IKEA's Jute Rugs: Here's What To Know Before You Buy

Picking a sustainable material that wears well is a crucial step you should take when choosing your living room rug. IKEA offers tons of great products for anyone interested in affordable home decor, including a complete line of rugs to match any aesthetic. One popular type of floor covering is the jute rug. These durable rugs are made from natural materials and offer texture and versatility to any space. Additionally, jute rugs are affordable, making them a great option if you're looking for something that's budget-friendly. IKEA currently has two different 100% jute rugs to choose from: the LOHALS and the RAKLEV. Or, if you want a cotton jute blend, there is the KLEJS, a mini rug that's 1'8" x 2'7" and is currently selling for $3. 

Jute rugs are ideal if you're looking for non-toxic options inside your home. For example, when you purchase synthetic rugs, such as anything made from plastic or petrochemicals, you're essentially introducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your living space. This means that you and your family may be exposed to toxic fumes. One of these toxins is formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Jute rugs are made from natural fibers and can work to mitigate any unnecessary exposure to chemicals. Additionally, IKEA has incredibly high safety standards. According to the Swedish manufacturer, "IKEA products must not contain any harmful chemical substances." They strive to use as little formaldehyde as possible, and jute rugs are a natural option for affordable floor coverings. 

Unfortunately, jute rugs tend to shed, which means you'll see fibers tracked around your home. These rugs are made from the jute plant, so their material tends to fray and wear with time. This doesn't mean you can't use these rugs in busy parts of your home — just expect them to look a little scruffy in spots and for their fibers to end up on other surfaces, so you may need to keep a vacuum handy. However, if you don't mind a little extra cleaning, jute is extremely durable, which means they're great for areas in your house with a lot of foot traffic. 

As with any surface, jute rugs can get dirty. Vacuum them the same way you'd vacuum any other surface, but use the lowest setting. If you notice that your natural floor covering is in need of some TLC, the easiest way to clean a jute rug with heavy stains is by using equal parts water and white vinegar wiping away spots with a damp cloth. You can also use a little bit of water mixed with mild soap. Keep in mind that jute rugs are prone to water stains, so once you remove any stains, dry your rugs. You can do this with a hair dryer on a low setting or a portable fan.

If you've decided that jute rugs are for you, then IKEA has some great options to choose from, all at different price points and in different sizes. For example, the RAKLEV rug is 2'4" x 5'3" and sells for $45. Due to its slim size, it's the perfect runner for doors and other entryways. It has 4.6 stars and 70 reviews, and one person said that it's a "Good rug: Useful size, good appearance, lovely colours, seems pretty tough." According to the manufacturer's instructions, don't wash, bleach, tumble dry, iron, or dry clean this rug. Vacuuming is all that's needed. However, it's recommended that you regularly rotate your jute rug, as this works to keep them looking their best. It's also recommended that you keep jute rugs out of direct sunlight, as they're prone to fading. 

Another jute rug from IKEA is the LOHALS. It's larger than the RAKLEV, making it ideal as an area rug. It measures 5'3" x 7'7" and is $80. The LOHALS has 4.7 stars and 774 reviews, with consumers raving about its price and quality. According to one consumer, it's a "Fantastic rug: Looks amazing under my dining table. Hard-wearing and easy to vacuum. The quality of this rug for the price is fantastic." The LOHALS rug also comes in a runner size, measuring 2'7" x 4'11", and is priced at $25. You could even layer your area rugs to add dimension to your space.