Everything you need to know about caring for a genuine jute rug

Natural fibre rugs are a major interior design trend that has been popular for the last decade and shows no signs of slowing down. Think textured jute rugs, natural hues, wicker furniture, and loads of indoor plants — the leafier, the better.

Yep, jute rugs are going to be a must-have item for years to come. However, rugs in high-traffic areas, outdoor areas, and in homes with pets can get very dirty. Rugs can collect around 400 grams of dirt in one square metre — it’s mind-boggling! So, what do you need to know about caring for a genuine jute rug?

In this blog, we cover some FAQs about jute rugs, so you can learn everything you need to know to keep your brand-new rug looking fresh and clean for years to come.

Jute rug cleaning

Image: The Home Depot

Can you wash a jute rug?

A common question we get from customers is, “Can you wash a jute rug?”

Your first instinct might be to throw your jute rug in the washing machine or hand wash it with warm water and soap. However, we recommend avoiding wetting or shampooing your jute rug because the oils within the grass can oxidise and cause discolouration.

Jute also tends to shed over time, so minimising damage and rough treatment as much as possible is essential.

Rather than hand washing your jute rug, we recommend vacuuming your jute rug on a regular basis to remove dirt, dust, debris, and even pet hair. This will help maintain the colour and softness of your jute rug.

Can jute rugs be professionally cleaned?

Professional cleaners know what they’re doing with fabric. From cotton to wool and satin to silk, they know what they’re doing when it comes to cleaning fragile garments and rugs. 

As we mentioned earlier, we advise against wetting or washing your jute rug where possible. So, if you’re thinking of getting your jute rug professionally cleaned, make sure to call around and ask local cleaners what techniques they use to clean jute and sisal rugs, or if they have the capability to clean them at all.

This will help steer clear of disappointment — and a ragged-looking rug!

How to deal with spills without washing your jute rug

Spills are an unavoidable part of daily life, especially if your jute rug lives in a lively home with pets, kids, or lots of foot traffic. While your instinct might be to scrub or rinse the spot, doing so could permanently damage this natural material. Instead, follow this simple dry-cleaning approach:

Use a dry, white cloth to blot (not rub) the liquid as soon as the spill happens.

• Apply a small amount of bicarbonate soda directly onto the affected area to absorb residual moisture and odour.
   
• Leave the powder to sit for at least 15 minutes — overnight if possible — and then vacuum softly with a low-suction setting.
   
• For stickier messes, try a dab of mild dish soap mixed with a few drops of water on a clean cloth. Gently blot and then dry the area with another clean towel.

This process maintains the integrity of your rug while keeping it clean, fresh, and fibre-friendly — with no risk of water damage.

Why airflow matters: proper drying techniques for jute rugs

If your rug does get slightly damp—maybe from rain splashes near the entryway or humid air creeping through the windows—it’s crucial to dry it properly. Place the rug in a well-ventilated area and allow airflow on both sides to prevent moisture build-up. Avoid hanging it over furniture or a railing, as this can distort the shape over time.

If one section of the rug feels damp, prop up that edge with books or furniture to allow air to circulate underneath. A fan or dehumidifier can also help. Whatever you do, never use a carpet cleaner or heater directly on the fabric—this could lead to shrinkage, hardening, or fibre breakage.

Frequently asked questions about washing jute rugs

Can you get a jute rug wet?

While a few sprinkles here and there probably won’t ruin your rug, jute and water simply don’t mix well. Prolonged moisture can lead to warping, discolouration, and even unpleasant odours. Always aim to keep your jute rug dry, clean it with dry methods, and brush off debris instead of reaching for cleaning sprays or water-based products.

Can you steam clean a jute rug?

No. Steam cleaning involves applying significant moisture and heat—both of which can damage the delicate jute fibres. The result? A rug that’s discoloured, warped, or weakened. If you’re dealing with stains, follow our dry cleaning methods instead, or speak with professionals who specialise in natural-fibre rugs.

How often should I clean my jute rug?

To extend the life of your jute rug and keep it looking its best, we recommend vacuuming at least once a week—more often in high-traffic areas. Use a vacuum with a gentle setting or suction-only head to prevent tugging on the fibres. Light shaking outdoors can also help loosen embedded dust or pet hair.

Alternative rug cleaning methods for jute-look aesthetics 

If you're concerned about the limitations of jute rug care but love the earthy, woven aesthetic, you might consider synthetic jute-style rugs made from polypropylene or other water-tolerant materials. These alternatives offer a similar visual appeal and texture but are typically more durable against spills and easier to clean using standard methods.

They’re a great option for households with kids or pets, or for placing in moisture-prone areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. While nothing beats the authentic charm of a genuine jute rug, synthetic options are a practical workaround that require less delicate handling and can even be spot-cleaned with water if needed.

Jute rugs outside

Image: Carlo Striped Abstract Rug

Can jute rugs be used outside?

Well, yes and no.

For a patio or outdoor entertainment area, you probably want a rug with a textured, all-natural feeling. If it’s made from environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, even better!

Plus, a rough, textured rug is perfect for brushing off your shoes as you head indoors, so you don’t track dust and dirt through the house. Jute seems like the ideal solution for your outdoor entertaining and decorating needs - it’s rugged, it’s textured, and it’s 100% natural. However, jute rugs don’t do well in wet or humid weather, so if you’re planning on getting some jute rugs for the outdoors, we recommend placing them on a covered porch or patio.

This will help protect them from the elements, and keep your covered entertaining area looking fresh!

If you’re looking for a rug to clean your shoes on, you might also choose something a little more durable, like sisal or one with synthetic fibres. These materials are woven tough and tight, so you can wipe off the outdoors on your way inside.

Jute rug shedding

Image: Sarah Joy 

Why do jute rugs shed dirt?

It’s a common misconception that jute rugs shed dirt. It’s a very common question - why do jute rugs shed dirt?

When you lift up the corners of your jute rug, you might see what looks like dust or dirt, like in the image above. However, these are just little fibres from the jute grass and most of the time, the fibres will be localised to the underside of the rug.

Yes, the jute rug fibres can make your home look a bit dusty. However, if you keep on top of vacuuming around the house, you should be able to keep the fibres under control.

Besides, the look and feel of a high quality, textured jute rug far outweighs the negative of having to vacuum more often than usual!

How to stop a jute rug from shedding

The next most common question about caring for a jute rug: how to stop a jute rug from shedding. As well as keeping the rest of your house clean and tidy, you also want your rug to stay fresh and beautiful for as long as possible - no fraying, no unravelling.

To prevent jute rug shedding, we recommend displaying your rug in a low-traffic area of your house or outdoor entertaining area. This will prevent lots of feet trampling the natural fibres and causing shedding.

In the same vein, we recommend adding a non-slip pad to the underside of your rug to help minimise wear, tear, and slipping on the rug inside the house - especially for homes with hardwood floors.

And finally, if you’re planning on vacuuming your jute rug, be sure to do so on a low setting. This will stop the vacuum from tearing fibres out of the rug and causing a general “fuzzy” look.

Carpet & jute rug allergies

Image: Unsplash

Is it possible to be allergic to a jute rug?

Carpet allergies are actually very common, no matter where you live in the world. Carpets and rugs are prone to collecting household dust, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen from outside, leading to allergies and conditions like hayfever and asthma.

So, yes, jute rug allergies are possible - if you’re not consistent with your cleaning regime.

No one likes getting the sniffles, weeping eyes, and an itchy throat. So, we recommend keeping up with regular cleaning - think a weekly vacuum (remember, on a low setting) and giving your jute rug a shake outside.

If you’re very prone to allergies, consider wearing a mask while you clean your jute rug. This will help minimise your exposure to the natural fibres and dust that has been collected over the past week or so.

Here are some other tips to help improve allergies in your home:

• If you have a pet, make sure your vacuum can pick up pet hair - even on a low setting.
   
• Reduce the humidity inside your home so dust mites and mould can’t set up shop in your jute rug.
   
• Steam clean all other carpet in your home.
   
• Wash throw rugs in hot water.
   
• Keep your windows home during allergy seasons like autumn and spring. This will stop pollen from entering your home so easily.
   
• Install an air filtration system to help purify the air inside your home.

Jute rugs & pets

Image: Plum Pretty Decor

Are jute rugs suited to cats and dogs?

Cats shed, dogs shed, and jute rugs shed. We can confirm jute rugs shed the least out of the three - and pets love a natural fibre rug to lounge around on day-in and day-out!

Jute feels soft under paw - the same way it feels soft under our own feet. Your furry friend will love napping and rolling around on a jute rug, especially if it’s their very own rug to play on.

Jute rugs are made from natural grass and woven tightly, too, so they can withstand the constant pitter-patter of little paws. Naturally, however, cats can be relentless sharpening their claws on rugs, furniture, you name it - so after prolonged scratching, there may be some shedding or fuzziness.

Our one recommendation?

If your furry friend has an accident on the rug, clean it up as soon as possible. Like water, pet mess can cause stains and discolouration, so to maintain the beauty of your jute rug, make sure to jump on it - and fast.

Planning to refresh your interior decorating in 2026? Shop jute rugs online now!

The jute rug trend isn’t going anywhere this decade. Homeowners and interior decorators are looking to natural fibres and all things eco-friendly in the new year, so you can count on a genuine jute rug to complete the look of your home.

Whether you have pets, allergies, or accident-prone family members, a jute rug is a durable and desirable choice. Shop jute rugs online now with Rug.com.au — we offer free shipping on all orders over $300!