How to Clean a Jute Carpet Without Damaging It?
2025-09-26
Want to add a bit of coastal vibe to your home? Jute rugs are an eco-friendly choice, even if you don’t live in Miami or Malibu. But while their natural fiber makes them durable, it also makes them prone to stains and moisture damage. Spilled coffee or a pet stain can quickly soak in and be difficult to get the stain out. You may wonder: can you wash jute rugs? What is the best way to clean it without damage? Explore the safe methods to clean carpets made with jute, mistakes to avoid, and also how a smart robot vacuum can help you keep your rug fresh.
Can You Clean a Jute Rug?
Yes, you can clean a jute rug, but it requires the right techniques. Jute is fragile and absorbs liquid like a sponge, so excessive moisture can quickly lead to discoloration, odors, or mold. It also takes a long time to dry. Therefore, focus on dry methods such as vacuuming, using baking soda, or spot cleaning to prevent damage.
When cleaning a jute carpet, gather these essential tools:
- Robot vacuum: A robot vacuum cleaner for carpet automatically removes loose dust and dirt from a jute rug. Choose a smart vacuum with the adjustable settings and cleaning modes to suit different carpet designs’ needs, plus, the scheduling function helps maintain a regular routine.
- Mild detergent or white vinegar solution: When diluted with water, these solutions spot clean natural fibers safely and lift light stains without harsh chemicals, protecting the delicate woven fibers.
- Baking soda for odor control: Baking soda is great for absorbing odors caused by spills or pet urine without adding moisture. This natural deodorizer can absorb moisture and neutralize smells without ruining the carpet fibers.
- White microfiber cloth or soft towels: Their absorbent material is essential for blotting spills without spreading them or rubbing the woven surface, which can fray fibers or create discolored patches.
- Hairdryer or fan: Quick drying is important to keep jute rugs fresh after cleaning with a wet solution. Ideally, the hairdryer should be set to cool air, which evaporates moisture without weakening the jute fibers and prevents heat damage, brittleness, or breakage.
- Rug beater or broom: Beating a rug outdoors loosens embedded dust and dirt that vacuums cannot always reach. This traditional method helps maintain freshness, particularly for larger woven rugs that collect debris deep within their fibers.
- Dry carpet shampoo or powder (optional): If you want to refresh your jute rug thoroughly, this is a moisture-free method. Dry carpet shampoo or powder absorbs oils and dust on the surface, which you can vacuum away afterward.
How To Clean a Jute Rug Step by Step?
To clean a jute carpet at home without causing damage, vacuum regularly and shake or beat it occasionally. For spills, spot clean right away with a suitable cleaner. A mild solution like baking soda helps remove odors while protecting the fibers. Always keep water use to a minimum, since excessive moisture can harm natural fibers.
1. Shake or Beat the Jute Rug
One effective way to loosen and release trapped dust is to take your jute rug outdoors and shake it. For larger woven rugs, hang them over a railing or sturdy chairs and beat gently with a broom or rug beater. Do not forget to shake out the rug pad and sweep the floor underneath. By removing heavy dust this way, smart vacuums can go over the carpet and remove daily debris more easily afterward.
2. Vacuum Regularly
Daily activities create dust that quickly settles on jute rugs. Regular vacuuming prevents it from working deep into the fibers. Robot vacuums like the DEEBOT X9 PRO OMNI are especially helpful here. Equipped with smart features for carpet care, they detect rugs automatically and clean them first with the “Carpet First” feature, adjust suction with the “Suction Boost on Carpets” setting in the ECOVACS HOME app, use ZeroTangle 3.0 brushes to prevent hair or jute fiber wrap, and maintain consistent cleaning schedules. A suction-only mode is generally recommended to protect fragile threads.
DEEBOT models can be used safely on jute rugs as long as the rug is not thicker than 0.39 inches, which is the auto-mop lifting limit. Using one helps keep dirt from building up, so you manually care for it less often.
3. Blot Spills Immediately
If you accidentally spill juice or wine on your jute rug, act fast! Grab a clean white microfiber cloth and blot gently. Work from the outside in to stop the stain from spreading. Remember never to scrub, dunk the carpet in water, or vacuum the water. A quick “blot and dry” is better than trying to wash the entire area.
4. Spot Clean with Vinegar or Mild Detergent
For light stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water or dilute mild detergent. Test on a hidden spot first to make sure it is safe for the natural fibers. Dip a cloth into the solution and dab the stain gently. Afterward, dry the area quickly using a hairdryer on a cool setting or a fan to prevent lingering moisture from turning into moldy smells.
5. Use Baking Soda for Odors
The plant-based jute fibers naturally trap moisture and dirt. When organic matter breaks down, it can produce unpleasant, earthy odors. The smell is also present in new jute rugs from the manufacturing process and can worsen with damp conditions.
In this case, sprinkle baking soda on the entire carpet or directly on the spot to help sanitize it. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area, to absorb odors. Then vacuum the jute rug thoroughly with smart devices like the DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone, whose BLAST technology generates 18L/s airflow with 19,500Pa suction power1, achieving a 140% boost in fine dust removal and handling fine particles effectively.
How to Get a Stain Out of a Jute Rug?
Sometimes it is inevitable to get stains on your jute rug; depending on the type of stain, you can tailor the treatments for the best result.
Food and drink stains should be blotted immediately with a clean cloth, then dabbed gently with a diluted vinegar or mild detergent solution before drying quickly to prevent discoloration.
Pet owners are more likely to clean dog pee and other pet stains. In this case, remove any solids or liquids right away, dab a vinegar solution directly on the spot, and sprinkle baking soda to neutralize odor. Blot thoroughly and dry fast to stop lingering smells.
When it comes to muddy dog paws or wax on carpet, it is best to let the mixture dry completely first, then scrape it away carefully with a blunt edge and vacuum the remaining dust.
In every case, quick action and minimal water are essential to get stains out while protecting the structure of your jute rug.
FAQ
Can you pressure wash a jute rug?
No. Jute rugs are extremely moisture-sensitive, and pressure washing forces water deep into the natural fibers. This can cause swelling, weakening, or mold growth. Instead, rely on dry cleaning methods like vacuuming, shaking, or using baking soda for safe maintenance.
Can you wash a jute rug in the washing machine?
No. Washing machines use too much water and agitation, which damages woven jute fibers and can lead to fraying or shrinkage. Always stick to spot cleaning with a mild solution and quick drying to protect the rug’s structure and longevity.
How to clean rattan rugs?
Rattan rugs are sturdier than jute and can be vacuumed regularly to remove dust. For tougher spots, wipe gently with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Be sure to dry the rug quickly to maintain its durability and shape.
Disclaimer(s):
- 19,500 Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone can reach 19,500 Pa.
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