How to Clean a Jute Rug at Home: Food and Pet Stains
A jute rug is a magnificent and durable accessory to have in your home. But rug staining isn't uncommon. For instance, if you have a pet dog, it may urinate or throw up on it. Food or drinks may spill on the rug. Moreover, jute rugs are also prone to dirt and debris penetrating the fibers. So, you will need to clean it thoroughly and with care. While there are cleaning processes for each type of stain, they are not complicated.
Learn how to clean a jute rug, at home, by following our expert advice in this detailed blog.
Tools You Need
Before learning how to clean a jute rug, you will need various tools, including:
- A vacuum
- A small bowl
- One or two microfiber cloths
- A handheld hair dryer
- One spoon, spatula, or old credit card
You will also need other materials, including:
- A box of talcum powder or cornstarch
- One bottle of dishwashing liquid (bleach-free)
- A container of dry-cleaning solvent
Regular and Spot Cleaning Jute Rugs
Regular jute rug maintenance or cleaning up an “oopsie” made by your pet, calls for specific cleaning methods. Products like carpet or rug cleaners are an option. But they can get expensive. They may even contain chemicals that release toxic fumes, which could affect your children and pets. It's why many people prefer natural cleaners. But, how do you clean a jute rug without a carpet cleaner? Here are the steps:
Shake Off the Dirt
Jute rugs have an open weave. So, most dirt usually sits underneath it. Still, jute rugs are as easy to clean as wool rugs rugs or sisal rugs.
For smaller rugs, take them outside and shake them. This will get most of the dirt out. For larger rugs, hang them over a porch railing. Then, take a broom or a rug beater and hit the fibers. This will loosen the dust. Lastly, shake off the rug pads and sweep or vacuum the area.
Treat the Stains First
After the dirt is out, you need to know how to clean a pet stain from the jute rug:
- Blot away the liquid quickly with a microfiber cloth until the area is nearly dry.
- Then, lift the cause of the stain (solid or semi-solid dog waste) from the jute with a spatula spoon. This tool helps to lift away the mess without pushing it deeper into the fibers.
- Spot-clean the stain with a soapy solution of dishwashing liquid and water.
This is the process only for how you can start to clean a jute rug stain. There is more to this process. Read on!
Pro Tip: If you want to know how to clean a jute braided rug, follow the above steps closely. The process is the same.
Quick-dry the Spot
Quick drying is an essential part of how to deep clean dog urine out of the jute rug. After treating the stain, use a handheld dryer to dry the spot quickly.
Goal:
- To draw out most of the moisture from the fibers.
Advantages:
- It removes residual water from the rug’s fibers.
- It prevents mold growth.
Sun Dry to Deodorize
Keeping the rug in the sun for a few hours can naturally deodorize it. Alternatively, baking soda is also a good deodorizer. The good news? You can learn how to clean a jute rug with baking soda, The Rug Decor way! The steps are simple.
- Sprinkle the baking soda on the fibers.
- The powder absorbs moisture and dust particles that may otherwise cause odors.
- Scrub off or vacuum the baking soda after 10 to 20 minutes, and you’re good to go.
Remember: The best ways to clean jute rugs effectively is to study the type of stain that is on the rug. Here’s a guide on how to clean a natural fiber jute rug, based on the type of stain.
Cleaning Dog Urine Stains
If a dog pees on a jute rug, here’s how you should clean it:
- Blot the excess urine using a paper towel. If the urine has reached the bottom of the rug, blot the bottom side too.
- Next, make a diluted vinegar solution in a 1:2 ratio. 1 part of white vinegar with 2 parts of water.
- Apply this solution to the stained area on the rug. Vinegar neutralizes the bacteria in urine. This helps to negate any lingering odors.
- Keep the jute rug in fresh air, preferably outdoors. You can even leave it to air dry overnight, under a high-speed fan. This drying process helps to remove the vinegar smell.
After the rug is dry, move on to vacuuming. A vacuum can dry clean residual moisture from the jute rug. It will also help to smooth out fibers to their natural appearance.
Cleaning Accidental Dog Stains
Pets doing their business on the rug is not unheard of. While it might be an inconvenience, know that it’s okay. Even this can be managed. Following the steps below will help you learn how to clean dog poop or vomit from a jute rug. You must,
- Identify the Spot and Isolate it: This helps to avoid stepping on the stain and spreading it. It also prevents pushing the contents further into the rug’s fibers.
- Use a Dull Butter Knife or Spoon: You can lift off most of the mess using a simple butter knife or spoon. Doing so will make the next step easier and less messy to accomplish.
Vacuum the Remaining Debris: This ensures that the stained spot is deep cleaned, leaving no more residue in the rug’s fibers.
Cleaning Food or Mud Stains
It’s not always a pet that causes stains. Sometimes, you may drop food on the rug. At other times, you may walk in with muddy shoes and stain the rug. In both cases, it’s manageable. Cleaning solid or semi-solid messes, such as food or mud stains, is similar to cleaning a dog mess. Remember to,
- Identify and isolate the spot.
- Take a dull butter knife or spoon to remove most of the mess.
- Then, vacuum the remaining debris so that there is no residue left.
Even if you have a braided rug, don’t worry! Follow the same steps to learn how to clean a braided jute rug.
Pro Tip: A jute rug may still have a stain or unpleasant odor after you vacuum the remaining debris. If this happens, follow the steps under “Cleaning Dog Urine Stains”, until the rug is free from such residue.
Bonus Tip: Use one part of white vinegar with warm water instead of dish soap. The result is similar.
Cleaning Fresh Grease Stains
Another common, difficult-to-remove stain, is that caused by grease. This could happen at any time. For instance, while you're greasing the door or cabinet hinges. Still, grease stains on jute rugs are not hard to clean.
- Sprinkle lots of cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain.
- Let the powder absorb the greasy component for a few hours.
- Finish by vacuuming the powder.
- Repeat the process until there is no more grease.
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Things to Avoid During Rug Care
The steps above are the most tried-and-tested at-home remedies on how to properly clean various stains from a jute rug. There are, however, other things to avoid to ensure proper cleaning of a jute rug.
- Never shampoo or use a steam carpet cleaner. Both create excessive moisture, which may discolor and weaken the jute.
- Refrain from washing a jute rug in a washer. Don't hose it down either.
- Avoid cleaners with bleach and ammonia as it can ruin the jute.
- Do not let moisture sit on the rug for more than eight hours. It may trigger mildew formation. Clean the jute rug as early as possible.
Maintenance of Jute Rugs for Longer Life
Jute rugs can last a lifetime as long as you maintain them well. In some cases, they can also last longer when compared to wool or sisal rugs. To maximize durability, you should,
- Rotate the rug frequently to promote even wear.
- Place a high-quality rug pad under the jute for enhanced support.
- Avoid placing the jute rug in environments with excessive moisture. This includes bathrooms, outdoor patios, or damp basements.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight, as too much exposure will cause the jute rug to fade.
- Never pull the fibers as they will unravel. Instead, clip the fibers.
Are Jute Rugs Washable?
Remember, jute rugs are made using natural fibers. Washing them in the machine with water will stain the natural jute fibers. However, there are washable jute rugs that have other materials added to make them moisture-resistant. Such types of jute rugs aren’t natural. So, if you’re looking for an authentic jute rug with natural fibers, visit The Rug Decor’s vast collection. You can thank us later!
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