Can You Wash Burlap? The Method That Actually Works (Without Ruining It)
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You can hand wash or machine wash burlap on a gentle, cold cycle with a low spin. But here’s the part nobody tells you — it’s risky, and depending on the burlap you bought, it might not survive!
I tried the “safe” hand washing method on the burlap I used for my DIY living room curtains and it shed fibers, started to unravel, and I ended up trashing an entire test piece before it ever made it to the window. The method that actually worked had zero water involved — just a vacuum, a light mist, and a steam iron.
Here’s exactly what I tried, what failed, and the no-wash method I use now to keep my $7-a-panel curtains smelling normal.
What Burlap Is (And Why It Smells)
Burlap is a coarse, loosely woven fabric made from natural jute fibers. That loose weave is exactly what makes it great for DIY projects — and exactly why it holds onto odor.
I’ve made Christmas jute tote bags (above), burlap sacks, and burlap tree garland with zero smell issues. It’s really only when I’m working with raw burlap fabric by the yard that the odor shows up.
The porous nature of the fabric means it absorbs smells from wherever it’s stored before it ever gets to your house.
When I made the burlap curtains for our living room, the smell wasn’t overwhelming, but it was there. And it doesn’t respond well to a lot of water, which is the whole problem with washing it.
Can You Wash Burlap? Here’s What Actually Happened When I Tried
I figured hand washing was the safe choice — gentle, controlled, low risk. Wrong. The burlap I’d bought for this particular curtain project shed fibers the second it got wet, and the more I tried to be gentle with it, the more it unraveled. I was completely annoyed. Ha.
If you’re making burlap curtains, test a small section first. Don’t assume your fabric will handle water the same way the last roll did. Mine didn’t, and I trashed that piece rather than risk it on a finished panel.
What About the Washing Machine?
I know plenty of people who’ve had success machine washing sturdier burlap on a delicate cycle, with mild detergent, cold water, and a low spin — then laying it flat to dry instead of running it through the dryer.
That can work, depending on the weight and quality of your specific fabric. Mine just wasn’t built for it.
Related: want to know how I made these burlap curtains for under $7 a panel? Here’s the full step-by-step tutorial.
The Method That Actually Worked: Vacuum, Spray, Steam
Once I gave up on the wash method, this is what actually got rid of the odor and the wrinkles — no shedding, no unraveling, no trashed panels.
- Vacuum it in place. Leave the curtain hanging and run a vacuum brush attachment over it to pull off dust before you do anything else.
- Lay it flat and mist it. Take the panel down, lay it on a flat surface, and lightly mist it with a spray bottle of cold water with a hint of lemon juice mixed in. Don’t soak it — just dampen it.
- Steam iron it on high. Run a steam iron over the damp burlap. The steam is doing the real work here — it pulls out the wrinkles and finishes off whatever odor is left.
Texture, shedding, and durability vary a lot between rolls of burlap, even from the same fabric store. If yours sheds or resists washing the way mine did, skip the water altogether and go straight to the spray-and-steam method.
Even with the extra care, the money saved making my own curtains instead of buying them was well worth it.
More Burlap Posts You Will Love
- How to make burlap curtains
- No Sew DIY white burlap curtains in our foyer
- DIY advent calendar tree garland with burlap
Burlap Washing FAQ
Burlap is made from jute fibers in a loose, porous weave, which means it absorbs odors from storage and shipping. When I made my own burlap curtains, the smell wasn’t overwhelming, but it was definitely there, and that’s what sent me down this whole rabbit hole in the first place
After ruining a panel trying to wash mine, I switched to a no-water method: vacuum the curtains while they’re hanging, mist lightly with cold water and a little lemon juice, then run a steam iron over them on high heat. The steam ended up doing more of the actual cleaning than the water did.
I didn’t have luck with this on my fabric — it shed in the wash just like it did by hand. I know others have had success on a delicate cycle with cold water and a low spin, air dried flat, but that depends a lot on how sturdy your specific burlap is. Test a scrap piece before you commit a full panel.
This is the method I use now: a light mist of cold water and lemon juice, followed by a steam iron on high heat. No soaking, no machine, no risk of shedding. It’s what saved my curtains after washing nearly ruined one.
It can — I’m proof of that. The panel I tried hand washing shed so badly I had to throw it out. If you want to avoid losing fabric you already paid for, test a small swatch in water before you wash anything you actually plan to hang.
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Love it Jess! I’m so going to copy you, thanks! When are we doing coffee again? 😉
Good tips! Thanks for sharing!~~Angela
Thanks for this!! I will hopefully be sharing photos of my own burlap curtains very soon!
Hi Jessica, I was wondering what the odor comes from? Could it be pesticides? Or flame retardants. I have a quilt I purchased that I love & can not get rid if the odor. It smells very strong like a chemical. I put it in the sun for many weeks in addition to washing numerous times. I am ready to give it away. Items coming from overseas especially China are very problematic with odor! You are talented beyond belief!
I really don’t like the smell of burlap and will be sure to remember your tip!
I hate to say this, but the odor is formaldehyde. Google formaldehyde free burlap and you can find great burlap (yes, it costs more, but your not breathing formaldehyde) to make curtains with and not risk your long term health. :/
Hi! Your decorating style is impeccable. Would like to know where I could purchase the rug and the television console. Hoping my room comes close to your lovely design ! I will be following you from now on 🙂
Thanks for the info. It has been very helpful.
I have burlap runners for my granddaughters wedding tables .. I have them hanging outside with wind and sun.. is this going to help at all with the odor…I can’t wash them because they have lace sewed down the middle of each one. I have 9.. Please give me quick suggestions to elemanate the smell if you can. Thanks