I think vacuuming is key to keep stuff out of the fibers. I don't think moisture is very good for natural fiber rugs. However, I know someone who has a seagrass runner from Ballard Designs in her kitchen. She's taken it out and hosed it off occasionally, then let it dry outside. It's been 3 or 4 years...so far, so good.

Sea Grass is very different than jute. If you wet jute it falls apart.

Bev, do you think sea grass is a better choice for durability?

Not necessarily. Jute is softer. Sea Grass is typically greener in color and has an odor to start that some find offensive. None of the natural grass fibers survive spills very well. I've often thought it might be worth spraying a new fiber rug with water proofing.

Stick to multi textured natural fibers in deeper tones and you'll be fine. An occasional small spill can be promptly cleaned, even with a bit of "Shout" or mild detergent. . Jute? No!! . And none can be steam cleaned. On all of them,........it's a spot type of cleaning, atop suction vacuuming but I've put them down and they survive for years and years and are very forgiving to noticing any soil whatsoever..

Thank you for the response. The main problem I have is dog odor. I have a large dog and I would like to be able to freshen up the jute rug. A designer chose this for me and it looks great but I would like some advice on how to keep it smelling clean short of getting rid of my dog. Can you take them outdoors and hose them down without totally fading out the color?

My rug may be sea grass. The fibers are thick and almost like a short shag rug. Would that be sea grass? When it was first vacuumed it stopped up the vacuum because so much fiber came loose from it. It was an expensive rug and room size so I hate to not be able to keep it smelling fresh. It is more the odor. No spots yet.

I hear your concerns, but keep the dog! :) I have no idea about this link but thought you might look it over. Looks like it includes jute and sisal, too.

https://www.sisalrugs.com/how-to-clean-seagrass-rugs

I was wondering if sprinkling the "dog deposit" area with baking soda might help. I remember years ago doing that and it helped. I let the baking soda sit on the area for a couple days before vacuuming. However, that was with carpet.

If it's shag, it's likely jute. Use the pet odor powder on the rug and then vacuum it out. It will help.

Buy a sample or small jute rug and put it in the dog bed. If it smells after a month, don't buy a big one.