How to Clean a Jute Rug

RantGrant

Editor

posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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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

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. You can even use something acidic like white vinegar or lemon.

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.

Use a dry-cleaning powder to clean a jute carpet. 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.

Scrape solid spills with a dull knife, and then brush with a stiff bristle brush. Follow by vacuuming. Apply a solution of vinegar water solution and allow the rug to soak before scraping off the dirt. 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.

Clean liquid spills on a jute rug by blotting. Avoid rubbing the spill. Club soda may be used to neutralize acidic spills such as red wine or tomato sauce.

Dry any wet spills immediately with a hair dryer or fan.

Remove mildew from a jute rug. 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.

Treat jute rugs with a jute sealer. 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.