How to Clean and Care for Natural Fiber Rugs (Without Ruining Them)
Already this week, I’ve had to clean up a plethora of dog messes. From muddy paws (it rained here) to what I refer to as bile piles (as gross as it sounds), why do dogs insist on dirtying the rugs instead of the easier-to-clean hardwoods or tile, four inches in the opposite direction? Please tell me our dogs aren’t the only ones! Since I’ve been in rug cleaning mode, today I’m sharing my approach to natural fiber rug care, including how to clean a jute rug without ruining it, spot-treating spills on sisal, and how to extend the life of your woven rugs. Natural fiber area rugs- like jute, sisal, and seagrass are some of my go-to options for adding texture and warmth. They’re classic, durable, and effortlessly beautiful, but they do require a little extra care to keep them looking their best… especially if you have pets.
I know I’ve shared a surprising amount of cleaning posts these past couple months, but I’ve been doing a LOT of unexpected deep cleaning lately. From unintentional messes to sick dogs and prepping for house guests, spring cleaning has been in full effect in our house. I literally just shared how to clean vintage rugs at home (without damaging them), so this post feels timely… no excuses for nasty rugs, I suppose!
Why I Love Natural Fiber Rugs
There are plenty of reasons I recommend natural woven rugs made of jute, sisal, seagrass, and wool-check out this post for the best natural fiber area rugs!
- They’re truly timeless and will never go out of style.
- Their neutral palette easily blends with any aesthetic.
- They add organic texture to any room.
- They layer beautifully with other rugs (especially vintage rugs).
- They hold up well in high-traffic areas and are very durable.
However, natural fibers are… natural. Which means they’re more porous and less stain-resistant than synthetic or performance fibers. I know these rugs can also be an investment, so caring for them and cleaning them properly is key! Here’s how I do it…
5 Steps for Cleaning Natural Rugs
If you’re wondering how to clean a natural fiber area rug, here’s what I personally do to maintain mine at home… or clean up accidents.
1. Vacuum Regularly
- Use a vacuum without a beater bar- or set it on gentle mode.
- Vacuum in the direction of the weave to avoid breaking the fibers.
- Vacuum weekly to keep dirt and debris from settling in.
- Vacuum in straight lines.
- Avoid vacuuming fringe or bound edges (take it from someone who learned the hard way).
2. Spot Clean
- Use vacuum suction first (if needed).
- Blot (don’t rub) with a microfiber cloth.
- Mix a gentle solution of water + mild dish soap. Alternatively, I like to use our portable carpet & upholstery cleaner… just make sure you suction any moisture. Always test a hidden corner first.
- Dab and blot dry with a clean towel.
3. Avoid Soaking the Rug
- Excess water can weaken natural fibers and can cause discoloration or warping. Also opt for damp instead of soaking wet!
- If your rug gets wet, blot it dry with a towel- or use a fan or hairdryer on cool.
4. Shake It Out Seasonally
- For smaller rugs, take them outside to shake and air them out. This helps remove dust that vacuuming can miss.
- We also like to sprinkle our signature baking soda / essential oil powdery mix onto our woven rugs, allow it to sit, then vacuum it up- just like we do with our vintage rugs. It makes them smell fresh again!
Rotate Rugs Annually
- We try to rotate our rugs annually for even wear.
- Sun bleaching is definitely a thing… especially for rugs made of natural fibers, and this helps to minimize that.
Designer Insight on Styling Natural Rugs
I’ve also got a few tricks of the trade to share that will make your natural rugs look their best. Be sure to consider these…
Always Use a Rug Pad
Aside from preventing slipping and adding softness underfoot, rug pads are essential for making your rugs lie flat and look tailored. They also prolong the life of both the rug and your flooring underneath.
Don’t Be Afraid to Layer Natural Rugs
I often layer a vintage or wool rug on top of a large natural woven base. This protects the jute from stains and gives your space a more curated, layered look. The most timeless way to ground a room or set the foundation for a space is with a vintage rug styled atop a natural jute or sisal rug… chef’s kiss!
Don’t Forget Runners
Natural rugs also make great runners. They’re ideal for galley kitchens, hallways, and even staircases. Check out this post on how to install a stair runner with an easy staircase landing!
Choose Bound Edges
The older I get (and the more I grow as a designer), the more I avoid fringe on rugs. If a rug has fringe, I trim it short. Nobody has time to comb and care for that! Selecting a rug with a neatly bound edge looks less messy, is less likely to get stained or dirty, and it has a more polished look. It also helps prevent unraveling. It’s especially smart for high-traffic areas like entries or kitchens.
FAQ
I’m partial to jute or sisal… both are very tough. Jute is softer underfoot, but sisal is more durable.
While most advise sticking to dry cleaning methods and spot treating, I’ve definitely used our portable upholstery and carpet cleaner to deep clean our woven rugs. The key is to make sure you blot it dry (or use a fan) after the fact.
You can… in certain circumstances. Trimming the occasional loose fiber here and there isn’t a big deal, but if you’re cutting a rug in an effort to resize it, I would leave that to the professionals and have it rebound. I have cut my jute and sisal rugs for floor outlets, like you see in the below image- and they haven’t unraveled. Check out this post for more: tips and advantages of implementing floor outlets.
Related
Looking for more designer rug selection ideas or spring cleaning tips? I’m going to link some reader favorites for you below!
- How to Clean Vintage Rugs at Home (Without Damaging Them)
- The Best Natural Fiber Area Rugs
- 25 Neutral & Beautiful Outdoor Area Rugs for the Patio
- How to Deep Clean Upholstery and Refresh Your Living Room for Spring
- How to Wash Towels Back to White with Laundry Stripping
- Keywords to Use When Searching for Large Vintage Rugs
- How to Remove Furniture Indentations from Carpet
- 15 Aesthetically Pleasing Kitchen Storage & Organization Ideas
- How to Deep Clean a Fabric Lampshade
- Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Rug Pad
If you have a rug cleaning trick I should know, please share it in the comment section below- I’m all ears! Although, I am hoping this will be the end of my rug cleaning duties for a while, and I’ll have more fun content to share. I definitely have more exciting tasks to cross off my home to-do list… like working on the home gym renovation! We’re finally to the fun part. I’ll be sharing the reveal soon!