How to Clean a Jute Rug and Keep It Looking Like New, According to Experts

As interior design leans toward warm tones and a natural, earthy aesthetic in 2025, jute rugs are surging in popularity. People want to be connected to nature, and jute rugs bring it right into your home. These coarsely woven rugs are made from the fibers of the jute plant, making them a biodegradable, more sustainable alternative to synthetic rugs. Jute rugs are also prized for their low-maintenance upkeep—but just how low-maintenance? We turned to the cleaning experts for all the details on how to clean a jute rug.

Caring for yours properly will keep it looking like new for as long as possible. After all, their versatility will fit in with a range of styles as your aesthetic shifts over the years. We spoke to specialists about how to clean a jute rug and maintain its organic materials and rustic texture.

Caring for Your Jute Rug

Jute rugs do best in dry, low-traffic areas, such as in sitting rooms, bedrooms, or underneath accent tables, where liquid spills and damp foot traffic are minimal. Jute rugs are extremely absorbent and sensitive to moisture, and, as a result, shouldn't be soaked while cleaning, advises textile expert Frej Lewenhaupt.

Deep Johal, owner of Florida's Sunny Side Clean Team, recommends avoiding placing small jute rugs near doors in humid climates or under potted plants, as moisture can permeate through the pot and into the fibers, resulting in mold or staining.

Regularly vacuuming your jute rug will prevent dust and dirt from settling too deep into the fibers, and rotating it periodically will help ensure it wears evenly. You'll also want to steer clear of direct sunlight to prevent discoloration.

How to Clean and Deodorize a Jute Rug

“Cleaning jute rugs requires patience and typically a dry-cleaning mindset,” says Johal. To preserve your beautiful jute rug, follow these simple steps.

Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Soft-bristled brush
• Baking soda

Instructions:

1. Start by checking the care label on your jute rug for any specific care instructions. Shake the rug to dislodge loose dust and dirt.
2. Use a soft bristled brush to gently lift any debris that has been embedded in the weave.
3. Sprinkle baking soda or dry carpet cleaning powder onto the entire surface. (“For odor control or dry cleaning, I often use baking soda or a dry carpet cleaning powder specifically made for natural fibers,” Johal shares.) 
4. Let sit for 30 minutes for odor and oils absorption.
5. Vacuum the jute rug thoroughly, using a brush attachment. Make several slow passes, alternating directions, ensuring that all debris and deodorizing powder has been vacuumed up.
   

How to Remove Stains From Jute Rugs

Act quickly on spills by blotting the area immediately and avoid scrubbing, which can push the stain deeper into the weave.

Materials Needed:

• Microfiber cloths
• Mild dish soap or gentle laundry detergent
• Bowl of lukewarm water
• A dry, well-ventilated area to air-dry

Instructions:

1. For any stains or spills, blot promptly with a microfiber cloth in order to soak up as much liquid as possible. (Never rub, as that will only worsen the problem.)
2. Mix a small amount of detergent or mild dish soap with lukewarm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. 
3. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and dab at the stain. Avoid rubbing or saturating the area, as too much water can damage or lead to mold.
4. After stain treatment, blot with a dry towel to lift out any excess soap and moisture.
5. Air dry your rug completely to allow the fibers to return to their original shape and prevent water damage. Raise one end of the rug over a chair or railing to allow airflow underneath. If possible, set up a fan beside it to help circulate the air, suggests Lewenhaupt.

Can You Use a Steamer on a Jute Rug?

If the edges of your jute rug curl up annoyingly, it might require the use of a steamer. According to Lewenhaupt, “You can use a steamer to help flatten the curled edges of a jute rug, but it’s important to be gentle.”

Because jute can react to both heat and moisture, he recommends carefully following these simple steps:

1. Place a thin cloth over the affected area of your jute rug.
2. Apply the steamer from a slight distance to the fibers, making sure to keep from soaking them.
3. Once the rug is warm and pliable, press the edge down or weigh it down with something heavy until it fully dries.