How To Clean A Jute Rug | The Best Way To Maintain At Home

August 23, 2025
Posted by Vayu Earth

We all love a good jute rug, don't we? It’s a bit of natural, earthy goodness underfoot, bringing a touch of boho chic and a whole lot of texture to any room. Here at Vayu Earth, we're rather keen on them. Our handwoven jute rugs are not just a pretty face; they’re a sustainable, hard-wearing addition to your home. But, like any good thing, they need a bit of TLC to keep them looking their best.

Now, we know what you're thinking: “How on earth do I clean jute rugs made from, well, grass?” Fair question. The natural fibres of jute are brilliant, but they don't exactly take to a full-on drenching. So, let's get down to it. No faffing about, just a straightforward guide to keeping your jute rug pristine.

Top Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Jute Rug

The absolute bedrock of jute rug maintenance is regular vacuuming. Think of it as a weekly ritual. Jute is a bit of a magnet for dust and dirt, which can get caught in those lovely, chunky weaves.

Be gentle: Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. A powerful, spinning beater bar can be a bit too aggressive and might pull at the fibres.
Both sides now: Don't just do the top. Flip your rug over and give the underside a good hoovering too. This helps dislodge any stubborn grit that’s worked its way through.
Give it a good shake: If your rug is a manageable size, take it outside and give it a hearty shake. It’s surprisingly effective at getting rid of loose dirt and is a great little arm workout!

How to Tackle Spills on Your Natural Fibre (Jute) Rug

We’ve all been there. A cup of tea takes a tumble, a glass of red wine performs a dramatic splash, or a clumsy moment leads to an unfortunate food incident. The key when a spill happens on your natural fibre rug is to act quickly. This isn't a job you can leave until tomorrow.

Blot, don’t rub: The second a spill happens, grab a clean, dry cloth or some paper towels. Gently but firmly blot the liquid. Rubbing will only push the stain deeper into the fibres and can damage the jute.
Water is the enemy: Jute doesn't like a soggy bottom. Water can cause the fibres to swell and turn dark. If you're dealing with a liquid spill, use as little moisture as possible. A slightly damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild, clear soap (like a little drop of washing-up liquid) can be used to lightly blot the area. Make sure to follow up with a dry cloth immediately to absorb any remaining moisture.
The magical powder trick: For more serious spills, especially greasy ones, a bit of baking soda or cornstarch is your best mate. Sprinkle a generous amount over the stain, let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) to absorb the oils, then vacuum it up.

Dealing with Solid Messes on Your Jute Rug (The Crumbly Bits)

Dropped a digestive biscuit or had a bit of a scone disaster? Not to worry.

Scrape it off: Use a blunt knife or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape up any solid matter.
Vacuum: Once you've removed the bulk of the mess, give the area a thorough vacuum with your brush attachment to get the last bits.

Tips to Maintain Your Natural Rug and Prevent Wear and Tear

Prevention is always better than cure, and that’s especially true for your lovely jute rug. Here are our tips to maintain natural rug fibres and keep it looking its best.

Avoid damp areas: Don’t pop a jute rug in the bathroom or anywhere with a high level of humidity. It's a recipe for mould and mildew, and frankly, a bit of a soggy disaster.
Rotate it: If your rug is in a high-traffic area, rotate it every few months. This ensures that any footfall or sun exposure is distributed evenly, preventing one area from wearing out faster than the others.
Use a rug pad: A good quality rug pad underneath will protect your floors and help to keep your jute rug from sliding around. It also adds a nice bit of cushioning and helps prolong the life of the rug by reducing friction on the fibres.

That Earthy Smell (Don’t Worry, It’s Normal)

When you first unroll your new jute rug, you might notice a slightly earthy, natural scent. Don't fret; it's completely normal and just the smell of the natural fibres. A bit of ventilation and a few days will see it dissipate. It’s just the smell of nature, and who can complain about that?

A Quick Guide to Clean Jute Rugs

Vacuum regularly with a brush attachment to clean jute rugs effectively.
Act fast on spills.
Blot, don’t rub.
Avoid excess water.
Use baking soda for stubborn stains.
Rotate your rug to ensure even wear.

FAQs

1. Can jute rugs be hosed down?

Whatever you do, please DON'T use a steam cleaner, wet shampoo, or any method that soaks the rug in water. Natural fibre rugs and water are simply not friends. Drenching them can lead to mould, mildew, and a whole lot of fuss. Stick to a dry cleaning process to keep your rug looking its best.

2. Does water ruin a jute rug?

Yes, it absolutely can. Jute rugs and water are simply not a good combination. The fibres are highly absorbent, which means they’ll soak up any moisture like a sponge. This can quickly lead to mould and mildew taking hold, which will weaken the fibres and eventually cause them to break down. You'll also likely see some unpleasant dark brown stains and discolouration, as the natural oils in the jute are released when they get wet. Best to keep things nice and dry!

3. Should I vacuum a jute rug?

YES! YES! YES!

Please do that regularly. Give your jute rug a good vacuum at least once a week, or more if it's in a busy room. This simple habit will keep it looking spick and span and help to get rid of dust and allergens.

4. How to clean dog poo off a jute rug?

Scrape it up: First, get rid of all the solid mess using a blunt tool like a spoon or spatula, being careful not to push it deeper into the fibres.
Blot, don't rub: Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to blot up any remaining moisture.
Treat the stain: Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly dab the stain with this solution, then blot again with a clean, dry cloth.
Deodorise: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area. Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight), then vacuum it all up.

Taking care of your Vayu Earth jute rug is a piece of cake once you know the rules. A little regular attention is all it needs to stay a beautiful, sustainable centrepiece in your home for years to come. Now, pop the kettle on and put your feet up – on your beautifully clean jute rug, of course. Cheers!

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