Are Jute Rugs Easy to Clean?

Natural Area Rugs Blog Staff

Natural Area Rugs Blog Staff

Jute area rugs are a smart alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in high-traffic areas like bedrooms or living rooms. Not only do these rugs offer a natural, warm look that’s easy to clean, they’re more durable than carpet and less likely to get dirty. However, jute area rugs are not immune to the occasional spill. Luckily, with a little preparation and common sense, spills on jute rugs can usually be easy to clean.

jute rug cleaning

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Jute rugs have a natural tendency to repel stains, dirt, and dust. Because of this, they are incredibly easy to clean and maintain and are a great choice for high-traffic areas. As with any other piece of fabric, regular cleaning and vacuuming should be enough to keep your jute rugs in good condition.

Waterproofing treatments are also available for jute that are especially prone to staining and can help prevent some of the worst mishaps.

How Do You Clean Jute Rugs?

Jute Rugs are known for their durability and longevity. However, over time, jute can become dirty and need to be cleaned. It is important that jute rugs be cleaned on a regular basis to keep them looking great and lasting longer. Most people do not realize how easy it is to clean jute rugs, and how little work it takes to get the job done.

How to Spot Clean a Jute Rug?

  • The best way to spot clean a jute rug is to use a damp cloth. You can also use a sponge, but you need to be careful not to get water on the backing of the rug.

  • You can also use a dry cloth or a soft brush. If you’re using a brush, you’ll need to be very careful not to press the bristles too hard on the rug.

  • You can use warm water and a mild detergent. To avoid fading and yellowing of your jute rug, avoid using chlorine bleach. Try not to use harsh chemicals such as ammonia.

  • When you’re finished cleaning the rug, you’ll want to lay it flat. This will allow it to dry properly. Don’t leave your jute rug in direct sunlight.

  • Once the rug is dry, you can brush it. This will help remove any dirt that may have been on the rug.

Spot Cleaning With Dry Cleaning Powder

Spot cleaning jute rugs with dry cleaning powder is an easy way to clean them. It can be done quickly and easily, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing it.

1. Before you start, make sure the rug is dry. If it’s not, then wait until it is. You don’t want to get any water on the rug and ruin it.

2. Fill the spot with dry cleaning powder. You can use any dry cleaning powder you like, but you’ll want to make sure it’s non-toxic. We recommend Host Dry Cleaning Powder. 

host dry carpet cleaner

3. Use a sponge or paper towel to apply the powder to the spot. 

4. Rub the spot with your sponge. You’ll want to rub it in so that it covers the spot.

5. Let the rug dry. You can leave it for a while, or you can put it under a fan. The important thing is that it’s completely dry. The cleaning powder will set to a light golden color as it dries. 

7. After the powder has dried completely, vacuum the jute area rug. 

9. Voila! Your spot is clean. You can use this method to clean any kind of rug, but it’s particularly useful for jute rugs.

How to Clean Jute Rugs After a Pet Accident?

pet accident on jute rug

The best way to clean jute rugs after a pet accident or pet stain is to use a solution of water and white vinegar. Simply soak the area for a couple of hours and then wash it out with a soft cloth. 

Follow the spot cleaning steps listed above. 

If the odor remains after the just rug has dried, try adding baking soda to the spot where the accident happened and let it sit overnight. 

Cleaning The Border of a Jute Rug

To keep your bound jute area rug with woven cotton, canvas, or linen borders in good condition, vacuum the edge carefully. Be careful not to let your vacuum sit on top of the binding or catch the corner of the rug, as this could damage the rug.

You should vacuum in the direction of the binding to avoid pulling it away from the rug. Do not use a beater bar when vacuuming.

Can You Wash a Jute Rug?

Jute rugs should not be steam cleaned, wet shampooed, or washed, as this will damage and discolor the natural fiber. If the area rug is heavily soiled, it is best to have it professionally dry cleaned.

If your jute rug is machine-washable, it’s likely not an authentic jute rug made of natural material.

Can Jute Rugs Get Wet?

Keep your jute rugs dry to avoid browning! Water releases oils in jute that will discolor the fibers during the drying process.

Believe it or not, this is the most common cause of discolored rugs.

This browning can be reduced or eliminated by placing a clean, absorbent cloth on top of the wet area and weighing it down with heavy objects.

Cleaning a Jute Rug With Baking Soda

One way to get this problem under control is to give your rug a good cleaning with baking soda. 

The baking soda will absorb the moisture and help remove the mold spores and bacteria from the fibers.

Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water in a bowl. Add some vinegar if you want it more acidic. You can use a clean rag or sponge for this task. Dip the rag or sponge into the solution and then use it to clean your rug. You may have to work slowly to avoid oversaturating the rug. Once the rug is dry, vacuum up any baking soda that is still on the rug.

If you have pets, you might want to keep them out of the house while you are cleaning the rugs.

Preventative Measures

The use of a fabric protector can help prevent stains from setting on your jute rug. 

ProtectMe is a safe, nontoxic fabric protector that you can pre-treat your jute rug with. 

The main purpose of protectME is to keep liquid stains away, and it does this by coating each individual fiber. Because jute is very absorbent, we recommend applying two coats within 30 minutes of each other and always spot testing first to check for colorfastness.

Regular Maintenance and Care Tips

Regular Vacuuming

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use a soft brush attachment when vacuuming your rug.

• Set your vacuum’s suction level to low or medium.

• Vacuum your rug in small sections and don’t move your vacuum back and forth.

• Avoid vacuuming your rug in one continuous motion.

• While using a vacuum cleaner, be sure to just lightly touch the pile of your jute rug.

• Do not use a vacuum cleaner that has a rotating brush.

Light Dampening

If your jute rug is drying out or experiencing low humidity, apply moisture by spraying, mopping, brushing, or using a device that supplies a light and even amount of clean water.

Your jute carpet should never be saturated. If it becomes drenched, it can change shape and stain from the dyes in the underlay.

Vacuum your jute rug thoroughly before applying any moisture, as dirt in the matting may stain if it gets wet and dissolves.

In summary, yes, jute rugs can be easy to clean. Jute is a natural product, not a synthetic. This means that jute rugs are durable and will last longer, but be aware that they can be sensitive to chemicals and abrasives

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