Jute Rug Care 101: Tips to Keep Your Jute Rug Looking Fresh

Jute rugs are a great addition to any home. They offer a natural texture and earthy tones that complement various interior styles. Whether you’ve chosen a round jute rug to soften a corner of your living room or a large jute rug to anchor your dining area, adequate care is essential to keep these natural fiber rugs looking their best. In this guide, we'll provide practical advice on how to keep your jute rug looking brand new and address frequently asked questions such as "how do you clean a jute rug?" so you can bask in its beauty for years to come.

Why Jute Rugs Are a Popular Choice

Jute rugs are created using the fiber of the jute plant, a biodegradable and environmentally friendly material. The rugs are cherished for being eco-friendly, long-lasting, and easily capable of fitting in with any decorating style. Be it a round jute rug to provide that extra something in your room or a huge jute rug to fit in vast open-plan rooms, their ease of use means they are one of the popular choices among home owners. Apart from their beauty, jute rugs are remarkably low maintenance compared to other natural fiber rugs. However, they also require special care to prevent wear and tear, especially for households with children and pets or high-traffic areas.

How to Clean a Jute Rug

One of the most common questions about jute rugs is, "how do you clean a jute rug?" The good news is that cleaning a jute rug is pretty simple. Start by vacuuming your rug on a regular basis, at least weekly to remove dirt and debris that can accumulate over time. Vacuum with a brushless suction attachment so that you don't damage the natural fibers. For small spills, blot the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub because it will only push the stain deeper into the fibers. If needed, use a little bit of mild detergent mixed with water, but first try it on an inconspicuous area to ensure that it won't discolor the rug.

For a more profound clean, attempt sprinkling baking soda on the rug to assimilate dampness and smells. sprinkle it generously over the rug, let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb odors and dirt, then vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda. 

Step by Step Approach:

• First prepare the rug 
• • Start with vacuuming the jute rug very well to sweep out loose dirt and debris.
  • Make sure the rug is dry before using the baking soda.
    Utilizing Baking Soda:
• Sprinkle a substantial amount of baking soda over the whole rug area.
  • Soft brush bristling of the baking soda into rug fibers can be done if you want a better cleaning.
  • Let it Sit
• Let the baking soda remain on the rug for some hours, or overnight, in order to allow it to absorb dirt and smells.
• Vacuum Carefully:
  
  • Once the baking soda has been left for a while, vacuum the rug slowly to pick up all of the remains of baking soda.

Additional Tips
For stubborn stains, you may try to blot them with warm water and gentle detergent solution, but always dry the spot at once to prevent discoloration. In case of a wet spill, blot the spill immediately with a clean cloth and then cover the area with baking soda.
Clean the baking soda as needed to maintain the rug freshness. 

For further tips consider this article from the spruce to help you maintain your jute rug!

Protecting Your Jute Rug from Moisture

Jute rugs are water-absorbent by nature and thus can be damaged be water damaged if they are not properly cared for. To prevent issues like mold or mildew, do not put your rug in humid spaces, such as the bathroom or kitchen, where the moisture level is higher. If your jute floor rug does get damp, blot it dry immediately using a clean, absorbent cloth and allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated space. Never dry the rug using heat appliances or the sun because this causes the fibers to break down over time, compromising its durability and appearance.

Laying a rug pad beneath your jute rug will also help to keep moisture from getting to it and can provide additional cushioning and slip-resistance. An effective rug pad acts as a shock absorber between the rug and floor and prevents moisture from seeping through and doing harm. Rug pads are especially useful for jute runner rugs that are placed in high-traffic areas, as they will stop the rug from slipping around and reduce wear and tear caused by sustained foot traffic. They can even prolong the lifespan of your rug by lessening friction against the ground, which will lead to deterioration of the fibers over time.

Rotating Your Jute Rug for Even Wear

To ensure that your jute rug continues to wear evenly, it's a good practice to rotate it regularly. Heavy foot traffic can cause uneven thinning and fading, which can ruin the appearance of your rug and cause it to have a shorter lifespan. By rotating your big jute rug every few months, you can distribute foot traffic more evenly and keep it looking new and natural without excessive wear in some areas. This simple habit not only makes the rug look its best but also remains functional and lasts for years to come.

This habit is especially crucial for rugs placed under furniture, as heavy pieces of furniture can create pressure points that lead to permanent indentations. Rearranging your furniture from time to time can also prevent this issue and add a new fresh look to your room. Additionally, using furniture pads under heavy items can reduce the pressure on the rug’s fibers, minimizing damage. Incorporating these steps into your routine will ensure that your jute rug remains a beautiful and practical centerpiece in your home.