Jute rugs are a popular choice for homeowners who appreciate their natural, earthy appearance and eco-friendly properties. However, like all rugs, jute can accumulate dirt, stains, and odours over time. Moreover, jute rugs differ than other natural rugs due to their sensitive material; therefore, it is absolutely acceptable to ask how do you clean a jute rug?

Jute is a natural fiber that can absorb moisture and stains easily, so you need to avoid wetting it or using harsh chemicals on it. With the right care, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your jute rug. We talked about washing wool rugs and removing coffee stains from a rug in our past articles.Now it’s jute rug’s turn! Here are some expert tips to ensure a spotless finish.

1. Simple Steps to Clean a Jute Rug

a. Blot Spills Immediately: As soon as a spill occurs, use a clean, dry cloth to blot (not rub) the area. This prevents the liquid from seeping deeper into the fibers. If the spill is acidic, such as wine or tomato sauce, you can neutralize it with club soda. If the spill is oily, you can use a mild dish soap diluted with water. Avoid using bleach or optical brighteners, as they can discolor or damage the jute fibers. 

b. Dry Cleaning Powder: For general cleaning, sprinkle a dry cleaning powder over the rug. A dry cleaning powder is a product that contains tiny particles that absorb dirt and odors from the rug without using water. You can buy a dry cleaning kit that includes a powder, a pre-stain solution, and a brush. Sprinkle the powder evenly over the rug and brush it in with a stiff bristle brush. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually about 15 minutes) and then vacuum it up.

c. Avoid Water: Jute is highly absorbent and can discolour or shrink when wet. Can you wash a jute rug? No! Don’t wash them as jute rugs can shrink or mould if they get too wet! Always avoid using water unless absolutely necessary.

Dry any wet areas with a hair dryer or fan. You need to dry them as quickly as possible. Use a hair dryer on a low setting or a fan to blow air over the wet area until it is completely dry.

2. Washing a Jute Rug 101 (If you have no choice other than washing)

a. Test for Colorfastness: Before washing, dab a small amount of water on an inconspicuous part of the rug. If the color bleeds, it’s best not to wash it.

b. Hand Wash with Care: If you must wash your rug with water, and if your rug is small and colorfast, you can hand wash it using cold water and a mild detergent. Gently agitate the water without scrubbing the rug. As we said it above, immediately after washing, use a hairdryer or fan and blow air over the wet area. 

c. Dry Flat: After washing and blowing with hairdryer, lay the rug flat on a clean surface to dry. Avoid hanging it as this can distort its shape. 

3. How to Clean Jute Rug Pet Stain? Removing Pet Stains from a Jute Rug

a. Blot Immediately: If your pet has an accident, blot up as much of the liquid as possible without rubbing. Also, you should treat your jute rug with a jute sealer. A jute sealer is a product that coats the jute fibers with a protective layer that makes them more resistant to stains and moisture.

You can apply it with a spray bottle or a roller, following the instructions on the label. This will give you more time to clean up any spills before they soak into the rug.

b. Use a Natural Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and blot with a clean cloth. The vinegar will neutralize odors and help lift the stain.

c. Air Dry: First, blow some air with hairdryer and then allow the rug to dry naturally. If the odor persists, you may need to consult a professional cleaner. 

4. Vacuuming Tips for Jute Rugs

a. Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum your jute rug regularly to remove dirt and dust. This prevents the debris from settling into the fibers and causing damage.

b. Avoid Beater Bars: Use a vacuum without a beater bar or turn it off. The aggressive action can damage the fibers of the rug.

c. Alternate Directions: Each time you vacuum, alternate the direction to ensure even wear and prevent dirt from settling.

5. Easy Methods to Wash a Jute Rug

As we mentioned above, we absolutely don’t recommend washing jute rugs. Jute is a sensitive fibre which can easily lose its shape or color. In any urgent cases that you must wash them, firstly try:

a. Spot Cleaning: For small stains, mix a drop of mild detergent with cold water and gently dab the stain. Avoid rubbing or soaking the area.

b. Refresh with Baking Soda: To freshen up your rug, sprinkle baking soda over it, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum. This will help neutralize odors and lift minor stains.

c. Professional Cleaning: If your rug is heavily soiled or has stubborn stains, it’s best to consult a professional rug cleaner who has experience with jute.

In conclusion, while jute rugs require a bit of special care, with the right techniques, you can keep them looking pristine for years to come. Remember to always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first and consult professionals when in doubt.