How to Deep Clean a Seagrass Rug Naturally: Grandma's Vinegar and Baking Soda Method

Seagrass rugs bring natural warmth and texture to any room, but keeping them clean can be challenging.

Passed down from my grandmother, who maintained her rush rugs flawlessly for decades, this simple, natural method uses white vinegar and baking soda—no harsh chemicals required.

I've relied on it for years to restore shine, remove stains, and prevent mold effectively.

What you need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner
• Sponge and soft brush
• Bowl

How to

1. Tap the rug firmly with your feet to loosen embedded dirt.
2. Vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
3. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl. Sprinkle baking soda lightly over stained areas for extra scrubbing power.
4. Dip the sponge in the vinegar solution and wipe the rug to loosen dirt and restore fiber shine.
5. Brush gently to lift impurities and stains.
6. Allow to air dry completely.

Result

And there you have it—your seagrass rug is immaculate! 😊

This effortless method works quickly, especially with regular maintenance. It's perfect for seagrass, rush, or jute rugs. For deeper disinfection, a steam cleaner is a great natural add-on.

Why does it work?

Dust embeds easily in natural fibers, so vacuum and brush weekly to prevent buildup.

Vinegar solution disinfects, deodorizes, and revives shine in reed fibers, which dull over time. Clean like this at least twice monthly for lasting beauty.

How to clean moldy seagrass?

Seagrass is porous and absorbs moisture slowly, leading to mold—avoid bathrooms.

Mix 50/50 white vinegar and water, add 4 drops tea tree essential oil. Brush on moldy spots and dry in sunlight or with a hairdryer.

This tackles most stains, including pet urine, vomit, rust, tea, or coffee.

How to dry seagrass?

Proper drying prevents rot and mold. Hang outdoors in sunlight if possible.

In bad weather, use a hairdryer on low heat to remove moisture fully.