The jute plant is a grass found in Asia that is naturally soft and shiny.
Once the fibers are harvested, it goes through an interesting process. The fibers are spun, bundled, and soaked in water. The soaking part of the process normally takes weeks.
Since jute rugs are made from natural materials and handwoven, they can be a bit more expensive than other rugs.
Jute rugs are generally soft, which makes them worth the price and the hype.
Here is Why Jute Rugs are Soft:
Jute rugs are carpets made from fibers of the jute plant, which are then handwoven and spun into strands to soften the tissues of the fiber. These split fibers are then turned into jute yarn. Because of this very thorough process, jute rugs are one of the softest rugs used for interior design.
Are Jute Rugs Soft to Walk on?
Jute rugs are quite soft and very comfortable to walk on.
Walking barefoot on them would feel good. Some might even say they feel like a light foot massage as the rug have knots here and there.
Even though they are made of natural fibers, walking on them does not feel like walking on uncomfortable prickly grass.
Jute rugs are ideal for areas with light or very minimal foot traffic.
Are Jute Rugs Soft to Sit on?
While jute rugs are generally very soft, they are not recommended to sit on.
Sitting on jute rugs can be unpleasant because the material against your skin can be rough and prickly. Standing on them is otherwise generally very soft and cushy.
To maximize the softness of jute rugs, one must place a cushion or padding on top of it.
Are Jute Rugs Scratchy?
Unlike rugs made out of synthetic fibers, jute rugs can be a bit scratchy, especially if they are purely made out of jute. When placed on hardwood floors, it can eventually damage the surface.
In general, jute fibers are slippery, and because hardwood is slick, jute rugs tend to be slippery over hardwood floors. Over time, the friction of the rug rubbing on the hardwood would eventually cause visible scratches on the floor.
The solution would be to place a non-slip rug pad underneath the rug. This will protect the hardwood floor from any damage caused by the friction from the jute rug.
Placing a non-slip rug pad will also prevent water from seeping through to the hardwood floor, are jute rugs are not waterproof. Plus, it would make jute rugs a lot more comfortable for your feet when there is a rug pad underneath.
Are Jute Rugs Softer than Sisal Rugs?
Just like jute rugs, sisal rugs are made of natural fiber. They also look similar in terms of appearance, but they also have some differences.
Jute rugs are softer than sisal rugs. This is because the fibers of sisal rugs are tougher.
Sisal rugs are made from fibers extracted from the leaves of a succulent plant called Agave Sisalana. The fibers of sisal are generally stiff.
The fibers have a light natural color, making them very easy to dye and customized to match any interior design scheme.
While jute rugs are softer, sisal rugs have an edge in durability. Because sisal rugs are tough, they tend to last longer, especially when placed in areas of the house that have heavy foot traffic.
How Soft are Jute Rugs When Brand New?
A newly purchased jute rug can feel incredibly soft.
That is because the jute plant itself is already known to be already soft, and when harvested, the fibers go through the process softens them even more.
Jute rugs are so soft that they almost resemble wool minus the shedding – which is good because wool sheds a lot.
Do Jute Rugs Get Softer Overtime?
Just like most types of rugs, jute rugs get softer over time.
While they are not the most durable rugs out there, they can still definitely last long with proper care and maintenance.
Can You Make a Jute Rug Softer?
You can make any rug, including jute rugs, softer.
Giving the rugs proper treatment and maintenance can help make them last longer.
Here is how to properly maintain jute rugs:
Regularly Vacuum:
Vacuuming jute rugs regularly definitely helps soften it up, but make sure to vacuum lightly.
Avoid the heavy beater bar as this tends to destroy natural rugs. Spot cleaning also works well, especially when you spill something onto it.
Another effective way to clean jute rugs is by spot cleaning. Do this by pressing firmly into the rug with a clean cloth towel immediately after the spill takes place. Blot the cloth to remove the stain, but do not rub.
Don’t Use Fabric Softener:
While fabric softeners work well on other carpets, they are not recommended for those with natural fibers, including jute rugs.
Fabric softeners and any type of liquid cause damage to jute rugs and can even cause discoloration.
Plus, there is a hack to make the rug feel softer. This is by placing a pad underneath. This adds cushioning to the jute rug, these making it softer to walk on.
What Are the Softest Rugs?
From this, we can confirm that jute rugs are very soft. However, there are many more types of rugs that are softer than jute.
Here are some of the softest rug materials out there:
Wool Rugs:
Wool is a very common material that is used for rugs.
While natural, wool is mainly obtained by shearing fleece from living animals. They are very easy to clean and can resist stains very well.
Wool rugs are also very durable and can last even for decades as long as it is given proper care and maintenance. Wool rugs are very soft, and they add a luxurious feel to any space.
Cotton Rugs:
Cotton is another commonly used material for rugs, and it does not shed as much as wool.
Cotton rugs are extremely soft, and they feel cozy. They are easily washable. They are also versatile and can fit well into any space.
Silk Rugs:
This type of rug is known for making a room feel luxurious and elegant.
They are very soft, but they are not as durable as other rugs. Silk rugs are best in areas with very low foot traffic to avoid wear and make them last longer. To make them more durable, silk can be mixed with wool.
Animal Skin Rugs:
These rugs are unique, with the most common one being cowhide.
They are soft but also durable. Animal skin rugs are also very simple to clean and maintain.
Olefin Rugs:
These rugs look exactly like wool but cost less because they are made from synthetic fibers.
The cost of production for olefin rugs is comparably much cheaper than wool rugs. Olefin rugs are stain-resistant and mold resistant.
They are also good for the outdoors because they dry faster.
Polyester Rugs:
These rugs are known as one of the most inexpensive rug options.
They are made of synthetic fibers, which can be easily dyed, so they are quite versatile in terms of design. Polyester rugs are incredibly soft, and they are water-resistant. They are also very durable, making them good for high traffic spaces.
There are so many options for soft rugs. When choosing a soft rug for your space, always consider the cost, durability, and how the rug will fit the look and theme you want.
Sources:
The Pros and Cons of Buying Jute Rugs