How to Wash a Jute bag? (Step-by-Step)

Jute bags are not only lightweight but also sturdy and stylish.

Due to their weight-holding ability, they are mainly designed as carrying bags or handbags.

Jute is a strong and durable fabric, but it does require special care when cleaning

In this article, you will learn How to Wash Wash a Jute Bag? Along with a few caring tips.

Table of Contents

What is a Jute fabric?

Jute is a natural fabric made from the outer stem and the skin of a jute plant. Jute cloth is mostly produced in South and East Asia. It is often used to make rope and burlap.

There are a variety of sustainable items made using jute (for example, items like eco-friendly jute bags).

It is one of the most commonly used fibers after cotton.

Jute is a long, soft, shiny bast fiber that can be spun into thick, strong threads.

After immersing the jute stems in slow running water, its non-fibrous material can be scraped off, making it easier to pull the fibers from the jute stems.

These fibers are weaved to make a jute cloth.

Jute fibers are further used extensively to produce sturdy Jute bags. The bags are designed in many forms, from carrying bags to handbags.

As they are very absorbent in nature, the staining totally depends on the way you use them.

Staining can occur while carrying vegetables, fruits, and other groceries items.

A poached fruit or vegetable can easily cause a stain, likewise, a leaking can of a grocery item does the same.

Dust and dirt are common factors that can accumulate deep in its fibers, therefore it needs regular cleaning.

What are the benefits of Jute as a fabric?

Jute being a natural fiber is quite strong and durable. It is a renewable resource that is biodegradable and recyclable too.

This is the precise reason why Jute bags are becoming increasingly popular.

With that said, Jute as a fiber is very absorbent and can easily become stained.

Luckily, Washing a jute bag is relatively simple and requires a few household items.

How to wash a Jute bag?

You can easily wash a jute bag by hand OR in a washing machine.

It’s best to Hand-wash them as you get more control over the washing process and handwashing is gentle.

To start let us begin with the pre-treatment process.

Pre-treatment

Pre-treating involves removing excess dust or remove stubborn stains from the surface of the bag.

Shake the jute bag well so that excess dust gets discharged off its surface.
Follow the same process by turning the bag inside out.
Make sure the dust is discharged from all the corners of the bag.
Now, add a few drops of stain remover or gentle detergent to the stained areas of the Jute Bag.
Next, Add a few drops of water to damp the surface and rub the surface with a soft brush in a circular motion.
Leave it to settle for around 10 minutes and rinse it off with warm water.

How to hand wash a jute bag?

To Hand wash a jute bag you will require a large tub, mild detergent, and warm or cold water.

Instructions to Hand-Wash Jute Bag

Step 1: Fill the Tub OR Sink with lukewarm water

Fill a sink or basin with warm water to start with. Alternatively, you can simply make use of a large tub.

Note – Avoid using hot water as it can shrink the fabric.

Step 2: Add Detergent

Pour and Stir a tiny amount of mild detergent with the water. Make sure the detergent used should be suitable for delicates.

Step 3: Submerge Jute Bag

Submerge the jute bag in soapy water and use your hands to gently agitate it at regular intervals. Do this for around 10 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Bag Soak

Allow the bag to soak for 10-15 minutes, then drain the water from the sink.

Step 5: Work on the stains

Gently work on the jute bag to get rid of dirt and stains.

Step 6: Rinse the Jute Bag with Clean Water

Rinse the jute bag thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.

Note: Do not twist or squeeze as this may damage or deform the bag.

Step 7: Dry the Jute Bag

For quick drying, lay the bag flat between towels, and turn the towels as needed until the moisture is absorbed.

Hang the bag up to air dry, or place it in a sunny spot to further speed up the drying process.

Note – Do not expose the printed jute bags to direct sunlight because it can easily fade the fine prints. Simply, hang the bag up to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Step 8: Store in a Cool and Dry place

Once the bag is dry, store it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it again.

How to wash a Jute bag in the washing machine?

Machine washing may be harsh on the jute fabric.

But if you still want to use your washer to clean the jute bag then simply follow the below instructions.

Avoid machine washing a jute bag that is heavily embroidered with designs all around.

These handworks are quite delicate and can fray out in the wash process.

Do not wash hessian fabric in a washer, as it is made out of jute and can fray out easily. This will not only damage the fabric material but also the machine by releasing lint all around.

Instructions to Machine Wash Jute Bags

Step 1: Place the jute bag in the washing machine

Place the bag in your washing machine and set the water to a cold water wash setting.

Step 2: Add detergent

Use a gentle liquid detergent.

Do not add any harsh detergents or bleach instead, opt for a mild or natural soap.

Step 3: Set the right wash settings

Set the machine to a delicate cycle. If you are washing multiple items then you may use a mesh laundry bag. It will protect the bag from getting tangled up with other items in the machine.

Step 4: Run the wash cycle

Now run the wash program and choose the short cycle duration.

Step 5: Remove the bag and air dry it

Once the cycle completes, immediately remove the jute bag and let it air dry for a few hours.

Dos and Don’ts for Washing Jute Bags

To ensure you’re taking proper care of your jute bag, here are some essential dos and don’ts:

Dos:

Do Hand-Wash: Hand-washing is recommended as it is gentler on the fabric and allows better control over the process.
Use Mild Detergent: Always use a mild detergent suitable for delicates. Harsh detergents can damage the fibers.
Pre-Treat Stains: Before washing, pre-treat any visible stains with a stain remover or gentle detergent.
Rinse Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to rinse the bag thoroughly to remove any detergent residue.
Dry Properly: Lay the bag flat between towels to absorb moisture or air-dry it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Don’ts:

Don’t Use Hot Water: Avoid using hot water as it can cause the jute fabric to shrink.
Don’t Machine Wash: Machine washing can be harsh on jute bags and may damage the fabric, especially if it has delicate designs or embroidery.
Don’t Twist or Squeeze: Avoid twisting or squeezing the bag, as it can deform the shape.
Don’t Expose to Direct Sunlight: To prevent fading of printed designs, avoid exposing the bag to direct sunlight during drying.

Addressing Different Types of stains

Type of Stain	Treatment
Food Stains	– Dab the stained area with a mixture of mild detergent and water before washing. – Gently scrub the area and rinse thoroughly.
Oil or Grease Stains	– Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda on the affected area. – Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil. – Brush off the powder and follow the standard washing process.
Ink Stains	– Dab the stained area with rubbing alcohol, being careful not to oversaturate it. – Blot the stain, and then wash the bag as usual.
Mold or Mildew	– Clean the affected area with a mixture of white vinegar and water. – Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. – Ensure the bag is completely dry to prevent future mold growth.

Addressing Variations in Jute Bags

Different jute bags may have specific care requirements based on their design, construction, and any added embellishments. Here’s how to handle some common variations:

Embroidered or Decorated Bags: Bags with delicate embroidery or decorations are best washed by hand to avoid damaging the embellishments. Use extra caution when handling and avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing.
Lined Jute Bags: Some jute bags have a lining on the inside. Check the care instructions for the lining material, which may require separate cleaning.
Printed Bags: Printed jute bags should be turned inside out before washing to protect the printed design. Follow the standard hand-washing process, and avoid direct sunlight during drying.

Final Thoughts

Next time, if you want to shop around with a strong and stylish bag, choose a bag made of jute fiber.

Jute as a piece of fabric is recyclable which makes them environment friendly.

Even though they are very absorbent, they are easy to clean and maintain than other types of bags. Simply, do not use any harsh application to treat the material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash Hessian Fabric in the Washing Machine?

It is not recommended to wash a hessian fabric in a washing machine. These fabrics are made out of natural jute fiber. Hessian fabrics can fray out in no time and can cause damage to your washer. It can release a lot of lint which further chokes the machine.

Which is a better way to wash jute bags, by hand or a machine?

Hand washing a jute bag is the best way to clean them. As they are a natural fiber, machine washing can be harsh on the fabric.

How often should I wash a jute bag?

If you carry your jute bag regularly then you should wash them at least once or twice a month. Ensure you remove excess dust after every use to avoid washing them very often.

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