If it is too stiff to work with I was told to never put Natural Burlap in the washing machine.
Can burlap be machine washed. Avoid using the washing machine to get odors out of burlap as washing burlap creates an extreme amount of lint. Any kind of laundry detergent will work just pour it in the machine with the burlap. The better option is to wash the material by hand.
I usually only do 2-3 yards at a time so I am not sure how well it would work on a bigger volume. Let the burlap air dry when its finished washing. It can be washed all by itself to ensure no color transfer color or you can wash it with other canvas items.
See the finished coffee sack furniture cabinet here. Prior to washing it people should find out how it. I also add fabric softener to the rinse cycle and lower the spin cycle to medium.
Natual Burlap Linens 100 Jute. All in all I was able to get rid of most of the burlap smell with this washing process. Then add your canvas tote bag.
Burlap that is made of jute blended with other materials can sometimes be cleaned in a washing machine. Spot clean or dry clean. If your Woolmark-approved garments care claim says that you can machine wash your piece of wool clothing then it means it can safely be machine washed in a washing machine multiple times without shrinkage taking place.
Jute is a natural fiber and will disintegrate if fully immersed in water. On the other hand faux burlap looks like the real stuff but it doesnt shed has no smell is softer to the touch and is machine washable and dryer safe. When machine washing burlap you dont need as much detergent as you do for regular loads of laundry.