How to Clean a Jute Carpet in 4 Steps

Jute rugs bring a rustic coastal vibe to any room. Jute is known around the world as the “golden fiber” because of its natural color and its importance as a sustainable crop derived from the jute plant. Jute is the world’s most widely used fibre after cotton, and has been used in clothing, tablecloths, and home accessories as a sustainable, eco-friendly fibre, starting with the original rope, twine, and seed bags.

Long, strong jute fibers can be coarse (think burlap) or soft fibers after being treated with caustic soda to increase softness and flexibility. Jute rugs are durable and suitable for use in high-traffic areas, or they can be spread underneath smaller, brighter-colored rugs. Cleaning a jute rug only requires a few basic supplies, a good vacuum, and 4 steps.

How Often to Clean Jute Carpets

Jute carpets tend to shed fibers, so they should be vacuumed at least twice a week. Spills and stains should be cleaned up and disposed of immediately. Staying on the protrusion for too long can release the natural oils within the jute fibers, leaving stains that are difficult to remove.

Before You Start

It is not recommended to clean jute carpet by shampooing or using a steam carpet cleaner as this may cause the jute to become discolored and weakened due to excess moisture. If the carpet doesn’t dry quickly, mold can form. Avoid these additional cleaning methods and products:

• Do not wash jute carpets in the washing machine.
• Do not hose jute carpets.
• Do not use any type of detergent containing bleach or ammonia.

What You’ll Need

Equipment/Tools

• Vacuum
• 1 small bowl
• 1 to 2 pieces of microfiber cloth
• Hand-held hair dryer
• 1 scoop, spatula, or old credit card
• 1 vinyl drip cloth

Material

• 1 box of cornstarch or talcum powder
• 1 bottle of bleach-free dish soap
• 1 container of dry cleaning solvent

How to Clean Jute Carpets

01. Clear Loose Soil

• Use a vacuum cleaner that does not engage the stirring bar to suck up loose dust and soil. Starting from one side, vacuum the entire surface. Rotate at a 90-degree angle and vacuum again to remove most of the dirt.
• Since most jute rugs have a loosely woven structure, vacuum the floor under the rug at least twice a month to prevent sand particles from scratching the floor.
• If you have a small jute rug, you can take it outside and shake or gently tap the porch railing to remove loose soil.

02. Quickly Dispose of Stains

• When a spill occurs, blot the liquid with a microfiber cloth as soon as possible. Continue to blot until there is no more moisture on the dry cloth.
• Removes stain-producing solids from jute. Use a spatula, spoon, or the edge of an old credit card to remove the mess. Friction will push the stain deeper into the jute fibers.

03. Remove Stains

• Fresh oil stains: Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or talcum powder on top of the stain. Let it sit on the stain for a few hours to absorb the oil or grease. Vacuum the powder and repeat until the oil is no longer transferred. If the stain persists, carefully wipe the area with a dry cleaning solvent as directed on the label.
• Fresh food or mud stains: After removing solids, mix a solution of 50% warm water and 50% dishwashing liquid in a small bowl. Place a vinyl rag underneath the area to be cleaned to protect the carpet mat or floor. Soak a clean microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out until it does not drip water. Blot the spots and wipe gently. When the stain is transferred, continue to move to a clean area of the cloth. Rinse with a clean cloth soaked in clean water and blotted dry of the soap solution.

04. Quick Drying

After the stain is cleaned, use a handheld hair dryer to dry the stain as soon as possible.

Tips to Keep Jute Rugs Clean and More Durable

• Rotate the rug regularly to promote even wear.
• Use a good quality carpet mat underneath jute.
• Do not keep jute moist and do not use jute rugs in high-humidity environments such as bathrooms, outdoor patios, or damp basements.
• Do not use a steam cleaner or wet shampoo method for cleaning.
• Vacuum the floor under the carpet at least twice a month.
• Avoid direct sunlight as this will cause the jute carpet to fade.
• Do not pull on loose fibers, as this will cause them to fall apart. Instead, cut the fibers.