Any OCD cleaners out there?

YoungBlueEyes

I decided against wetting it at all for fear it would never dry - when I was wiggling the rushes about yesterday with a toothbrush, you can see through them and there's another layer exactly like the top one but turned 180 degrees. So it's certainly 3 and possibly 4 layers. 

So last night I sat it in the conservatory on a newspaper, sprinkled a box of cheapo table salt on it and massaged it in with the toothbrush. Both the top side and the under side. It can sit there a good long while and I'll start with the hoover again. If anything survives that it can stop there. 

Thanks for your help folks  

twopenny

Depending, you could stain the whole to match the darkest area. I think the contrast would look nice.

Topps furniture stain would be best if it's still available.
I've used it to wipe over scratched furniture making it like new.
Also used it on willow trellis in the garden.

YoungBlueEyes

That's a good idea, I'll consider that for when the self-clean cycle finishes