Silk and its budget-friendly cousin viscose are both very popular rug materials. Silk has been around for thousands of years, since it was first introduced to the world by China around 150 BC. Viscose, by contrast, isn’t as established. Viscose has emerged as a popular choice in rug design over the past decade.
Both materials are soft, luxurious, and vibrant. Each also has its own special care considerations and gentle cleaning methods — many of which homeowners struggle to execute. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to care for a silk or viscose rug, and outline some benefits of a professional rug cleaning in Los Angeles.
How to Clean a Silk Rug
Silk rugs are a prized commodity that, for many, are a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. One reason for this is that the material has a natural shine to it, which gives it an expensive look. Silk fibers are also very elastic and resilient, when they are kept dry at least. However, when exposed to moisture, silk can become vulnerable: fibers may stretch or weaken, and improper cleaning can lead to color bleeding or fading. Heat is another major risk, as it can damage the delicate structure of the fibers, which is why silk rugs should never be scrubbed or submerged in warm water at home. That said, professional care makes all the difference. By contacting Thomas Rug’s knowledgeable experts, you ensure your silk rug is handled with the precision it requires. Our specialists use advanced techniques to safely submerge and clean the rug while preserving its vibrant colors, natural sheen, and luxurious feel without compromising its integrity.
Regular Vacuuming
Dirt and debris must regularly be cleaned off a silk rug to protect the fibers. In most cases, once a week should be enough to remove the dust before it settles in.
But, if you suffer from allergies, have pets, or live with young children, increase the frequency to twice a week, and focus on rug cleaning for allergy relief. When vacuuming, be careful to not use a beater, or go against the pile.
Spot Cleaning
A silk rug should be cleaned carefully and immediately after a spill. Since there isn’t enough time to get a professional involved, we recommend first blotting the affected area with a clean white towel. Do not use too much water or scrub the rug at this stage.
Professional Cleaning
How often should you clean your rugs? The specialists at Thomas Rug Cleaning recommend a professional silk carpet cleaning every 12-18 months to preserve the delicate fibers.
Silk rugs must, however, be cleaned with very specific solvents and gentle hand-washing. They must then be dried in a controlled environment, since moisture can damage delicate rug fibers and contribute to the growth of mold.
Interested to know more about how to clean a silk area rug? Follow this link to learn the entire professional rug cleaning process.
How to Clean a Viscose Area Rug
To understand how to clean a viscose rug, you need to know more about the material. This semi-synthetic fabric is made from a cellulose fiber that undergoes several chemical processes. It looks and feels just like silk, but it is a lot more delicate.
As a result, caring for a viscose rug is much harder than silk carpet care. Improper cleaning can turn the rug yellow, enhance shedding, and stiffen the fibers. Water also has a tendency to make the carpet bleed color, and fade faster than anticipated.
Some mistakes homeowners often make when cleaning viscose carpets include:
- Using too much water
- Scrubbing intensely
- Applying harsh chemicals
- Neglecting proper drying
At the end of the day, the best way to care for viscose rugs is to leave it to the pros.
Only experts, for example, can perform the low-moisture cleaning that the material needs. Similarly, rug discoloration must be swiftly countered with a comprehensive rug color restoration. Meanwhile, in the unfortunate event that you spill something, you must follow a very specific set of guidelines on how to clean a stain on viscose rugs.
There are many benefits to viscose as a material — it’s hypoallergenic, it looks as luxurious as silk, and it comes at a fraction of the cost. But the price of all these benefits is that it isn’t as durable, and very tricky to maintain.
How to Care For a Silk or Viscose Rug
Regular cleaning is just one aspect of protecting your silk or viscose rug. There are also multiple steps you can take to prevent rug damage and increase the resilience of these two materials. Here are some activities you can add to your care routine.
Frequent Rug Rotations
Both silk and viscose rugs can benefit from frequent rotations. Areas that see high foot traffic tend to fade faster. Rotating it, on the other hand, prevents uneven wear.
Using Rug Pads
A rug pad is a thin piece of material that’s placed between the rug and the floor. It’s exceptionally useful: It is anti-slip, anti-scratch, anti-moisture and offers extra protection for your rug. All experts advise using pads for silk and viscose rug care.
Avoiding Sunlight
Direct sunlight can be just as bad as moisture or improper cleaning. The UV rays can accelerate fading, and weaken the fibers. The ideal place for a silk or viscose rug is in a shady, low-foot traffic area. If that isn’t possible, increase the frequency of rug rotations.
Silk and Viscose Rug Care: What You Should and SHOULD NOT Do
Here is a final checklist for homeowners wondering how to care for a silk rug:
What You Should Do:
- Frequently rotate the rug to prevent uneven wear
- Vacuum regularly — and carefully — to prevent dirt and debris build up
- Place the rug away from direct sunlight, and moisture
- Spot clean with a clean white towel — only when required
- Use a rug pad to protect your carpet and your flooring
- Call us if you need a rug pickup and delivery in Los Angeles
What You Shouldn’t Do
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- Attempt any DIY viscose or silk rug washing techniques you see online
- Ignore routine maintenance and cleaning schedules
- Use harsh chemicals, water, or any other cleaning solvents
- Scrub the carpet during a spot clean
- Try to remove stains from a rug without an expert opinion
Reach Out for Professional Assistance
At Thomas Rug Cleaning Co. we have years of experience cleaning, restoring, and repairing all kinds of carpets, including silk and viscose rugs.
If you are struggling to come up with a plan for your silk rug care, or for more tips on viscose rugs care, allow us to help. Our safe and effective cleaning process can prevent long-term damage and restore the rug’s natural color and sheen.
Get in touch if you’re looking to clean a carpet, or for a rug repair in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use water to clean silk or viscose rugs?
Cleaning silk rugs is definitely not a do-it-yourself matter. These delicate pieces require expert handling, as improper care can easily damage the fibers and dull their natural beauty. An experienced professional has the knowledge and techniques to clean silk rugs safely while preserving their color, sheen, and texture.
Why do viscose rugs turn yellow after cleaning at home?
Viscose rugs are made up of wood-pulp cellulose fibers as well as certain chemicals. When this cellulose is exposed to water or certain cleaning agents, it starts to oxidize, leaving behind a yellow or brown stain.
Can you remove stains from silk or viscose rugs without damaging them?
Yes it is possible to remove stains from silk or viscose rugs, however, many inexperienced homeowners panic and end up worsening the situation with improper DIY practices. The best way to get rid of a stain is to contact a professional rug cleaner.
