How to Clean a Jute Rug

Co-authored by Margaret Maragh and Eric McClure

Last Updated: October 1, 2023 Approved

Jute, also called hessian or burlap, is a natural fiber found in clothing, luggage, and home furnishings. Jute carpets have some of the softest fibers in the world and feature a gold shine in their natural state. Jute may also be dyed a myriad of colors to provide different shapes and patterns in colorful carpets. Some manufacturers may mix jute fibers with synthetic fibers to create a stronger, more durable carpet. However, jute rugs can become discolored, stained, or mildewed and you may need to know how to clean a jute rug with proper care.

Steps

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1
Use a soft bristle brush and a dab of water to immediately clean spills on a jute carpet. Once a spill is set, it may become a stain and become difficult to remove.
- Clean a spill or spot with a product that does not have an optical brightener or bleach because those products can leave bleach spots, discolor the rug, or damage the material.^{[1]
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- You can even use something acidic like white vinegar or lemon.^{[2]
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Vacuum a jute rug twice a week to prevent dirt accumulating in the jute fibers. Vacuum both sides of the rug as well as the floor underneath.
- When you vacuum, you remove about 80% of the dust and dirt from the rug.^{[3]
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Sprinkle the dry-cleaning powder onto the carpet, and use a stiff bristle brush to clean the jute fibers. Shake out the rug or vacuum as needed. A dry-cleaning kit may be available at carpet stores or online that contains the dry-cleaning powder, a spot remover, and a brush.
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Scrape solid spills with a dull knife, and then brush with a stiff bristle brush. Follow by vacuuming.^{[4]
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- Apply a solution of vinegar water solution and allow the rug to soak before scraping off the dirt.^{[5]
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- make a paste with baking soda, apply, and leave it to sit on the rug, this will help to soften dirt on top of the rug and then remove it. ^{[6]
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Avoid rubbing the spill. Club soda may be used to neutralize acidic spills such as red wine or tomato sauce.
Mix 1 part bleach to 6 parts water in a spray bottle. Test the mixture in an unseen spot on the rug. If discoloration occurs, dilute the spray and retest. Once the mixture is satisfactory, spray a little on the mildew, and work in with a soft brush. Rub with a dry cloth after 10 minutes.
This can minimize the jute fibers' absorbency and protect the rug from stains. This will allow you a little more time to get any spills cleaned up before they set into the rug.

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How do I restore a large jute rug that has been washed in an industrial washing machine?

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If your jute rug has been thoroughly washed in water, the fibers have been permanently damaged. There isn't really anything that you can do short of getting a new one since jute can't get wet. Sorry!

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How do I remove red wine from my jute rug without damaging it?

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Red wine and balsamic dressing are the two jute killers. They can't be removed from the fibers of the rug. If you really want to save it and don't mind permanently changing the color, you can try washing it.

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How do I remove vomit from a jute rug?

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Blot the area with paper towels or a dry towel. Sprinkle the area with baking soda and then blot it again. Then, use a blow dryer to heat the area. Use a vacuum to remove any microscopic residue. If there's still some left, you can try using vinegar to absorb the vomit, but you'll run the risk of staining your rug.

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Tips

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot on the jute rug before applying it to the whole carpet.

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If one area of a rug becomes lightened by the cleaning of a stain, consider lightening the whole rug.

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If mildew is a persistent problem on a jute rug, move the rug to a drier location or use the rug only during dry seasons.

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Warnings

Do not rub a jute rug too aggressively with either a cloth or a brush. It can be damaging to jute rug care since it may cause the fibers to fray.

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Do not use household cleaners on jute rugs as it may cause the fibers to lighten.

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Water is very damaging to jute carpets. Do not steam clean or use a wet shampoo to clean jute fibers.

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