Do Hemp and Jute Rugs Shed? What to Expect With Both

By Ryan Shoun | Founder, Ochoco Rugs Perth | 14 Years Industry Experience

Both hemp and jute rugs shed, particularly when new, and this is completely normal. As natural, hand-woven fibres, both materials release loose fibres after purchase, and shedding settles to a minimal amount once the weave has compacted down from regular use.

This guide covers why shedding happens, how long it typically lasts, and what to actually do about it. For a broader overview of both materials, explore our Hemp & Jute Rug Guides.

Do Hemp Rugs Shed?

Hemp rugs do shed, particularly in the first few weeks after purchase. As a hand-woven, braided natural fibre, hemp releases loose fibres early on as the weave settles and compacts under regular use. This is completely normal, not a sign of low quality or that the rug is falling apart.

Do Jute Rugs Shed?

Jute rugs shed too, for the same underlying reason, it's a natural, hand-woven fibre that releases loose fibres early in its life as the weave settles in. Like hemp, this is completely normal, not a sign of low quality or that the rug is falling apart, and it typically eases off with regular use and vacuuming.

How Long Does Shedding Actually Last?

Shedding is most noticeable in the first few weeks of regular use, while the fibres are still loose and settling into the weave. As the rug is walked on and vacuumed, that settling process speeds up naturally. By the end of that initial period, shedding typically drops off to a level most people barely notice. For more on how hemp and jute perform over the years beyond that initial settling-in period, see our Are Hemp & Jute Rugs Durable? guide.

What Actually Helps

Regular vacuuming with suction only is the most effective thing you can do, it lifts loose fibres without pulling at the weave the way a rotating brush head can. For the full picture on caring for hemp and jute day to day, see our How to Clean Hemp & Jute Rugs guide.

Don't Forget to Check Underneath

Something worth knowing about hemp and jute specifically: because of the thicker fibres and the way these rugs are constructed, dirt, sand, and small particles can actually fall through the weave and settle on the floor underneath. It's not something most people think to check, but lifting the rug occasionally to clean underneath is genuinely worth doing, alongside vacuuming the surface itself.

Final Thoughts

Shedding is a normal, temporary part of owning a hemp or jute rug, not a sign anything's wrong. Regular vacuuming, a bit of patience while the weave settles in, and the occasional check underneath the rug are really all it takes.

If you'd like to learn more about either material, explore our Hemp & Jute Rug Guides. If you're ready to browse available options, explore our Hemp and Jute Rugs collection.

Ryan Shoun is the founder of Ochoco Rugs Perth, with 7 years specialising in rugs and a further 7 years in home furniture and homewares. He personally sources and imports Ochoco's Afghan Kilim and Hand-Knotted Wool collections, and every product on the Ochoco website is individually selected by him. Read Ryan's full bio