I had a jute runner for a good while until Emma there ruined it and I had to throw it away. Almost didn’t get this because the runner was impossible to clean as it was too rough. This one is nothing like it. It’s softer and you can sprinkle baking soda and vacuum to remove dirt. I have an old 6’ round rug pad under it with the edges folded slightly over so it isn’t visible through the small openings, as the middle circle is 5’4 (this one is 8’). Definitely recommend.