Cleaning

How do you clean braided rugs?

By Rachel White / April 9th, 2025 / There are currently 0 comments

Whether you’ve just purchased a new braided rug from The Braided Rug Company or you’ve had one for years, it’s good to know how to clean and care for it so that yours has a long and happy life!

This helpful guide will teach you how to clean a braided rug at home to make it last as long as possible. This guide has everything you need, from helpful spot-cleaning tips to braided rug cleaning do’s and don’ts.

How to clean a jute braided rug

Cleaning braided rugs requires a delicate approach to prevent damage to the natural fibres. Here are our top tips and recommendations for how to clean braided rugs at home.

Regular vacuuming

Regularly vacuum your braided jute rug. We recommend vacuuming it to remove loose dirt and debris around twice weekly.

Always use a gentle suction setting and avoid using the beater bar or roll brush in your vacuum, which can damage the fibres.

You can also shake out your rug outside to remove loose dirt, but ensure you have a firm grip to avoid stretching the fibres.

Spot cleaning

So, although we don’t recommend washing braided rugs, you can spot-clean them. You should also address spills and stains quickly to prevent them from setting into the fibres.

Use soap and water to clean dirt and a dry cloth or paper towel to mop up spillages. If you must use water to clean your rug, use a very small amount of liquid with mild dish soap or an equal parts solution of water and white vinegar. Rubbing can push the dirt deeper into the fibres, so dampen a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Dry the area immediately with a dry cloth.

For at-home dry cleaning, use baking soda or dry carpet cleaner. Let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb the stain, and vacuum the powder away.

Use the same method for oil stains but with cornstarch or talcum powder.

Dry cleaning

You can take your braided jute rug to a professional dry cleaner or rug cleaning specialist for deep cleaning or stubborn stains.

Are braided rugs washable?

When jute gets wet, it becomes incredibly difficult to dry. Excess water can also cause the fibres to shrink, discolour or develop mould. So, to be safe, never submerge or soak your braided jute rug in water.

Can you put a braided rug in the washing machine?

With that in mind, we would never recommend putting your braided jute rug in the washing machine.

Can you power-wash a braided rug?

We definitely don’t recommend power washing your braided jute rug.

Can you steam-clean a braided rug?

Equally, steam cleaning your braided jute rug is also out of the question, as is carpet shampooing.

Care FAQs

From how to prevent your braided rug from curling to preventing it from slipping, we’ve answered all your frequently asked questions about The Braided Company’s braided jute rugs in this next section.

How to keep a braided rug from curling

Jute is a highly durable material that is perfect for rug-making. However, it is still a natural material and can react to changes in temperature or humidity, causing curling. To help keep your braided jute rug neat and flat, here are the main causes of rug curling and how to prevent them.

Humidity & temperature

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause the natural fibres to expand and contract. High humidity can cause the fibres to swell, while dry conditions can shrink them. Prevent curling caused by humidity and temperature changes by keeping your home temperature and humidity levels stable. One way you can do this is by using a dehumidifier.

Uneven surfaces

Placing your braided rug on an uneven surface can stress the fibres, causing them to curl. Place the rug on a flat surface. Or, if you have an uneven floor, use a thicker rug pad to compensate.

Wear and tear

Over time, especially in high-traffic areas, the braided rug’s edges may become worn and prone to curling. Unfortunately, wear and tear is inevitable. But there are things you can do to slow the process. For example, rotate your rug to distribute footfall and wear to relieve specific areas and prevent them from becoming distressed. You can also edge-anchor your rug with double-sided carpet tape or rug grippers to secure the edges.

Improper cleaning

Improper cleaning can also cause your braided rug to curl. Adding excess moisture or using harsh cleaning products will damage the fibres and cause them to warp. Follow the cleaning tips above to avoid this.

Not using an underlay or rug pad

Rug pads stabilise braided rugs, but without one, they can slide and curl if pushed up against a wall. Use a high-quality underlay to provide a stable base, prevent slipping and help your rug to lie flat.

Improper storage

Storing your braided jute rug folded or rolled can create embedded creases that curl when you take it out again. If you have to store your braided rug, don’t roll it too tightly and don’t leave it in storage for too long to prevent the fibres from being stretched out of shape.

If your braided rug is curling (sometimes this happens when it’s new, too), try reverse-rolling it. Roll it tightly in the opposite direction, leaving it a while to reverse the curling. You can also try placing heavy objects on the curled edges for a few days to help flatten them.

How to stop braided rugs from slipping

Slipping rugs can be, at best, annoying and, at worst, a trip hazard if you have hard floors. Our customers often ask how to prevent their braided rug from slipping on wood or laminate floors. We recommend using a rug underlay to secure your rug in these cases.

Care tips

Follow these care tips to properly look after your braided jute rug and help it to last as long as possible.

Turn your jute braided rug over regularly so it wears evenly on both sides, especially if placed in high-footfall areas.
If frayed threads appear, we recommend cutting them rather than pulling on them to tidy up your rug and prevent unravelling.
Imperfections are expected due to the natural jute used in braided rugs, which, in our opinion, adds to the charm. But keep your braided jute rug from fading by keeping it out of direct sunlight.
If you want to shake it outside, roll the end where you hold it to prevent the fibres from stretching and shake to remove loose dirt.

And there you have it! Now you know how to clean braided rugs to keep yours looking its best so you can enjoy it for longer.

Where to buy braided rugs?

If you like the idea of a rustic braided jute rug made by artisans and eco-friendly and sustainable materials, look no further than The Braided Rug Company.

At Cotswold Trading, we offer a range of colourful braided jute rugs by The Braided Rug Company that will add a quirky addition to your eclectic or shabby-chic interior design.

Whether you want to incorporate nature into your home decor or accessorise your house with eco-conscious and ethically made products, shop The Braided Rug Company rugs & rug runners today at Cotswold Trading.

Shop The Braided Rug Company