Jute rugs are a fun addition to your home and they’re fun to play around with thanks to their timeless look and affordable price. This type of rug not only provides natural beauty to any space they are added to, but it’s durable and relatively maintenance-free. But before you head over to the nearest shop and buy one, you might want to do your research and take some things into consideration first.
First things first…
What is Jute?
Jute is a fiber that comes from the stalks, rather than the leaves of the Corchorus plant. This plant grows in the monsoon climates of Bangladesh and India. The tropical wet and warm climate work the long fibers all day and help transform it into one of the softest fibers in the market today. The process also decreases the strength of each fiber.
Why is Jute Soft?
Jute fibers are among the softest natural fibers you can find on the market, owing mostly to the wet, tropical climate it comes from. Jute rugs are quite comfortable to walk on. They add cushioning and warmth to your floors (whether they’re hardwood or tile). Its insulating property is a great feature for bedrooms, basement offices, or rooms above garages.
Is it Eco-Friendly?
The Corchorus plant, from which the jute fiber comes from, is a fast-growing, rain-fed crop that needs very little fertilizer or pesticide to thrive. This plant grows quite efficiently, which means farms can plant multiple crops per year on the same plot of land. Jute breaks down and composts really well, with no toxic substances left. For environmentally conscious customers, buying jute is like making a statement that you care for the environment and support sustainable products. For homeowners, jute can help keep your home clean and green.
Since Jute is a fast-growing plant, the production of jute area rugs does not pose a threat to the environment. These rugs are highly sustainable and make great alternatives to pricey machine-made rugs. In addition, they’re recyclable and biodegradable, which is a great thing if you ever decide to switch up your décor in the future.
What Happens if These Rugs Get Wet?
If you own rugs made from jute, try to keep them from getting wet. Water can cause oils in the jute rug to release, staining the fiber as it dries. This usually creates a problem for cleaning spots as well as finding the right placement for your rug. It’s important to avoid placing newly purchased rugs in moist areas or locations where spills are likely to happen. This means you won’t be able to place your jute rug in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor patios.
Another issue with jute rugs is that moisture and warmth make them susceptible to mold and mildew, decreasing their fiber strength.
Do These Rugs Shed?
Being a natural fiber rug, a jute rug typically sheds a lot especially when it’s new. Jute is probably the natural fiber that sheds the most, hence its unique softness also comes with a price—the price of regular upkeep and maintenance. Regular vacuuming simply won’t do the job and using beater bars will only ruin the fiber’s cohesion over time. It might be a good idea to avoid placing your jute rug on dark surfaces or hardwood because you’ll end up having to sweep it a bit more often. It might be advisable to purchase a high-quality rug pad and place it under your jute rug. Doing so will reduce shedding and surface friction, increase cushioning, and absorb noise well. Wholesale Moroccan Rugs are also a good choice when it comes to rugs.
Are They Hypoallergenic?
The answer to this question depends mostly on the severity of your allergies and the type o jute weave you like. Allergies are often caused by air pollutants or aggravating proteins such as mold, pet dander, or dust mites. All-natural jute rugs are usually untreated and, therefore, doesn’t release toxins. With regards to aggravating antigens from dust, pet and mold, it might be ideal for you to get a more tightly woven jute rug. The tightness of the rug’s weaves keeps allergy intruders from the surface, making them easy to remove. You can also equip your vacuum with a HEPA filter and clean your rug with it twice a week.
If you have severe allergies, it might be better for you to stay away from natural fiber rugs as they shed at different degrees, where jute is on the higher end of it. Shedding will only worsen your allergies so best to use synthetic rugs instead.
Why Choose Jute for Your Rugs?
Aside from being a beautiful, organic décor piece at home, there are other reasons why investing on a jute rug makes sense. They are as follows:
They Provide Texture
Jute’s natural fibers provide a stylish, raw texture to your home. Due to their chunky knit weave, they are ideally used as a base for more colorful, patterned rugs. They can complement any type of furniture and highlights natural wood décor.
They Are Durable?
These types of rugs are woven from thick fibers and made to hold out against a decent amount of foot traffic. Although these rugs are tightly woven, they won’t be able to hold up well in a hallway or somewhere where there is huge foot traffic. In low-traffic areas, like the bedroom, this type of rug can last for years. You may clean your rugs by vacuuming them every day but it’s not really necessary. They’re also naturally brown in color so any stain on them may not appear as noticeable.
They Are Versatile
Jute area rugs are versatile and can be combined into a variety of looks and styles. For a bolder look, try purchasing a jute rug with a dark brown edge. If you want a clean, laid-back look, go for a bleached jute rug. If you want to add unique flooring to your home, natural jute rugs are definitely the perfect accent piece. But whether you prefer a contemporary design, a vintage vibe, or a free-spirited aesthetic, a natural jute rug will definitely add a finishing touch to any space it’s placed in.