6 Tips to Care For and Clean Jute Shoes

Cleaning jute shoes is necessary to prolong their useful life. This kind of shoes is timeless because of its versatility and comfort.

Learning how to clean jute shoes is essential to keep them looking impeccable and prolong their useful life. This type of shoe is timeless because of its versatility and comfort. You can wear jute shoes whenever you want, but especially during hot weather.

Since jute is a particular type of clothing, it requires meticulous and manual maintenance. The products and tools needed for its cleaning are appropriate since it’s such a delicate element. So, are you interested in knowing more about it?

Jute: A material that’s in style

Jute is a vegetable fiber that provides good finish and quality in different products. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations describes this material as soft and shiny; it reaches a length of up to 4 meters and a diameter of 17 to 20 microns. The main compounds are cellulose and lignin.

Because it’s derived from a plant, jute is environmentally friendly. In fact, the magazine Informador Técnico reviews that vegetable fibers represent an alternative for industrial applications due to their low cost, lightweight, and renewable nature.

They also highlight the superiority of jute as a reinforcement for other elements, making it an important material in the footwear and leather goods industries. Some people call it the “golden fiber” and liken it to esparto grass.

One of its many uses is to manufacture soles for sandals and shoes that, with or without heels, allow for soft treads while still looking fashionable.

Reasons to choose jute footwear

Jute clogs, sandals, or shoes are perfect for hot days because they help the skin to perspire properly, cool it, and minimize the chances of irritation.

An article published by Footwear Magazine states that, while taking into account health, physical condition, and the current trends, the demand for comfortable shoes has increased. In addition to this premise, jute is also very popular, and its cultivation and usefulness have the following advantages:

• It grows fast.
• It’s a resistant fiber.
• Jute is recyclable and totally biodegradable.
• Since it’s a rainfed crop, it only needs rainwater to grow.
• It doesn’t require many chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides.
• Jute works as an insulator and retains humidity at a moderate level.
• The plant consumes tons of carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.

Tips for caring for and cleaning jute shoes

During the last few years, “golden fiber” soles have become more common, perhaps because of the mix of simplicity and elegance and the fact that you can wear these slippers with a light dress or with jeans. Either way, it’s essential to know how to clean jute shoes.

The process is divided into two parts. The first is the cleaning of the upper part of the shoe. If it’s leather, it’s a good idea to apply a leather cleaning product. You can do this using a microfiber cloth by rubbing gently. Don’t soak the leather.

For canvas uppers, one tablespoon of mild detergent diluted in 2 glasses of water is best. With a cotton cloth, rub the textile, and with a second cloth dampened only in water to remove the soap.

1. Shake off the dust

Run a soft bristle brush along the sole or heel, following the same direction, so as not to undo the jute braid. A cotton cloth also removes the dirt accumulated on the fabric. The cloth must be dry.

2. Gently brush with soap and water

After removing the dust, proceed with the washing. To do this, use the same mixture of canvas cleaner or liquid ammonia with water. These formulas are effective because they remove stains on the braid; if you choose ammonia, the proportions are 20% of the chemical and 80% of warm water.

• The technique consists of wetting a toothbrush and “combing” the jute while being careful not to loosen the strands.

3. Prevent the shoes from getting or staying wet

As a material that retains humidity, while you clean it, it’s a good idea to place a wad of kitchen paper or a towel inside the shoe. This is recommended to absorb the excess moisture. When you finish washing, wipe the shoes with a clean, dry cloth and brush with dry bristles.

4. Air dry your jute shoes

If your shoes get wet, place them in the sun to return to their original shape. Don’t soak them in chemicals or use artificial dryers because you risk damaging them.

5. No washing machines!

The worst enemy to clean jute shoes is the washing machine. If you wash them in this appliance, they will come out damaged, and the fiber will decompose. You will surely lose your shoes this way. That’s why the process of taking care of them during the sanitizing process is necessarily by hand.

6. Beware of corrosive substances

Chlorine, bleach, and stain removers containing active oxygen are contraindicated for this kind of shoes because they discolor and deteriorate both the canvas and the jute filaments.

Eliminate bad odor from jute shoes

Like any other type of footwear, jute shoes may acquire unpleasant odors, bacteria, and dead skin on the soles of the feet. Also, not letting them dry properly increases the chances of them stinking.

When this happens, the suggestion is to put a teaspoon of baking soda inside the shoe, especially in the front area. This substance will do its job overnight so that in the morning, you can remove it with a semi-damp cloth, and it will help remove the odor. With these tips, you can now optimally clean your jute and extend their durability!