Can Jute Rugs Get Wet? Can They Be Used Outdoors?

Can jute rugs get wet? Get the most use possible out of your jute rug for the long term by following the advice in this blog to prevent water damage.

Jute rugs are known for their absorbency in addition to being made of a durable, attractive, and simple-to-clean material. Jute rugs need to be kept dry as opposed to synthetic or cotton materials to prevent warping, stains, and long-term harm to their fibers.

Here is everything about a wet jute rug.

Can Jute Rugs Get Wet?

Yes, a jute rug can get wet. Jute is an absorbent fabric and because of its natural fibers, it will absorb water and other liquids when exposed to them. When a jute rug is wet, it will lose its color, and possibly shrink, and if it is not properly dried, it may also develop mold or mildew.

A jute rug must be cleaned and dried thoroughly right away after getting wet in order to prevent stains or other damage. For best results, it is best to use a professional cleaning service to ensure the rug is properly cleaned and dried.

Avoid rubbing or agitating the fibers when cleaning a jute rug. Instead, gently blot the area to remove extra moisture. Place the rug in a warm, dry area and allow it to air dry thoroughly before using.

Are Jute Rugs Waterproof?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever pondered whether jute rugs are waterproof. It’s a frequent query. Jute rugs are not water-resistant, so water does not bead on them. Natural jute rugs, on the other hand, are created from organic materials. As a result, they are absorbent. Moisture and wetness, however, can be dangerous for Jute rugs.

Jute Rugs and Rain

Jute rugs won’t withstand sustained rain or flooding. Heavy rain or water seeping through them can ruin them very quickly. If you’re considering a natural jute rug as your outdoor rug, consider one that is not made from 100 percent jute. It must incorporate additional fibers. In this manner, it will have a better chance of standing up to heavy rain and flooding.

Jute rug fibers release oils that can cause the fibers to turn brown when they’re wet. This presents an interesting cleaning challenge.

Further Reading:

• Do Jute Rugs Smell?
• Can You Iron Jute Fabric?
• Is Jute Hemp? Jute Vs. Hemp
• How to Wash a Jute Bag?

Jute Rugs and Mold

Because of their high absorbency and propensity to absorb moisture, jute rugs are prone to mold. For liquid spills or rain, the fibers can function as a sponge, allowing the liquid to be absorbed and distributed throughout the rug. This is especially valid in locations where the rug sees a lot of traffic.

Additionally, they have the ability to hold moisture between the jute fibers, encouraging the growth of mold. In fact, mold can grow on a jute rug within hours if not allowed to dry completely.

To help prevent mold from forming, the best practice is to keep the jute rug in a place where air can circulate freely. Jute rugs have a history of shrinking as they dry out, which can cause the rug to lose its shape. The challenge of keeping them dry and washing them if stained is made even more difficult.

What Happens If a Jute Rug Gets Wet?

Mold and mildew can damage jute fibers, which can lead to the fibers breaking down. Your jute rug will stain and turn a dark brown color when exposed to water, liquids, or other types of moisture that release the natural oils contained within it.

Because of this, stay away from placing jute rugs in damp or humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. If possible, try to keep your jute rug away from areas where spills are likely to occur such as dining rooms. Due to the possibility of rain getting on your rug, we also advise against using jute rugs in outdoor areas like decks and covered patios.

Read More:

• 8 Best Jute Rugs in 2023: Worth Buying
• Are Jute Rugs Good for Pets?
• Is Jute Biodegradable? Is It Eco-Friendly?

Do not become alarmed if your jute rug gets wet. Jute fibers are quick to absorb moisture, but if you act quickly, they are also simple to dry. To begin with, blot up as much moisture as you can with a clean, dry cloth. Then, apply a dry cleaning solution like bicarbonate soda to the affected area and leave it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your stain.

Bicarbonate soda should be taken out of your rug and vacuumed. After that, dry the affected area with a blow dryer on a low, cool setting. To ensure that the moisture is taken out as quickly as possible, we advise using a blow dryer rather than air drying.

Can a Jute Rug Be Used Outdoors?

Keep your jute indoors as a general rule. In hot and humid climates, it doesn’t last very long. The literal staining of jute by water or any other spill. Jute is also the least resilient of all the natural fibers used in flooring.

Sisal is at the top of the strength ranking, closely followed by seagrass, wool, and jute. Outdoor rugs should be durable, water-resistant, and simple to maintain. Long-lasting outdoor use requires a flat, tightly woven area rug made of UV-stabilized polypropylene or woven vinyl. See Is Jute Or Sisal Softer?

If your patio is covered and you live in a dry climate, there is one situation in which a jute rug outside would be acceptable.

When Can Jute Rugs Be Used as Outdoor Rugs?

Jute rugs can be used outdoors, however, there are some stipulations.

• The best structures for sun and weather protection are covered patios or porches.
• Jute rugs are not the best choice if your deck is made of wood because water damage can occur. Jute rugs may perform better on composite decking, but consider a rug pad of some sort to prevent scratching of the deck.
• A place in space. If you live in a high moisture area or even if it may only occasionally become damp, use caution before you buy an expensive jute rug for an outdoor setting. The same holds true if you reside in a region that experiences snowfall. It wouldn’t be advisable to leave it outside in the winter. Instead, consider bringing it indoors during these months.

Do Jute Rugs Shed?

Jute rugs do shed quite a bit, especially when they are brand new. The most shedding natural fiber is probably jute. Because of this, jute’s special softness has a cost—the cost of regular upkeep. The best method is to vacuum frequently and with good suction.

Avoid using a beater bar because it will gradually erode the cohesion of the fibers. Additionally, keep in mind that you will need to sweep your jute rug a little more frequently than you would with other types of rugs if you place it on top of dark tile or hardwood.

One more piece of advice we frequently offer to those of our customers who adore jute is to purchase and place a premium rug pad underneath the rug. Surface friction and shedding will be decreased as a result. Additionally, it improves cushioning and effectively reduces noise.

How to Clean a Jute Rug?

Low-maintenance jute rugs need very little maintenance to keep them looking like new. Here, we’ll show you our guide for cleaning jute rugs and explain what happens if a jute rug gets wet.

• Vacuum regularly. At least once a week, we advise vacuuming jute rugs. The surface of your rug should be cleaned regularly to keep dirt and dust from getting embedded deeper. Additionally, jute rugs are known for shedding loose fibers; routine vacuuming stops this debris from spreading throughout your room.
• Avoid using water. As mentioned, avoid getting your jute rug wet as much as possible. Applying a dry cleaning solution like bicarb soda and blotting up stains and other liquids with a dry cloth will help get rid of them. Stains can be removed using a small amount of water and detergent if this method doesn’t work. To prevent discoloration, be sure to dry your rug as soon as possible.
• Blot, don’t rub. Blot the area to remove any liquid or food stains. Rubbing stains will cause moisture and oil to sink into the fibers of your rug, causing discoloration.
• Dry immediately. Dry your rug as soon as you can if you’ve cleaned it with water. We recommend lightly blow drying the affected area on a cool setting to remove as much moisture as possible and let it air dry. Avoid drying your rug in direct sunlight to protect the fibers.
• Shake your rug. Shaking your rug outside will remove any shedding or lose fibers. To get rid of as much shedding as possible, we advise doing this both before and after vacuuming your rug.

Related: How to Clean a Jute Rug Dog Pee?

How to Care for Jute Rugs?

The first rule is to regularly vacuum your jute rug. It’s acceptable to have a powerful suction.; but please, do not use a beater bar as it will destroy the cohesion of the jute fibers over time.

Regular vacuuming will remove both the visible dirt and debris as well as the tiny dirt flecks that get trapped between the fibers and add to wear. Additionally, keeping track of shed fibers is beneficial.

Liquid spills, as was previously mentioned, are an entirely different animal. Your jute will become tan in water. A spill will cause dirt particles to rise to the surface and leave a dark stain. React instantly if there is a spill. Use a white paper towel or a fresh, absorbent cloth to blot up spills.

Rub gently; otherwise, you will only push the liquid further into the fiber. Scoop up solids, then move inward from the spot’s edge to avoid overspreading. We advise using a dry-cleaning agent if you need to spot-clean something.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions after conducting a pre-test on your cleaning product in a discreet location. As necessary, professionally clean. Jute rugs should never be steam cleaned or wet-shampooed.

Conclusion: Can Jute Rugs Get Wet?

Mold and mildew can damage jute fibers, which can lead to their breakdown. Water, liquids, and other types of moisture will release the natural oils within your jute rug, causing it to stain and turn a dark brown color.

As a result, stay away from placing jute rugs in damp or humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. If at all possible, try to keep your jute rug out of dining rooms and other common spill-prone areas.

Your jute rug’s life can be increased by regularly vacuuming, rotating, and properly cleaning it. Generally, jute rugs can last anywhere from 10-20 years, but this depends on the quality of the rug, cleaning, and the traffic it receives.

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