Where does jute come from?
Jute fiber is from an annual shrub in the botanical family Tiliacea, which grows in hot, humid climates. Corchorus capsularis, known as white jute, and C. olitorius, known as dark jute, are grown in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and China, as well as much of Southeast Asia and Brazil. Jute plantations, processing plants, and spinning and weaving mills all make a very important contribution to the economies of several of these countries, including Bangladesh.
How is it produced?
Jute, an inner stem (bast) fiber, is planted very densely, producing tall, slender stalks as much as twelve feet high. When the flowers start to open, the stalks are cut off at ground level, tied into bundles, and set into shallow ponds to ret (partially rot). In about three weeks, when the outer bark and the fiber can be separated from the woody core, the fibers are extracted and cleaned by hand then put into the sun to dry. Finally, the fibers are baled and sent to the spinning mill.
What does it look like?
Jute, like flax (linen), and ramie, is a typical bast fiber in that it is soft, flexible, and hard-wearing. The fibers are long (four to eight feet), lustrous, resilient, and softer to the touch than sisal. Jute's natural color is in the light tan to brown range and it bleaches and dyes well. Jute can produce fine elegant rugs with complex patterns as well as the bold, heavily textured more informal floor coverings.
Is it a good fiber for floors?
Jute rugs will withstand a lot of abrasion. Jute is also resistant to mildew and mold; however, the fiber is absorbent and deteriorates when exposed to moisture and sunlight consistently. Wet areas will darken in color, therefore, jute floor coverings, like all products made of natural materials, should be used indoors only in areas not likely to be splashed and spilled upon.
How should I care for it?
Routine maintenance of your jute floor covering should include regular vacuuming, prompt attention to spills by blotting with a clean cloth, and occasional deep cleaning with a dry extraction carpet cleaning system. Never wash or wet shampoo your jute rug.
Thanks to Jennie Wood of Merida Meridian for providing much of this information.
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