Gentle Cleaning Techniques for Silk Rugs

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of walking barefoot over a silk rug, you would agree that it is an unforgettable experience. Silk rugs are often named after the place where they are made, and Persian silk rugs are extremely strong. A 17th-century Persian silk rug sold for over 30 million dollars at Sotheby’s in 2013. While silk rugs are luxurious and decorative, they are delicate as well and need a lot of care. This article will discuss the ways to clean silk rugs so that they last for a long time.

Why is it Important to Clean a Silk Rug

Silk rugs are delicate items that will get damaged easily if not cleaned properly. Dirt and dust tend to settle within the fibers and wear out the rug. If the rug is not properly maintained, it will tend to lose its original color. That is why you must use gentle cleaning techniques to maintain a silk rug properly.

How to Clean a Silk Rug

There are three steps that you have to follow to clean a silk rug gently.  You can choose to apply a dry cleaning technique or use a wet cleaning method.

1.   Setting Up the Rug

Inspect the rug carefully. Check if there are any holes or tears, and whether the rug is losing its color. This will tell us what to expect after the rug has been cleaned. Remove any loose dirt or dust that you find on the surface. Use a brush with soft bristles to do this manually. If using a vacuum cleaner, install the soft brush attachment. Do not rub too hard, as it will damage the rug.

2.   Choose a Dry or Wet Cleaning Method

If you choose the dry cleaning method, you can use powder or foam to bring out the dirt from the rug. Sprinkle the dry solvent on the rug and brush it off after 30 minutes using a soft brush. You can also vacuum it up if you want.

The wet cleaning process requires a liquid cleaning solution to wash out the silk rug. Brush very gently. Then rinse out the water very carefully and let it drip dry.

3.   Drying Out the Rug

It is best to place the rug where it can dry naturally. Do not use a dryer or expose it to direct sunlight as it will discolor the fibers. Applying heat directly will damage the rug.

What to Do if Your Rug Gets Stained

In the event your rug gets stained, it is best to act immediately to remove the stain. Use the blot treatment method for this purpose. Wet a clean white towel or napkin with warm water and dab it on the rug so that the stain is absorbed on the towel. If that doesn’t work, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water to blot out the stain. If this fails, sprinkle baking soda on the soiled area and then blot out with a mixture of white vinegar as before. Always use a mild detergent to wash out your silk rug.

Tips for Maintaining Your Silk Rug

Here are a few tips to maintain your silk rug, to keep it looking as good as new.

1.   Vacuum your Rug

You must vacuum your rug at least once a week to help maintain its appearance. Use the soft nozzle attachment so that it does not damage the silk fibers. This helps remove dust and dirt particles that have settled on the surface.

2.   Never use Bleach

Don’t use bleach to clean your silk rug or you will ruin it forever. It will spoil the texture of your rug and may even discolor it. Always use a mild non-toxic detergent.

3.   A Silk Rug Shampoo is the Best

It is recommended to clean your silk rug with a silk rug shampoo. These are specially formulated to work on silk without causing any damage. Always check the ingredients to see that they are green and organic.

4.   Do Not Excessively Wet Your Rug

You should never let your rug sit in water for long periods because it damages the fabric by stretching it. You can use a mild detergent and then vacuum it out after about 10 minutes.

5.   Roll It Out Both Ways

Before cleaning it thoroughly, always curl your rug backward and forward so that any loose dirt and debris gets free. This will prepare it for cleaning further. You can even do this before vacuuming.

6.   Use Natural Ingredients

You should use warm water and white vinegar to clean out your silk rug. You can add baking soda to this mixture for even better results. Let it sit for half an hour, then scrub gently to remove it. Let your run dry in the open air away from direct sunlight.

7.   Do Not Rub Stains

If your rug does get stained, do not rub or scrub the area. Rather, you should use a towel or napkin to soak up the stain and then blot it by dabbing it with warm water. Try to get it out with warm water, then warm water and vinegar, and finally add baking soda to the mix. You should blot out the moisture as much as possible before treating the stain.

8.   Protect Your Rug

If you know that a lot of people are going to use the room, it is best to take some measures to protect your rug. You can ask them to leave their footwear outside, place some protective covering on the rug, or remove it to an area where it will be safe from excessive foot traffic.

Conclusion

Now that we know how to clean a silk rug, we should make every effort to properly maintain it. Silk rugs are costly and require proper handling. Vacuuming it regularly, brushing off loose dirt and dust, and treating stains without delay will go a long way in preserving the beauty of your silk rug. It is always best to use organic and green cleaning methods and materials to preserve the look and feel of your silk rug. It’s best to use the services of a professional cleaner to remove spots and stains. It will keep your rug in the best condition possible.