Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Hand wash
• Method 2 of 3: Machine wash
• Method 3 of 3: Remove odors
• Necessities
• Hand wash
• Wash with the machine
• Remove odors

Jute is a versatile material, but it also stiffens quickly and smells quickly. Washing burlap can make it more comfortable to use, but you should wash it gently to prevent the fibers from fraying.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Hand wash

1. Remove stains with a wet sponge. Dip the sponge in cold water, then brush any visible stains from the burlap.
   • Wring out any excess water from the sponge before brushing on the stain.
   • Just brush or dab on the stain. Do not sand or rub on it, as this can cause the stain to penetrate deeper into the fibers.
   • If you only want to remove the stain, blot the water off with a dry towel as soon as you get the stain out. However, if you want to wash the entire piece of burlap, continue with the rest of these steps.
2. Fill a clean sink with cold water. Stop the sink and fill it half full with cold water. Adjust the depth of the water as needed so that there will be enough to fully submerge the burlap.
   • Do not use warm or hot water. Warm water can cause the fabric to shrink.
   • If you don't have a clean enough or large enough sink, use a large bucket or tub.
   • Small quantities of jute or finished jute articles are better hand washed than in the machine. Burlap can fray if handled too roughly.
3. Mix a mild detergent into the water. Pour a quarter or half cap of a mild detergent into the water. Use your hands to stir the solution until the detergent dissolves and foam begins to form.
4. Let the burlap soak for five minutes. Completely submerge the burlap in the soapy water. Don't submerge it for more than five minutes before taking it out.
   • Simply leaving the burlap submerged in the water should be enough to clean it. However, if you prefer, you can also slowly stir the burlap with your hands to gently scrape off the dirt.
   • Do not leave the burlap in the water for much longer than five minutes. If you let it soak for too long, the material can start to fray and fall apart.
5. Rinse the burlap well. Remove the burlap from the soapy water and rinse it clean under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water flowing from the bottom of the material is clear.
6. Let it dry flat. Spread a dry towel on a hard, flat surface. Place the wet burlap on top, then put a second dry towel on top. Let the burlap dry flat between the two towels.
   • Do not squeeze out the water, or otherwise squeeze or twist the wet material. Twisting the jute fibers while the material is still wet can cause the fabric to warp and become damaged.
   • Replace the towels if necessary, until all the moisture has been absorbed.

Method 2 of 3: Machine wash

1. Wash the burlap in warm water. Put your burlap in the washing machine and add half a cap of mild detergent. Switch the machine on to a delicate or hand wash program with warm water and start the machine.
   • Machine wash is a bit rougher, even if you have used the delicate cycle, so the burlap will be treated a bit more roughly than if you hand wash it. On its own, this method works fine if you're prewashing yards of burlap for a project, or if you're washing burlap with hemmed or sealed edges, but if you're washing delicate bags or other items, avoid this method.
2. Consider adding bleach and fabric softener. If you want to lighten the burlap or remove stains, add a little bleach into the bleach compartment of your washing machine before starting the program. To make the material softer, add a standard amount of fabric softener to the machine.
   • Be careful not to add bleach or fabric softener if you want to dye the burlap. These treatments can make it more difficult for the paint to adhere to the material.
   • A little bleach can do a lot. Bleach is powerful and if you use too much you can actually damage the burlap.
3. Repeat as needed. After your first wash cycle is done, smell and feel the burlap. If the stench and texture are not to your liking, run another warm water delicate cycle.
   • You can repeat this one or two more times, but going through a wash cycle too often can cause the material to weaken and fray.
   • Add detergent to the additional wash programs but do not add any more bleach or fabric softener.
4. Dry the burlap in a machine. If you want to soften the burlap, put the damp material in the dryer and run the machine on a normal cycle. Let the material dry completely in the machine.
5. Otherwise, you can also let the material air dry. For a softer approach, you can hang the wet burlap over two wooden or plastic chairs and let it air dry for several hours.
   • Air drying is preferable to machine drying because it uses less force and does not cause additional damage. If the burlap doesn't seem damaged when you pull it out of the washing machine, it is probably safe to dry it in the dryer. If the material looks worn or frayed, air dry it.
6. Clean the washer and dryer when you're done. Burlap leaves a lot of dust and fluff after washing. After you have washed the burlap, thoroughly wipe the inside of the washing machine and thoroughly clean the dryer's lint filter.
   • If you have a flexible handle with a brush attached, you should use it to make sure no jute fibers get into the fan.
   • Failure to remove the lint and fibers from your machines can cause permanent damage.

Method 3 of 3: Remove odors

1. Let the burlap air out. Less stubborn smells can usually be easily dislodged by hanging the burlap outside in the sun and fresh air. Leave it there for a few hours.
   • Leave the burlap outside on a warm, sunny day, but avoid hanging it in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the material to fade and dry out, and dried burlap can become brittle.
   • Partial sun is good, though, as it can help lighten or disappear spots.
   • Put the burlap indoors if it starts to rain, snow or hail.
   • Check the burlap after you blow it out. If the air has disappeared sufficiently, you can stop after this step. If not, continue with the remaining steps.
2. Sprinkle baking soda on the material. Spread the burlap on a smooth surface and sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface. Leave it that way for two to four days, then shake off the baking soda.
   • Baking soda can neutralize many smells.
   • If you are cleaning burlap bags, sprinkle the baking soda on the inside of the bag and let it sit. But straight pieces of burlap you just have to sprinkle with baking soda on the surface.
   • If the burlap no longer smells, you can stop after this step. If there is still some odor left, repeat the baking soda procedure or continue with the next option.
3. Alternatively, you can soak the burlap in a vinegar solution. Mix a solution of four parts cold water and one part white distilled vinegar. Soak the burlap in this mixture for two to three minutes.
   • Vinegar can remove odors and clarify burlap.
   • However, do not use undiluted vinegar as its acidic properties can damage the material.
   • Do not combine this method with the baking soda technique. The chemical reaction that takes place when baking soda and vinegar mix can damage the burlap.
4. Rinse with clean water. After soaking the material in vinegar, make sure to rinse the vinegar out thoroughly using cold running water.
   • If you can't beat the baking soda, you can also remove it with cold water.
5. Let it air dry. After you rinse the burlap, place it between two clean, dry towels. Let it dry completely before doing anything with it.

Necessities

Hand wash

• Sponge
• Sink, bucket or bathtub
• Gentle detergent
• Water
• Dry towels

Wash with the machine

• Washing machine
• Gentle detergent
• Bleach (optional)
• Fabric softener (optional)
• Dryer (optional)
• Two wooden, plastic or metal chairs (optional)

Remove odors

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Water
• Bucket
• Dry towels