What are the benefits of washable cotton rugs?

Cotton has always been a preferred choice for rugs and carpets. Cotton rugs are still popular in country-style decorating, particularly in kitchens, porches, and other smaller spaces. Are you thinking about purchasing a cotton rug for your home? Read our cotton rug buying guide to help you make the best choice.

Material

Cotton, which is derived from the cotton plant, is an environmentally friendly material that is easy to produce and incredibly versatile. Cotton fibres are soft and strong, and they hold dyes very well. Cotton is an excellent material for rugs due to these characteristics, particularly rugs with intricate patterns and detail.

When it comes to cotton rugs, it's unusual for the rug to be made entirely of cotton. Instead, cotton is frequently blended with other fibres, such as wool, to combine the advantages of multiple materials and produce a more well-rounded rug.

Sizes

Cotton rugs, like all rugs, come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from small to large, rectangular to circular. Cotton rugs are ideal for a casual home, and larger ones can be as good as other materials.

By Room

Washable cotton rugs can be used in a variety of rooms throughout the house, but they are best suited to the following:

• Kitchen
• Living room
• Dining Room
• Bedroom

Cotton rugs, when used as kitchen rugs, add a homey feel to your most popular gathering space. Patterned cotton rugs make excellent focal point centrepieces in the living room. Learn more about the suitability of cotton rugs for different floor types.

We've broken down the most important factors to consider when buying cotton rugs accordingly:

Cost

Cotton is not cost prohibitive to produce on a large scale, and many of the processes involved in treating, dying, and preparing it are also cost - effective. Cotton rugs are generally inexpensive. However, it is more expensive than synthetic rugs, which can be mass produced at a low cost. However, there is something to be said for not having that "mass produced" feeling.

Looks

The variety of weaves and fibres available clearly shows cotton's adaptability. Cotton is one of the fabrics that allows for reversible rugs. This opens the door to colour variation as well as easily hidden stains. Cotton rugs can be ideal depending on the desired effect. Because of the way they accept dyes, they are available in a wide range of colours and are remarkably versatile.

Upkeep

Smaller cotton rugs can be cleaned at the dry cleaners, in a conventional washing machine, or on a cool wash. (Checking is still advised at all times.) They are therefore ideal for areas like kitchens or porches where spills and stains are more likely to occur. Larger rugs can still be cleaned pretty easily with mild cleaners and some elbow grease, though.

Environment

Cotton is a natural substance, so it doesn't have an impact on the environment. If you decide you no longer desire your rug, the organic fibres will break down, unlike rugs made of plastic, which will stay forever. Cotton rugs, however, narrowly fall short of earning a perfect score for the environment due to the amount of land needed for cotton farming and the chemicals used in its processing.