How to Clean Pet Urine From a Sisal, Jute or Seagrass Rug

A dog or cat has peed on your sisal, jute, seagrass, coir or other plant-fiber rug. These rugs do not handle water the way wool or synthetic rugs do, so the usual carpet routine can make things worse. This guide covers what to do first, why water is the problem, how little moisture to use, drying, testing, the floor underneath, and when to call a professional, using what the rug makers Fibreworks, Nourison and Jaipur Living, IKEA, the Carpet and Rug Institute, the AKC and Humane World for Animals say.

Act quickly and blot

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) says: "The key is to act quickly!" Fibreworks, which makes sisal, jute and seagrass floor coverings, gives this first step for its natural fiber carpets:

"When liquid spills occur, blot up (do not rub) immediately with a clean, dry, undyed cloth."

The CRI explains why the cloth should be plain: "Using a printed or colored material may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet. Continue blotting until the area is nearly dry." IKEA's guide to its jute rugs adds how to blot:

"Instead of rubbing the spilled liquid, you can remove it by dabbing with a clean, absorbent paper towel. To prevent the stain from spreading, work from the outer edges towards the centre."

Because a loose rug can be lifted, you can reach the underside as well. Humane World for Animals says:

"Place a thick layer of paper towels on the wet spot and cover that with a thick layer of newspaper. If possible, put newspaper under the soiled area as well. Stand on this padding for about a minute and repeat until the area is barely damp."

Sources: Carpet and Rug Institute, Cleaning and Maintenance; Fibreworks, Care and Cleaning (Baja sisal); IKEA, How do you clean a jute rug?; Humane World for Animals, pet stains and odors.

Why water is a problem for plant fibers

IKEA puts it simply: "Jute is a natural material that absorbs moisture easily." Nourison's care advice for jute and sisal says:

"Do not steam clean or wet shampoo your jute rug. Plant fibers are highly absorbent, so they are subject to some shrinking and puckering when exposed to liquids or excessive dampness."

Fibreworks, writing about sisal, jute, seagrass and hemp, warns:

"Never saturate your carpet with water or cleaner; this will stain it. Any method that involves saturation with water, such as steam cleaning, hot water extraction or wet shampooing should NOT be used. These methods can cause shrinkage, dimensional changes, and staining of natural fibers."

Fibreworks' warning names "water or cleaner", not water alone. IKEA also lists what can happen when the fibers stay wet: "Damp jute fibres may suffer colour changes, loss of shape or develop an odour."

Sources: IKEA; Nourison, Rug and Carpet Care; Fibreworks.

Use dry methods first, and very little moisture

Fibreworks says: "Dry extraction methods of cleaning spills and stains are recommended". IKEA says the same for jute: "Cleaning jute rugs should involve dry cleaning methods and spot treatment rather than wetting the entire surface."

If you do use anything damp, keep it to a minimum. IKEA says:

"You should only use a water-based solution if the care instructions permit it, and even then, only in very small quantities. A clean, lightly dampened cloth may be sufficient for dealing with most fresh stains at an early stage."

Jaipur Living's advice for natural rugs: "For natural rugs, blot stains as soon as possible, spot clean with mild soap and water, and vacuum regularly with the beater bar off." Nourison's version is "Clean spills immediately with a dab of water and a soft bristle brush." We found no maker guidance written specifically for pet urine on sisal, jute or seagrass, so these general spill instructions are the closest maker advice we could find.

Sources: Fibreworks; IKEA; Jaipur Living, rug cleaning guide; Nourison.

Test in a hidden spot first

Fibreworks says: "Always test the cleaning method to ensure that color is not affected. Test in a small, concealed area first." IKEA gives the same advice for jute: "Before you start cleaning a jute rug, you can test the method you intend to use on a small, inconspicuous area of the rug." It also says to check the label: "following the instructions on the rug's label will help prevent damage to the fibres or changes to the rug's shape."

Sources: Fibreworks; IKEA.

Dry the spot fast

IKEA's drying advice for jute:

"You can leave the rug flat, ensure the room is well-ventilated and take care not to place any items on it until the area is completely dry."

Sources: Nourison; IKEA.

Check the back, the pad and the floor

Lift the rug and look at its back, the rug pad and the floor under it. The AKC explains why a smell can stay after the surface is clean:

"Urine may have soaked into padding, upholstery, or wood. Repeated treatments or professional cleaning may be necessary."

We found no maker guidance on cleaning the latex or other backing of a sisal, jute or seagrass rug. Our guide to getting dog pee out of an area rug covers the floor under a rug.

Source: AKC, How to Get Rid of Dog Pee Stains and Smells.

When the mark or smell will not come out

For jute and sisal, Nourison's advice is: "Always use a professional cleaning service. Consumer self-cleaning methods are discouraged." IKEA says that for a stubborn stain on jute:

"If the stain persists, it may be more appropriate to seek professional rug cleaning assistance rather than applying repeated wet treatments."

The AKC adds: "If odors linger despite repeated cleaning, or if there are multiple or deep stains, professional cleaning may be the best option." We found no maker guidance on when a plant-fiber rug should be replaced rather than cleaned; a professional rug cleaner can tell you what is possible for your rug. For older marks, see how to get old, dried pet urine stains out, and if the smell returns, see pet urine smell that came back after cleaning.

Sources: Nourison; IKEA; AKC.

Stop repeat accidents on the rug

Asked whether a dog will keep peeing in the same spot, the AKC answers: "Yes, if odor remains. Thorough cleaning is essential to remove scent markers and discourage repeat behavior." Humane World for Animals says:

"Once the area is clean, make it unattractive and/or unavailable to your pet and make the appropriate bathroom area attractive."

"If your pet is having regular accidents, have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out medical causes."

Read more in why dogs and cats keep peeing in the same spot and dog marking indoors. If you also have a wool rug, see how to clean pet urine from a wool rug.

Sources: AKC; Humane World for Animals, pet stains and odors.

About P-Cleaner

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more." The listing does not mention sisal, jute or seagrass. Check your rug maker's care guidance above before using any liquid cleaner on these fibers, and test a hidden area first. Follow the directions on the product label.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.