Dec 01, 2022

How to Clean a Jute Rug

Are you worried about a nasty spill on your jute rug? Or maybe you’re looking to give it a deep clean after it has collected dust and debris over time.

If you have a jute rug, you probably appreciate it for its soft feel and durability. It is also one of the most affordable types of rugs out there.

Jute rugs can quickly become compromised by spills or stains. They also tend to easily collect dust and dirt particles over time.

Luckily, we are here to tell you exactly how to clean a jute rug and whether you should attempt to clean it yourself.

We will also consider the best methods for cleaning this type of rug based on your unique needs so that you can restore your jute rug to its original state in a jiffy.

What this article covers:

Can You Clean a Jute Rug?
How to Get Stains Out of a Jute Rug
How to Deep Clean a Jute Rug
How to Vacuum a Jute Rug
How to Clean a Wicker Rug
How to Clean a Rattan Rug
How to Clean a Burlap Rug

Can You Clean a Jute Rug?

Yes. But it can be a bit tricky.

how to clean jute rug

Cleaning a rug can be tricky on its own, but natural fibers like jute can make it even more difficult.

This is because these fibers are prone to separation. They are also sensitive to certain chemicals in cleaning products, which may cause damage or even change the color of your jute rug.

But with some know-how and the right cleaning products, you can clean your jute rug in a jiffy.

Keep in mind that there are some important tips you need to consider before cleaning your jute rug.

These tips will also help you maintain the silky finish of your jute rug over an extended period.

This will not only ensure the success of the cleaning process but also make your jute-cleaning job easier in the long run.

Tips For Cleaning A Jute Rug

Keep Moisture Levels Low

The most important thing to remember when cleaning a jute rug is to keep moisture levels at bay.

Unlike the process for cleaning a furry rug, jute rugs do not take well to water exposure. In fact, they may discolor or become completely worn.

This is because it may loosen the woven fibers and even cause mildew to build up over time. So, no matter how terrible the spill on your jute rug is, avoid introducing water during the cleaning process.

Maintain Your Jute Rug

Also, maintenance is key. Because these rugs are prone to shedding, you need to vacuum them regularly.

Try vacuuming your jute rug once every two weeks, as you would when cleaning a wool rug.

Use an upright vacuum set at the lowest function and vacuum in the directions that the fibers are woven.

Also, be sure to disengage the beater bars as this may cause your jute rug to shed.

Don’t postpone the process of cleaning your jute rug for too long. You want to keep this delicate rug well-maintained over time.

Lower Your Expectations

Lastly, bear in mind that your jute rug may not have a brand-new shimmer and shine as your fluffy rug would after cleaning a shag rug.

There is no texture or shine in the material that will bring it back to life after a good clean, but it is still important to ensure that it is cleaned often to avoid mildew building up or discoloration over time.

In this case, prevention is much better than cure.

Can You Steam Clean Jute Rugs?

We don’t recommend steam cleaning your jute rug.

This may be effective when you want to clean a cowhide rug, but there’s too much risk when using this method for jute rugs.

Similar to the process for cleaning silk rugs, jute rugs do not take well to moisture-inducing cleaning processes.

clean jute rug

Some people have had success with using a steam cleaner on the area of the jute rug that is already damp, but it is not wise to introduce steam to a dry jute rug.

The hot moisture from the steam can get some of the moisture out of a jute rug if there is already a damp area present.

But, proceed with caution if you want to do this and avoid introducing too much heat or steam to the jute rug.

Rather, reserve your steam cleaner for when you need to clean a polyester rug, where this little machine can work wonders.

Can You Machine Wash Jute Rugs?

We also don’t recommend machine washing your jute rug. There are two reasons for this.

The first reason is the introduction of water. Since jute rugs do not take well to moisture, the washing machine just exposes them to too much water.

This can permanently damage your jute rug and allow mildew to develop.

Also, any spinning or wringing of jute rugs is not recommended. The fibers of jute rugs are very fragile and they may become undone after having a good spin in the washing machine.

There are professional carpet cleaners with specialized equipment who machine wash these types of rugs but it is definitely not recommended to place your jute rug in the home washing machine.

How To Get Stains Out Of A Jute Rug

Step 1: Blot

The first step when addressing a stain on your jute rug, similar to spot cleaning a sisal rug, is blotting up the stain as soon as you can.

Grab a clean dry cloth or paper towel and gently blot up as much of the stain as you can.

Do not rub the stain and blot from the outside of the stain working inward until the moisture from the stain is transferred onto the cloth or paper towel. This will prevent the stain from spreading further outward.

For solid spills, use a dull object to scrape up as much of the debris as you can before blotting the stained area.

Step 2: Clean

Take your cloth and dip it into a mixture of laundry or dish detergent and warm water. Ensure that you use a bleach-free detergent for this step.

You can also use professional carpet cleaning chemicals.

If you opt for a professional remedy, ensure that you use a product that is safe for natural fibers, such as Rug Smack.

Be sure to also test the product on an inconspicuous part of the rug before cleaning to ensure that it does not damage your rug.

Take the cloth dipped in the cleaning solution and gently blot the stain.

The stain should start transferring onto the cloth. Continue till the whole stain disappears.

Step 3: Rinse & Dry

After removing the whole stain, rinse the affected area with warm water to remove any soapy residue.

Then, allow the area to dry.

You can do this by creating some ventilation in the room. So, open the windows, turn on the fan or grab your hairdryer to speed along the drying process.

You want the rug to dry as soon as possible to avoid moisture damaging the jute.

How To Deep Clean A Jute Rug

Step 1: Apply Baking Soda

It can be hard to deep clean your jute rug, especially considering the fact that you can’t bring too much water near it.

For most types of rugs, a deep clean will require carpet shampoo and rinsing procedures to thoroughly clean the carpet.

But jute rugs are the exception here.

If you want to deep clean your entire jute rug, start by layering baking soda all over the surface area of the rug. You can be generous here, taking care to cover the entire surface of the rug.

Use a soft bristle brush and lightly brush the powder over the rug to ensure that everything is covered. Ensure that you spread the baking powder in all directions, following the curvatures of the woven jute.

Step 2: Shake

Let the baking soda sit on the rug overnight. This will allow it to penetrate into the rug and into the stains. It also acts as a deodorizing agent, making it a great option for pet stains.

After leaving it overnight, shake out all the baking soda the next day. That’s it. The baking soda acts as a cleaning agent and will ensure that your jute rug smells good as new in the morning.

If you have a large rug, it may be difficult to shake it by hand in which case you can hang it over a wall and hit it with a broomstick until all the baking soda comes up.

How To Vacuum A Jute Rug

Step 1: Use A Good Vacuum

For any carpet cleaning procedure, professional carpet cleaning equipment works best.

Something like a commercial water extraction machine can work wonders to get the moisture out of carpets that do not like moisture.

But, we don’t all have the luxury of these specialized machines. Luckily, a household vacuum can work for cleaning a jute rug.

Step 2: Vacuum Often

In fact, bi-weekly vacuuming is recommended to maintain your jute rug over time.

To start the process, ensure that you use the lowest setting on your vacuum. Then, vacuum the entire rug. Using the low setting will ensure that the carpet fibers remain intact.

Step 2: Vacuum Under The Rug

Jute rugs tend to shed some of the carpet fibers and are also prone to collecting dust and debris.

That’s why it is highly recommended to lift the corners of the rug and vacuum underneath it.

If it is a small rug, you can flip it over and vacuum the underside. Remember to also vacuum the area where the rug was placed thoroughly.

This decreases the need to do a deep cleaning of your rug and will also improve its overall appearance.

How To Clean A Wicker Rug

Step 1: Powder and Brush

To clean a wicker rug, you are going to need a dry-cleaning powder or carpet-cleaning powder.

Be sure to use something that is designed for use on natural fibers.

It is wise to test the product on an area of the rug before covering the entire rug to see how it reacts.

Once you are sure the product is safe, sprinkle it over the entire rug. Then, take a brush or small broom, and brush the powder in all directions, ensuring that the rug is entirely covered.

Take another handful of cleaner, and pack it tightly onto the surface area of the rug. You can also focus on stained areas and pack them more densely there.

Step 2: Leave to Set

After applying the powder of your choosing, leave it to set overnight. You should see the product or the product changing color as it starts absorbing some of the dirt and debris.

Then, vacuum your rug and the residual powder up the next morning. Remember to use the low setting on your vacuum to ensure you don’t damage the jute fibers.

how do you clean a jute rug

How To Clean A Rattan Rug

Step 1: Blot Stains

Don’t worry if you have stained your rattan rug, these can be salvaged.

The first step is to blot up as much of the stain as you can with paper towels.

Don’t rub the stain or use an abrasive tool for this step as you will allow the stain to penetrate deeper into the rug.

If you are dealing with a dry stain, use a blunt tool and scrape up as much of the stain as you can until it loosens from the carpet fibers.

Step 2: Clean Stains

Then, take a clean cloth and dip it in a mixture of vinegar, detergent, and water.

Then, start dabbing the stains until it starts to disappear.

The stain should come off the rug and transfer onto your cloth. It is best to use a white cloth so that you can observe this process.

Continue until no more of the stain is transferred onto the cloth.

Step 3: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Sprinkle the rug with baking soda. Let the baking soda sit on the rug overnight.

Then, give the rug a good shake out in the morning. You can also vacuum the baking soda up if your rug is too large to shake out.

How To Clean A Burlap Rug

Burlap rugs do not like to be introduced to moisture, so they require a specific cleaning approach. Luckily, there are a few ways to clean a burlap rug.

Method 1: The Brush Method

Step 1: Dab and Brush

The first step to cleaning a burlap rug involves removing any moisture that might be present.

To do this, dab the rug and soak up any moisture that may be in the rug with a towel.

Don’t rub the towel too vigorously over the rug as this might damage the rug.

Then, dip a brush in a little water and gently brush the entire rug. If you are dealing with a stain, gently brush over the stained area. If the stain is acidic, use club soda instead of regular water for this step.

Step 2: Dry

After brushing the rug, it is important to get it dry as soon as possible.

Use a hairdryer and dry out the area where you brushed over the rug.

If any sold debris remains, use a blunt knife or spoon and gently scrape it off.

Then, vacuum up the remaining dirt or debris you have scraped up, or use a dustpan and brush to clean it off the rug.

Method 2: Shake

Step 1: Shake or Whack

Take your burlap rug outside, hold it by the corners and give it a vigorous shake. This should get rid of any dirt or debris that may be inside the fibers of the rug.

If your rug is too large, hang it over a wall and give it a good whack with a broom or other tool with a long handle.

Be sure to beat it on both sides of the rug.

Step 2: Let It Air Dry

Leave the rug outside in the sun to dry and to ensure that any residual mildew or bacteria is eliminated. Do not leave it out for too long as this may damage the burlap material and cause it to curl up.

Method 3: Spot Clean

Step 1: Clean Spills

This third method is best when dealing with stains and spills that happen on your burlap rug. To begin this method, take a cloth dipped in cold water and blot the stained area.

When dealing with solid spills, use a dull knife as a scraping tool and scrape up as much of the spill as you can.

Step 2: Brush and Vacuum

Then, use a soft cleaning brush and brush over the cleaned area. Then, take a vacuum and gently go over the affected area.

Take your clean cloth dipped in water and go over the stain again, using a gentle dabbing motion to remove the stain.

For tougher stains, mix some mild detergent with the water and dip your cloth in that before dabbing the stain.

Conclusion

So, it turns out that cleaning a jute rug is not as hard as cleaning a silk rug. In fact, it is way more doable than most people think.

The most important thing is to ensure that you have a product on hand that is safe for use on a jute rug and to ensure that you don’t introduce moisture during the cleaning process.

Because of this, the process of cleaning a jute rug is quite simple.

Just remember to also maintain your jute rug over time to ensure that it maintains its golden finish. This will also ensure that the fibers stay intact and that they don’t shed.

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