Many of us have met burlap sacks, rustic-looking bags, curtains, and other furnishings and accessories with a lattice-like weave and coarse texture. Most likely, these items were made from jute. However, how many people are aware of the term “jute”?
Jute is a plant-based fiber that has been used for centuries. There are numerous ways to use the long, shiny, and soft fiber spun into coarse threads. Cotton is the most widely produced fiber, but jute comes in second. Because of its golden hue and low price, it’s also known as the “golden fiber.”.
Corchorus Capsularis and Corchorus Olitorius are the plants that produce jute. Originally from the Indian subcontinent, these plants can be cultivated year-round in the region. As the stalk becomes woodier toward the center, it becomes more densely packed with jute fibers. Cellulose and lignin make up the bulk of them. White jute and brown jute are the two types of jute currently being produced (firmer, softer, and silkier).
According to historical documents, villagers in India wore jute-made clothing as far back as the Mughal era. The Indians also used jute ropes and twine for various household and other applications. Likewise, the Chinese used jute and other natural materials to make paper. In Dunhuang, Gansu Province, northwest China, a piece of jute paper with Chinese characters has been discovered. The Western Han Dynasty is thought to be the time of its creation.
Are Jute Rugs Good for People with Allergies?
If you are sensitive to common allergens, any rug can trigger your allergies. This is because jute rugs, like other rugs, can trap pollen, mites, and dust easily. When these allergens accumulate on the jute material’s surface, you can inhale the allergens when in proximity with the jute rug, and boom – you may get an allergic reaction.
Another potential trigger for skin allergies is holding the jute rug for a prolonged period. But, again, it’s not the jute that will cause the reaction, but again, what’s trapped on the surface of the rug, alongside the hemp and jute fibers. If you need to carry a jute rug for some time, experts recommend simply wearing a long-sleeved shirt or equivalent, so the threads don’t touch your skin for a long time.
What about pets, like dogs?
Jute allergy symptoms in dogs have been reported. When a new rug is purchased made of natural fiber, the dog may develop allergies. A jute allergy may result in the following symptoms:
- Skin itchiness
- Redness or irritation on the skin.
- Eyes that are itchy and watery
- Sneezing
- An upset stomach is a possibility.
- Feet that are itchy or irritated
Allergies to jute in dogs can be triggered by dogs sniffing, rubbing against, or lying on a product made from this natural plant material. Jute allergies have the following specific causes:
- The plant fibers penetrate the skin and release irritants.
- Anxieties caused by ingesting plant fibers
- Direct skin-to-material contact
- Allergy-inducing antibodies overreacting
Visit your veterinarian if you suspect an allergy or exhibit the symptoms listed above in your dog. Allergens and their underlying causes are well-understood by your veterinarian.
The veterinarian will ask you to describe your dog’s symptoms and the date they began. In addition, the veterinarian will consider the time of year (perhaps to rule out any allergies to trees or plants), your living conditions, and the food he is currently eating (and if he recently began a new diet).
What Rugs Are Good for People with Allergies?
If you have allergies, think about what’s lurking beneath your feet. The green label is a good indicator of whether or not a carpet or area rug will improve indoor air quality. This label designates the lowest possible emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds. Consider the material the rug is made of as well. Allergens are repelled by rugs made from the materials listed below and provide additional warmth and coziness.
- Second, only to cotton, jute is the most used fiber. This is because rugs made of jute are exceptionally long-lasting. In addition, jute rugs don’t shed, releasing microscopic fibers into the air because they are made of thin, tight, strong threads. Dust mites are also repelled by it.
- In warm, humid conditions, dust mites thrive. They can’t stand the feel of wet wool. It’s also inedible to them. What makes this material so effective against dust mites is its ability to repel them.
- One of the thinnest options is sisal. Because of their strength and tight weave, sisal fibers shed very little.
- Polypropylene, a synthetic material, is your best bet for allergy protection. This type of rug is designed to keep dust mites and other contaminants away from the rug’s surface. In addition, they are low and tightly woven to be used outside.
Do Dust Mites Live in Jute?
Allergy sufferers can benefit from jute and sisal. Low-pile rugs are easy to clean, despite their lack of softness. In addition, jute and sisal fibers do not harbor allergens or mites.
Pure wool rugs are the best choice for allergy sufferers—natural oils in the wool act as a barrier against mold growth and other microorganisms whether you use a soft shaggy sheepskin or a densely woven pure wool carpet, the same result.
What Carpet Material Is The Best for Allergies?
Have you ever felt a tingling sensation while wearing wool? Wool allergies are the subject of numerous urban legends and discredited theories; however, scientific evidence shows that wool is not a trigger for those with sensitive skin to go with natural fibers with a low micron count. In addition, fabrics made of natural fibers can be softer than manufactured acrylic fibers. As a result, these fabrics are not only more breathable and odor resistant, but they are also better for the environment. They can even help with health issues like better sleeping patterns and relieving eczema and other skin irritations.
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