Jute Rugs

What are jute rugs? Jute rugs are made from jute plants which belong to the genus Corchurus , which are known to be the second most important vegetable fiber next to cotton due to its various and numerous uses. Jute plants grow up to 3.5 meters and are harvested approximately 4 months after planting. They are very common household items in India and Bangladesh since they are the number one producers of jute fiber in the world. These amazing fibers have been in use in the west since the 1800s.

Jute rugs in a home can add warmth to a room. It can be bought in different patterns, shapes, sizes, and colors and so finding one to match your tastes is never difficult.

Jute Plant FYIs

You can more appreciate the beauty and value of jute rugs if you know more about the jute plant and how jute farmers harvest and produce the plant’s fiber. To start with, jute plants grow well during the monsoon season since they are rain-fed crops that require little or even no amount of fertilizers or pesticides. They grow best in warm humid climates like in India and Bangladesh. The jute fiber produced by the plant can be spun into durable and coarse threads.

The jute fiber comes from the outer skin and stem of the plant. These fibers are removed through retting, a process wherein the jute stems are bundled together and then soaked in running water, like in streams or brooks. After about 20 days of retting, the fibers soften which makes it easy for the workers to begin the next step which is stripping. During stripping, the non fibrous material is scratched off and the exposed fiber is then harvested from within the stem. The harvested fiber is then hung for 2-3 days on wires to dry.

Jute fiber is often used to make sackings, mats, carpet backing, ropes, upholsteries, bags, cloths, and even paper. In some countries like Egypt, the use of jute is not just for clothing or rugs but also as an herbal medicine as well. It is also used as a food ingredient in the countries of Nigeria, Mali, Africa, and the Philippines.

Advantages of Jute and Jute Rugs

• Jute rugs are 100% renewable, biodegradable, recyclable and environment friendly. It joins the ranks of other green flooring options like bamboo flooring, wool carpeting, etc.
• Jute fibers are naturally neutral in color but it can be dyed in different colors. The jute fibers are usually treated with an enzyme initially so that the dyes are readily absorbed by the fibers.
• It is the cheapest form of natural fibers produced from plant stems and stalks.
• Jute rugs are durable since jute fibers have high tensile strength and low extensibility. They do well even in high traffic areas and are suitable for use as welcome mats or door mats.
• Jute rugs have anti-static electricity properties.
• Unlike other rugs made from synthetic materials, jute rugs are non-irritating to the skin.
• Jute rugs absorb traffic noise due to its acoustic insulating properties.
• Jute rugs have the ability to blend well with other fibers both synthetic and natural. It is more commonly combined with synthetic fibers on order to produce softer rugs or carpeting.
• It is easy to maintain: just use some carpet shampoo and water to clean and keep it looking new. It can also be vacuumed as well.

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