Jute rugs are among the trendiest rugs nowadays.
They add warmth to a space and have a certain earthy and rustic feel that is in demand in current interior decor trends.
However, there are a few cons to jute rugs. One of them is that they smell, and they do so quite a lot.
Here Is How Much Jute Rugs Really Smell:
Jute rugs are made of natural fibers from a plant, so they have an earthy smell similar to burlap. There are times when this smell can be so overpowering and unpleasant. Though some like the Jute rugs smell, others prefer to prevent it.
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Do Jute Rugs Smell More Than Other Rugs?
If you compare jute rugs to other natural fiber rugs, jute rugs smell less.
Jute rugs smell more than other rugs because the fibers of jute rugs are highly absorbent. They can easily absorb liquids and trap dirt and stains.
Because of this, jute rugs can hold odor better and longer than other rugs – which is not exactly a good thing.
What Are Typical Reasons Jute Rugs Start To Smell?
There are a few reasons that cause jute rugs to smell.
One common reason that jute rugs smell is that they are brand new. They tend to smell when they are new because jute rugs do not get enough ventilation while wrapped in their packaging.
The natural, earthy smell of the jute rug tends to get trapped in the fibers with no way to escape.
Another typical reason that jute rugs smell is moisture. Jute rugs have naturally absorbent fibers, so if they are put in a room or an environment with a lot of moisture in the air, they will start to smell.
The rug will absorb the moisture and start to smell over time.
Jute rugs also start to smell when stored in a closed environment. Sometimes, people put rugs away when they are not being used, and these rugs are stored in closets or cabinets.
Confined storage spaces tend to trap moisture, which the jute rug can absorb; thus, it will start to smell.
Do Brand New Jute Rugs Smell More?
They usually come in tight plastic packaging that does not let air in whenever you buy a new rug.
The same goes for when you are buying brand new jute rugs.
Given this fact, brand new jute rugs smell more. When they are inside the packaging, jute rugs do not get enough ventilation, so the odor gets trapped in their fibers.
This creates the odor that you can smell whenever you unwrap a brand new jute rug from its packaging.
Does The Smell Wear Off With Time?
While the smell can be off-putting, it is not something that you should worry about. The smell eventually wears off with time.
It will start to wear off in a few hours. Upon receiving and unwrapping your brand new jute rug, take it outside, where you can air it out for a couple of hours.
You can also air it out under direct sunlight so that it will refresh the rug after being in tight plastic packaging for too long. Direct sun exposure will not harm your jute rug.
By doing this, the smell will start to wear off in a few hours. In one to two days, the smell would be gone completely.
How Do You Remove The Smell From Jute Rugs?
If your old jute rug starts to smell, it means that it has been exposed to moisture.
While this can be worrisome, there are things you can do to remove the smell:
1. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the Jute Rug:
Baking soda is known for its cleaning and disinfecting properties.
So if your jute rug starts to smell, sprinkle baking soda generously on it, and let it sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on both sides of the rug.
The longer the baking soda sits there, the better.
Doing so will remove any unpleasant smell from your jute rug.
2. Shake the Jute Rug:
After sprinkling baking soda on your rug and letting it sit for quite some time, shake off the rug outdoors to remove the baking soda.
Shaking the rug occasionally also helps remove any loose dirt or debris that can cause bacterial growths, which can cause your rug to smell.
3. Vacuum the Jute Rug:
Use a vacuum cleaner to suction and remove any baking soda that stayed trapped in the rug fibers.
When you vacuum the rug, it will also remove the baking soda bits and the bad odor.
Make sure to vacuum gently and do not use the heavy beater bar so you would not end up damaging your rug.
4. Let the Jute Rug Dry Under the Sun:
After all the steps above, the last thing to do is let it dry under the sun for at least six hours.
Direct sunlight would completely dry your jute rug. Please do this before putting it back in the room.
How Do You Avoid Smell From Jute Rugs?
It is inevitable for brand new jute rugs to smell. It is natural for these rugs.
When this brand new rug smell wears off, you want to keep your jute rug free from any smell moving forward.
Here is what you can do to keep your jute rug odor-free:
– Be Careful about Where you Place your Rug:
Rug placement is very important, so think about where you want to place your brand new jute rug.
You want to avoid placing them in rooms that get a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Jute rugs are best when placed in a bedroom or in other house rooms where there is minimal risk for liquid spills.
– Vacuum Regularly:
Vacuuming your jute rug regularly has its benefits.
Vacuuming helps keep dirt off your jute rug. The fibers of jute rugs can trap dirt very easily and can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
This will cause your rug to smell, but it can also be a health hazard for the members of your household.
– Let It Out Under the Sun Occasionally:
One of the main reasons your jute rug starts to smell is the humidity trapped in the fibers.
By putting your jute rug under direct sunlight for at least six hours now and then, you can remove the humidity as it completely dries out your rug.
Letting your jute rug sit under the sun every once in a while also has other benefits. It can kill any bacteria growth in your rug. It can also refresh your rug.
– Place a Dehumidifier In Your Room:
Reduce the humidity indoors by placing a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers help control moisture in the air. Getting a dehumidifier for the room where you place rugs will decrease the moisture to prevent your jute rugs from having a bad smell.
Setting a 30% to 60% humidity range would be ideal for your indoor spaces.
Keep your House Clean:
By keeping your house clean, you minimize the growth of bacteria.
This will prevent your rugs from starting to smell. Simple things like purifying the air in your house and keeping your floors clean and dry can help keep your rugs free from any moisture.
The smell of brand new jute rugs is unavoidable, but it will eventually wear off with proper care for your new rug. To avoid any smell in the future, remember always to keep your jute rug and its surrounding areas clean and dry.
The last thing you want to happen is to be forced to throw out your beautiful jute rug just because it has started to smell so bad as to become problematic.