It can feel awful to even think of handing over a precious silk rug to someone else. Yet, if your silk rug or rugs have not been cleaned for a long time, you could be shortening their life span. After all, one of the best tips that fine rug owners can follow is to get their entire collection of rugs on a regular routine for maintenance and cleaning.

Why is that important? Though rugs of all kinds are designed to withstand the rigors of daily life, none are made to endure decades (or even centuries) without proper cleaning and care. Materials like silk and wool are incredibly rugged and strong, but their useful lives can be greatly extended with professional care.

Though many owners dislike the idea of rolling up a precious silk rug or two and simply handing them over to someone for cleaning, it is the best route. This is because most owners are good with spot cleaning, but few understand just what it would take to clean and maintain an entire silk rug safely and effectively.

SILK IS DELICATE

As stated, silk may be strong, but silk threads on their own are actually quite delicate. They cannot be cleaned or treated with the same compounds you might use for a rugged cotton or wool rug. These cleansers are usually quite abrasive and may even have some bleaching properties that will damage the threads and remove their colors.

Heavy traffic patterns and sun exposure are also reasons that silk rugs may require professional cleaning, and it is why experts tell you to use silk rugs in the least trafficked areas and in spaces out of direct sun.

CLEANING SILK RUGS

The experts who clean silk rugs begin by freeing them of any debris or dust using tools far more effective (and safe) than traditional vacuuming. Freeing the rug’s fibers from debris is a key first step, but then they move on to spot cleaning any noticeable stains. Again, this is not something the average owner should attempt. While blotting spills and trying to eliminate moisture is a good tactic, you risk damaging the fibers if you do much more than that.

If a stain is going to develop, don’t wait to get the experts in on the job. It may be tempting to use some of the commonly suggested tactics, like vinegar and water or club soda, but it could cause adverse reactions in the dyes or the threads themselves. You also do not want to dry a rug that has been exposed to moisture with heat as this can shrink or damage the threads, too.

PULL IT UP

If the tips above don’t work, you may need to clean the upper portion of the carpet as well as possible, allow it to dry, and then pull the carpet up so you can access the padding underneath. Serious spills can soak into the padding, and even soak down to the floor underneath.