Should You Choose Jute Carpeting For Your Eco-Friendly Home?
Posted on: 4 June 2015
If you are trying to design your home to be as eco-friendly as possible, you may be considering jute carpeting for your living spaces. While this carpeting material is made from natural plants and thus won't give off harmful VOCs like synthetic carpeting, it's not necessarily the right choice for every home. Weigh these pros and cons of jute as you make your decision:
Pros of Jute Carpeting:
It is softer and less irritating than other natural carpet fibers.
Jute carpeting is softer than sisal, another common natural carpeting material. This means it will feel more comfortable underfoot and would be better suited for a playroom or other areas where kids might spend time sitting on the floor. It also does not produce the same itchy effects that wool carpeting can for some people, making it a good choice for those who want a natural carpet fiber but are allergic to wool.
Jute carpeting is generally affordable.
The jute plant is easy to grow and is a renewable resource. Weaving carpet from this plant is also pretty easy. These factors translate to a low price rag for jute carpeting. If you're on a budget, it's a more affordable natural choice than organic cotton, wool, or a no-VOC synthetic. Like these other materials, jute carpeting comes in an array of colors.
Cons of Jute Carpeting:
It can become stained and broken down with heavy use.
Jute is not as durable as other carpeting materials like wool and sisal. It's fine for light-wear areas, but may not be durable enough for high-traffic pathways like your hallway or living room. Since it's so absorbent, it also stains easily. Spill wine or juice on a jute carpet, and the stain will stick for life. You may want to avoid using it next to (or in) the kitchen, or in kids' rooms, since spills are likely here.
You cannot carpet shampoo a jute rug.
Most rugs can simply be shampooed, and then they're fresh and clean again for another year. Jute, however, is very sensitive to water and will shrink if you shampoo it. You'll have to be very diligent about vacuuming regularly and blotting up spills with minimal water in order to keep it clean and in good shape.
If you're willing to put in a little effort to maintain it, a jute carpet can be a green, affordable, and comfortable choice for your eco-friendly home. On the other hand, if you're seeking a low-maintenance option due to the help of carpet cleaning services like Go Green Carpet Cleaning, you may be better off looking into other choices like wool and organic cotton.
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