking. Most coir carpets are not designed for full washing, but just to be sure, you can check the label. Some coir carpets and mats can handle light cleaning. If yours is like that, you may proceed to wash it.

For larger areas, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water. Always test the solution on a hidden corner first. You must be sure that the detergent won’t fade the fibres or affect the colour. After that, use a damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe the carpet surface. Work in sections and rinse the cloth frequently so as not to spread dirt. Never drench the carpet. The fibres only need to be slightly damp.

Step 5: Dry the carpet

Drying is one of the most important parts of cleaning coir.

After you spot clean, roll the carpet or mat in a clean towel. It will soak up extra moisture. Then lay it flat or hang it outside in a shaded, airy spot. Never place it in direct sunlight. That can make the fibres brittle and cause the colour to fade. Once dry, vacuum lightly to restore texture.

If you cleaned a large area, allow plenty of time for full drying before you put it back in place. Coir takes longer to dry than synthetic fibres, so be patient.

How to make sure your coir mats last

Now that you’ve cleaned your coir carpet, it’s best to know how to keep it like that.

Vacuum at least once a week. Make sure to use a brush attachment or low-suction setting. Go in different directions to remove dirt from all fibres. As already mentioned, treat stains promptly. Blot with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Always test cleaning solutions on a hidden spot first. Try to avoid strong chemicals that can damage the fibres.

Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep the fibres gently. Focus on high-traffic areas where dirt and debris build up. This lifts trapped particles and keeps the mat looking fresh. Never soak your coir mat. Use only a damp cloth or sponge for cleaning. Too much water can weaken fibres and lead to mould or mildew.

Move your coir mat around occasionally to prevent one area from becoming flattened.

Also, keep mats out of direct sunlight for long periods. Sun can fade the natural fibres and make them brittle.

You can also place a thin rubber or fabric liner under entrance mats. This prevents slipping and reduces wear from heavy foot traffic.