Jute rugs can be very tricky to clean given how sensitive they are to moisture, so cleaning jute rugs with baking soda is a great and affordable option.
Our method involves vacuuming and then gently blotting any stains with a solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Afterwards, the entire rug can be gently covered in baking soda which is then left overnight to do its thing.
In the rest of this article we will explore the cleaning steps in detail, as well as give you some essential maintenance tips for jute rugs so you can keep yours looking like new!
Cleaning Jute Rugs With Baking Soda: 6 Easy Steps
Before we get straight into the method you will need to collect a couple of items:
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Vacuum With Jute-Friendly Attachment
- Small Container
- Non-Abrasive Brush
- Dishcloth
- Paper Towel
Once you have these things together you can move on to the method.
1. Vacuum
The first step to cleaning a jute rug with baking soda is to vacuum the entire rug thoroughly.
This is the easiest way to get rid of the majority of dust and debris that is on the rug, just make sure that you use a jute-friendly attachment.
2. Spot Clean
Once the vacuuming is complete it’s time to spot clean any stains.
While baking soda can work great for removing oils and odors, it is better to use water diluted with white vinegar for this stage. Mix 4 cups of water with 1-2 tbsp of white vinegar as needed in a small container and apply this using the brush.
Take care to scrub gently at this point as you don’t want to damage the fibers. It is also crucial that the water is properly diluted as jute needs to be kept as dry as possible, so try to use as little water as possible.
If the stain is fresh then you can first blot the area using a dry dishcloth or paper towel before you start.
3. Allow To Dry
The important part after spot cleaning is to let the area dry out completely before applying the baking soda.
You can speed this process up by using a hairdryer on the area on very moderate heat – making sure to keep a safe distance from the rug.
4. Sprinkle With Baking Soda
Once the rug is completely dry it’s time to apply the baking soda.
This is the easiest step of all as the only thing you need to do is generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire area of the rug. Make sure that the distribution is roughly equal and move on to the next step.
5. Leave Overnight
Once the baking soda has been applied to the rug let it sit overnight.
This will give it time to act and absorb grease and oils while removing odors.
6. Vacuum Again
After the baking soda has been left overnight vacuum the rug again to remove all of the baking soda.
Once this is done your jute rug should be looking like new!
Jute Rug Maintenance Tips
It is all good knowing how to clean a jute rug using baking soda, but a regular maintenance routine will do wonders for keeping your rug in top condition year round.
We’ve listed some of our favorite tips for this below.
Trim Loose Ends
Loose ends are simply a part of owning jute rugs, but you should trim them regularly as they can catch on things if left which can cause more damage.
Use a pair of scissors to cut loose ends rather than pulling them with your hands.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming shouldn’t be just part of a deep clean, and you should aim to vacuum at least once per week up to once per day if the rug is in a busy area.
Luckily with jute rugs, it is easy to tell when it needs to be vacuumed as they don’t tend to hide dirt very well at all.
Clean Spills
If you spill anything on a jute rug you should clean it up as soon as possible.
Moisture will only cause damage and discoloration, so use steps 2 and 3 in our method to quickly spot clean any spills before they cause permanent damage.
Avoid humid Environments
You should avoid placing jute rugs in places such as bathrooms that have high humidity as this can discolor and damage the rug over time.
Jute also absorbs moisture which can lead to mold and mildew.
FAQS
Cleaning jute rugs with baking soda is quite the hot topic, so we’ve dug into all the questions relating to the topic and summarised them all below.
How Do You Deodorize A Jute Rug?
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and should do a great job at removing any odors on its own by simply leaving it overnight on the jute rug.
Some deeper stains may contain some harsh smells however and these will need to be spot cleaned first using the vinegar solution to remove them.
Can Jute Be Used For Rug Backing?
Jute is quite a common material for rug backing, but you need to be careful which type of floor the rug is on.
Hardwood floors, and floors such as laminate or vinyl, are susceptible to scratches by jute-backed rugs. You can reduce the likelihood of scratches by keeping the rug stationary but this can prove very difficult in practice.
Can Jute Rugs Get Wet?
You should avoid getting a jute rug wet at all costs, as they are very vulnerable to moisture.
If a jute rug gets wet it will release oils that will cause the rug to turn brown as it dries out. This will permanently dicolor the rug and change the aesthetic completely, and it can also damage the individual fibers as well and cause mold and mildew issues.
Can You Keep Jute Rugs In Sunlight?
Jute as a material is not fade-resistant, so it is preferable to keep any jute rugs out of direct sunlight where possible.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning jute rugs with baking soda is surprisingly easy, and something that you should consider doing on a regular basis.
If you follow our guide and maintenance tips your rug will thank you for it.