Jute rugs are, without a doubt, one of the most economical, versatile, and beautiful options when it comes to decorating a room. More and more people are betting on this material since it is 100% biodegradable and recyclable vegetable fiber, which allows jute rugs to be completely ecological. But, what is the proper maintenance of this type of decorative element? If you want your jute rugs to shine, pay attention to the following tips. Next, we give you the keys to learn how to clean a jute rug easily to keep it always impeccable.
Brush, water, and neutral soap
If your jute rug has recently been stained, don’t worry, using a soft bristle brush and water with a little neutral soap will be the solution to leave your jute rug looking like new in no time. This remedy is effective for attacking recent specific spots. In other words, you should do it right the moment the stain occurs, since it will be easier to remove that way. If you leave it too long, it will dry out and embed itself in the tissue, so you’ll need to move on to other methods to kill it.
Tip: if you don’t have neutral soap on hand, you can make a solution based on water and highly concentrated salt. Then, scrub the stain with a brush soaked in the mixture and rub the stain from the outside on both sides of the rug. The stain will be gone!
Moisture drying
As the ideal is to act as soon as possible against the spill of a liquid or other substance that could stain your jute rug, it will be essential to dry the moisture as soon as possible to prevent it from settling inside the vegetable fiber. To do this, we recommend using a hair dryer as soon as possible, as it will help remove moisture quickly.
Dry cleaning
If we talk about difficult stains, dry cleaning will be your salvation. If you have a tute rug at home, you need to have a specific dry cleaning kit for rugs prepared, so you can always keep it in perfect condition. This kit consists of a specific product for dry cleaning that usually works against difficult-to-remove stains. Place the powder on the stain and use a soft-bristled brush to remove the stain, always following the instructions on the product itself.
Tip: Only use this method if the stain really resists removal. It is preferable to only use it on specific occasions and not to use it often to avoid damaging the carpet fabrics.
Dull knife for solid stains
If the stain on your jute rug is solid, you should use a blunt knife to remove it. Using the knife you can scrape the carpet to remove the layer of dirt. Then, you can pass a stiff bristle brush to finish off the stain and, finally, you can vacuum to complete the cleaning. This is the best method to get rid of solid stains and prevent them from further integrating into the jute rug.
Bicarbonate and goodbye to bad smell
If your jute rug has been absorbing bad odors, baking soda will be your best ally to clean it. Remember that the maintenance of this type of carpet is essential to prevent dirt from accumulating in it, but if you have not arrived in time, you can mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil, the smell that you like the most. and apply it on top of the carpet. Then, you must vacuum it to end the process.
Tip: remember to repeat this same process over time and air your jute rug often, especially on sunny days, as it is part of the maintenance process for a said decorative element.
Bleach and water to clean mold
As we have pointed out, jute is a vegetable fiber, so as it is a natural product, especially if it absorbs moisture, the rug could deteriorate. Therefore, you must be very careful both when scrubbing the floor, and if any liquid falls on the carpet. Remember that acting quickly will be the solution. Otherwise, mold could proliferate on your jute rug.
To get rid of mold in a jute rug, the best solution is to prepare a solution based on 6 parts of water to one part of chlorine or bleach in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the carpet and use a soft brush to scrub the material. Afterward, allow a few minutes to pass before going over the carpet with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner. With this operation, you will end mold in your jute rug. Try not to have to use this mixture very often, as it will deteriorate the fibers.
Maintenance of a jute rug
As we have been pointing out, in addition to treating stains on the carpet in a specific way, maintenance will be essential to keep your jute carpet always impeccable. The following steps will be basic in this process:
- Vacuum the rug often and on both sides. It should be part of your weekly cleaning to ensure effective cleaning.
- Keep an eye on humidity by avoiding placing the rug on the floor right after mopping. Remember that humidity is the great enemy of jute and that it can lead to the appearance of mold.
- Neutral soap and water will be your allied mix, especially for more intense cleaning. Pass a damp cloth soaked with this mixture and then dry it properly.
- Say goodbye to strong chemicals for regular cleaning, since they can be abrasive and destroy the natural fibers that makeup jute.
- Ventilation is essential to ensure that the jute dries and to prevent traces of moisture. Hang it out in the open on sunny days and you will help the tissue to oxygenate.
Can a jute rug be washed in the washing machine?
Jute is made up of natural fibers and, under certain conditions, can shrink and break or fray. For this reason, it is not recommended to wash a jute rug in the washing machine since the fibers that make it up could be damaged, and become smaller and tighter, which would cause the end of the life of your rug.
Rugs made of natural fabrics, such as cotton or jute, can be more resistant than other fabrics. However, when you put them in the washing machine or dryer, they can suffer numerous damages since during the wash cycle the fabrics become compacted, knotted, stretched, and can break and even shrink. The answer is that they are subjected to high levels of pressure, heat, and sudden movements, which cause the formation of micro-knots that are difficult to loosen. If you put a rug in the washing machine, the result will be a stiff, shrunken, and battered fabric that will translate into a spoiled jute rug.