Jute rugs vs wool and polypropylene: What's best for you?

The first step in choosing a rug is finding the right materials. From jute rugs to wool, polypropylene and more, the possibilities are endless for adding a new rug to your space.

But with so many new and existing textures, fibres and blends available in a range of different styles, how do you know which one is right for you?

We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we explore the differences between a jute rug vs wool and polypropylene to help you find the right fit for your home. Read on!

Features of jute rugs

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Made from natural jute grass fibres, jute rugs are a wonderful eco-friendly option that can add the right finishing touch to a range of indoor settings. Jute plants are grown in humid tropical zones and are known for their durability — in fact, jute plants are also used to make a range of products including curtains, bags and furniture!

From living rooms to kitchens, bedrooms, home offices and more, jute rugs add an earthy, natural feel to any space. They’re also one of the most eco-friendly types of rugs and produce very little waste or environmental pollution during the creation process.

Here are some of the main features of jute rugs that make them an excellent choice for Aussie homes.

• They’re soft. With their braided design and natural look, it’s commonly assumed that jute fibres have a rough, coarse texture. However, jute rugs are actually remarkably soft and comfortable to the touch, making them a great choice for kids, teenagers and adults alike!
   
• They’re good for allergies. Jute rugs naturally repel dust mites, which makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers looking to reduce dust and other allergens around the home.
   
• They’re affordable. Jute rugs provide excellent value for money and are one of the most affordable natural rugs on the market. This makes them a great choice if you’re looking to cover as much floor space as possible without breaking the bank.
   
• They’re easy to clean. Jute requires very little maintenance to keep clean. You can keep your jute rug looking clean and fresh with a short vacuum once a week and by dusting under the surface of the rug to remove any shedding.
   
• They’re durable. Perfect for parents, pet owners and busy households alike, jute rugs will stand up against heavy foot traffic and will still look great even after months of use.

Image: Unsplash

While jute rugs are a great all-rounder for most settings, there are a few disadvantages to choosing a jute rug vs wool and polypropylene.

• They're not waterproof. Jute rugs are highly absorbent and will retain water for longer than other rug materials, which can cause mould and other nasty bacteria to form. Water can also cause the colour and texture of your rug to become warped. This means you shouldn’t put a jute rug in a damp or humid space like the bathroom, kitchen or laundry.
   
• They shed. Jute rugs tend to shed small fibres underneath their surface, which means you’ll have to sweep under the rug occasionally to remove the shedding.
   
• They can’t be steam cleaned. Because of their vulnerability to liquid, jute rugs can’t be steam cleaned as the moisture can potentially ruin their natural fibres. This also means that stubborn stains can’t be scrubbed out with soap and water like other rugs.

So, how do jute rugs compare to wool and synthetic rugs? Here, we break down the main differences between each rug to find the perfect material for your home. Read on!

Jute vs wool rugs

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Much like jute, wool rugs are natural, eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable. They’re also much softer than jute, making them one of the most comfortable options of rug material for your home. In fact, jute rugs are commonly mixed with wool fibres to create a softer feeling material.

Here are some of the main advantages of wool rugs.

• Wool rugs are stain-resistant. Wool is 30% more stain resistant than synthetic fibres, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas, families with pets, kitchens and more.
   
• Wool is hypoallergenic. Wool is great for allergy sufferers as it reduces the amount of dust, pollen and other pesky allergens in your space.
   
• Wool is eco-friendly. Made from sustainable materials, wool rugs are created through more environmentally friendly processes than synthetic rugs, giving them a lower overall environmental impact.
   
• Wool rugs are incredibly durable. A strand of wool can be stretched more than 30,000 times and still hold its original shape, making it one of the most durable rug materials available. Wool is also flame retardant as it has a higher ignition point than other rugs.

Where jute rugs excel over wool rugs is the price point. When it comes to choosing between jute vs wool rugs, the main deciding factors are cost and texture.

• Wool rugs are more expensive than jute. Wool rugs are generally valued more highly than jute rugs, as they’re more expensive to produce, softer and don’t shed. If you’re happy with a less soft material and are working with a tighter budget, a jute rug might be a better choice.

Jute rug vs polypropylene

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Polypropylene is a synthetic material commonly used for its excellent durability and affordability. Synthetic rugs are easier to manufacture with eye-catching prints and designs, making them a hit with teenagers and young kids. Plus, their hassle-free material is incredibly easy to clean while still being affordable, which means they’re a good no-fuss option for buyers on a budget.

• Synthetics are durable and comfortable. Synthetic materials are used to create durable, long-lasting rugs that still feel soft to the touch.
   
• Synthetics are easy to clean. Synthetic rugs can be dry cleaned, steam cleaned and cleaned in your washing machine. Plus, they don’t retain water like natural rugs, which makes it easy to scrub out stubborn stains and spills.
   
• Synthetics are resistant to fading. With their built-in fade resistance, you can enjoy the vibrant patterns, colours and designs of your synthetic rugs for much longer than natural rugs.
   
• Synthetics are affordable. Synthetic rugs are some of the most affordable rugs on the market, making them a great option for budget-conscious buyers.

However, polypropylene rugs have a number of drawbacks that could make a natural rug a better choice for your home.

• Synthetic rugs aren’t hypoallergenic. Natural rugs like jute and wool are much better for repelling dust and other allergens. We recommend natural rugs over polypropylene for allergy sufferers.
   
• Synthetic rugs aren’t eco-friendly. Environmentally-friendly shoppers should choose a natural rug over synthetic, as polypropylene is made through less eco-friendly processes than natural materials like wool and jute.

When looking at a jute rug vs polypropylene, the main deciding factor is the environmental and allergenic properties of the rug.

Jute vs Wool vs Polypropylene: Which rug should you choose?

When it comes to choosing between a jute rug vs wool and polypropylene, there are three main things to consider: cost, texture and durability.

• If you want a soft, luxurious eco-friendly rug and don’t mind paying a bit more than other types of rugs, a wool rug is the best choice for you.
   
• For a soft, sensible and eco-friendly all-rounder that won’t break the bank, a jute rug is your best bet.
   
• If cost and durability are your main concerns, synthetic polypropylene will give you the longest return on investment while also being easier to clean and maintain.

Whatever your style of choice, our extensive range of rugs has got you covered

Find the best jute, wool or polypropylene rug for your space at Rug.com.au!

From naturally-textured jute rugs to silky soft wool and durable synthetics, we’ve got the right fit for your space. Choose from simple, minimalist designs and vibrant, colourful head-turners in all shapes and sizes. Plus, spend over $300 on your next purchase and get free shipping Australia-wide!

Whether you’re styling a new home, redecorating your space or updating a family heirloom, we’ve got the right fit for your space. Shop online and add the perfect finishing touch to your home with Rug.com.au. Order now!

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