Take Care of a Bleached Jute Rug
Bleached Jute Rugs are highly in demand due to their light natural colour and eco-friendly properties. Not only will they provide neutral colour in any room, but they will also give the perception of rustic charm to any interior style. However, any natural fibre rug, such as a bleached jute rug, needs special care for the beauty of longevity. It's essential to understand how they differ from any regular jute rugs and some specific maintenance tips that help keep the rug looking its best for years ahead.
What Are Bleached Jute Rugs?
The natural jute fibres are used in making bleached jute rugs, which undergo bleaching treatment to lighten up their natural brown color. The bleaching treatment gives a light beige or ivory-coloured hue to the rugs, which can do pretty well in a neutral, airy theme room. In itself, jute is a plant-derived natural fibre derived from the jute plant stem. That makes it very sustainable and friendly toward the environment.
What is the Difference Between Bleached Jute Rugs and Regular Jute Rugs?
Bleached jute rugs differ from the usual jute rugs in color and durability. The colour of the regular jute rugs remains warm brown or tan as it is a natural shade. While the bleached jute rugs are lighter and brighter than the other ones. Natural earthy tone stays with the regular jute rugs. Bleaching gives the rug a more refined, lighter color. About touch, bleached jute rugs are a bit softer on the feet than unbleached ones because the bleaching process removes a part of the natural oils in the fibres and makes it more pliable.
The second point of difference is the durability. Although normal jute rugs are already quite strong, the bleaching process would weaken the fibres to a certain extent, and hence, the bleached ones may become liable to wear and tear over time more than the normal ones. Still, they may last for a very long time if taken proper care of. Both types require careful maintenance, but the light colour of bleached jute rugs may require special attention not to get discoloured or cause fibre breakage.
Bleached Jute Rug Qualities
Bleached jute rugs have become increasingly popular for their natural and aesthetic qualities. They make a perfect fit for the home decor of almost all houses, ranging from modern to traditional ones. For starters, they are eco-friendly because jute happens to be a fast-growing crop growing without needing chemical fertilisers or pesticides. This makes bleached jute rugs the ideal environmentally friendly choice for homeowners who care about sustainability.
These rugs are also light in weight, so you do not have problems moving and adjusting them in your house. Though very durable, bleached jute rugs are relatively easy to handle even if used in large spaces. Bleached jute rugs offer a soft, natural texture of comfort with a feel that is comfortable underfoot as well as firm enough to withstand foot traffic. Last but not least, their neutral aesthetic, light, and subtle tones make them versatile and adaptable to any range of interior designs, from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse.
Care Tips for Bleached Jute Rugs
To maintain a bleached jute rug, clean it regularly without damaging the rug from spills and prevent other external factors such as moisture and sunlight. Here are detailed tips for helping you maintain your bleached jute rug:
1. Vacuum your Bleached Jute Rug Regularly
Vacuuming is essential to keeping your rug free from dirt and debris. Vacuum with a beaterless model to prevent damaging the fibers. Grooming the side as you vacuum will loosen dirt embedded in the rug and remove more dirt on the surface. Spills must also be attended to promptly. Light-coloured bleached jute rugs might stain easily because of their colour. Any spill must be blotted with a clean cloth right away. Rubbing the mess as this will push it further to the fibers. Clean the spot by using a mild soap solution and a damp cloth, being careful not to soak the rug.
2. Rotate Your Rug:
Rotating every 3 to 6 months will ensure that it wears evenly while eliminating specific segments from becoming excessively worn down, mainly in traffic sections. Also, do not expose it to moisture, as jute rugs are very absorbent. It should also be avoided to have it kept in rooms that usually have moisture when wet, such as bathrooms and basements. In case the area rug gets wet, you should take a dry towel and blot the rug, and leave it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated room.
3. Placing Rug Pads
Another important tip is placing rug pads under your bleached jute rug. The former will add comfort and protect the fibres from friction while also prolonging the rug's life. Lastly, protect your rug from sunlight. Bleached jute rugs start to deteriorate due to colour fading caused by intense sunlight exposure over time. You should place the rug in a spot where it won't get direct sunlight or cover the windows with curtains to filter out UV rays.
Common Spills and How to Treat Them
When the spills happen on your bleached jute rug, ensure you react immediately to prevent long-term damage. Here is a table showing common spills and recommended cleaning methods.
|
Type of Spill |
Immediate Action |
Commercial Cleaning Method |
|
Water |
Blot immediately with a dry cloth |
Air dry in a ventilated area |
|
Wine or Juice |
Blot with a cloth; use a mild soap solution |
Don't scrub; repeat until clean |
|
Oil-Based Spills |
Sprinkle baking soda, let sit for a few hours, then vacuum |
If there are oily spots they can be blotted with a soap solution |
|
Pet Stains |
Blot with a vinegar-water solution |
The pet odor can be neutralized with baking soda |
|
Food stains |
Scrape off any excess, blot up as much as possible with soap solution |
Avoid rubbing this surface and repeat if necessary |
Storing A Bleached Jute Rug
Dry storage Storage of the bleached jute rug is all important, and it should be stored only if it's not being used for a long time. When storing, ensure the rug is spotlessly clean and dry. Roll it up tightly, but do not fold since you may then get creases on the rug. Store it in a cool, dry room, preferably in a fabric bag that is not too tight, so that it can breathe. Avoid storing it in plastic, as moisture may be trapped, then mold develops.
Caring for a bleached jute rug is not a difficult task; however, it does demand constant attention if it should retain its best form and quality. Proper care instructions, from vacuuming and handling spills to preventing sun exposure, will keep your bleached jute rug looking great for years. Knowing how fragile the fibres of bleached jute are helps in retaining the soft texture and light looks associated with it, making it a lasting ornamental feature for your home. As long as you practice these care tips on a regular basis, you will certainly enjoy for years the classic beauty and eco-friendly charm of your bleached jute rug.
FAQs:
I can wash my jute rug, which has been bleached with water, right?
No, you are not supposed to wash a jute rug by immersion in water, as this may break its fibres and lose strength over time. In some cases, spot cleaning is how spills and stains would be handled.
How often should I vacuum my bleached jute rug?
Vacuum the jute rug once a week to prevent dirt from building up in the fibers. Where there is heavy traffic, vacuuming may be necessary more often.
Can I steam clean my bleach jute rug?
No. Jute rugs with natural fibres can easily get damaged using a steam cleaner. Dry cleaning methods can be used instead of wet cleaning. The above can be achieved by completely eschewing exposure of the rug to excess moisture.
My jute rug has started to unravel. What shall I do?
If unravelling is occurring, snip the loose ends with scissors without pulling them to further unravel them. Do not pull on the ends of threads, as it may make the unravelling worse.
Can I use a bleached jute rug in a sunroom?
Direct sunlight can fade the rug, so it is better to keep it away from intense sun exposure. In case it is put in a sunroom, make sure you use window treatments that block UV lights to prevent damage to the rug.