How to Care for Your Silk Rug
As beautiful as silk rugs are, they can be tricky to care for. After all, silk is an expensive fabric that requires special cleaning if you want it to last. A silk rug can look stunning in any room of your home and makes a wonderful addition to any space that it’s placed in. However, you will have to take some special care when it comes to these unique rugs if you want them to last as long as possible without getting damaged or dirty.
If you’re wondering how to care for your silk rug, then take a look at these simple steps that will help keep your rug looking its best for years to come.
What you need to clean a silk rug
It’s important to get everything you need together before attempting any cleaning. This includes hot water, carpet shampoo, white vinegar, a soft-bristled brush, rags, and a clean bucket. Do not apply carpet shampoo directly to your silk rug; instead, put it in a bucket first. The soap acts as a surfactant and emulsifies in water (think soap bubbles). Pour some on your brush or rag and scrub it into your rug.
The right way to clean a silk rug
While silk is an elegant and fine material, it’s also delicate. Therefore, you need to follow a few guidelines when cleaning your silk rug.
- First, vacuum your rug regularly using an attachment with soft bristles. Also, always use a vacuum cleaner with adjustable height settings so that you can be sure not to snag or pull on your silk rug.
- To get rid of any stuck debris, use a soft bristle broom. Gently sweep over the silk rug to ensure it’s free of any foreign objects.
- Get a helper and shake the silk rug gently while grabbing it from four corners.
- In case of a liquid spill, soak it up using a clean piece of cloth right away. For solid spills, scoop them up with a spatula so it doesn’t dry up on your silk rug
- Pour a little club soda on the spill spot and dab it using a clean cloth.
- Lastly, use vinegar and water mixture on the spill to prevent a stain and get rid of any odor.
Alternatively, you can have a professional carpet cleaning company clean your silk rugs for you.
What NOT to do when cleaning a silk rug
A silk rug is a beautiful way to add beauty and elegance to any room. That said, you will want to take good care of your investment. There are several things you should not do when cleaning your silk rug. Here is a look at what NOT to do when caring for your silk rug:
- Don’t Use Water: Avoid using water when cleaning your silk rug as it can damage or stain your silk.
- Avoid bleach: Bleach can damage or discolor your silk, so avoid using it on your rugs unless instructed by a professional.
- Prevent dirt accumulation: Vacuum or sweep up dirt regularly to prevent dirt from sitting on top of the fibers and creating an ugly ring that cannot be removed without damaging the rug.
How to preserve and keep your silk rug clean for longer?
Silk rugs, even the best silk rugs, can get dirty if you’re not careful. The good news is that all silk rugs are washable and dryable, unlike wool rugs. This makes them very easy to clean, although some care and precautions are needed when cleaning silk rugs to preserve their shine and softness. Here are seven tips on how to maintain your silk rug so it lasts longer and stays cleaner.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your rug looking clean. Since dust and dirt are major causes of wear and tear, it’s important to vacuum at least once a week. If you can’t remember when you last vacuumed your rug, go ahead and do it again! Vacuuming two or three times per week is even better for keeping dirt and debris from settling into your rug fibers.
Protect From Heavy Traffic Areas
If you have a high-traffic area in your home or business, give your silk rug some extra love. Use an anti-static spray, which will repel dust and minimize wear on your rug. While you’re at it, get a non-slip rug pad to keep your floor from getting scratched up.
Also Check: Make Your Home Look Gorgeous With Kazak Rugs
Clean it on Occasion
Use a broom to brush off any stubborn debris from your silk rug. Cleaning once a month is sufficient if you live in a household with no children or pets. A more thorough cleaning may be required if you have children or pets, if your rug gets especially dirty, or if it’s located in an area that receives a lot of foot traffic. Even though natural silk rugs are quite durable and require less frequent washing than rugs made from synthetic materials, they will look newer longer if cleaned regularly.
Rotate it from Time to Time
The greatest benefit of a silk rug is its longevity. When properly cared for, these rugs can last 10 years or more. To ensure your silk rug stays looking great and doesn’t develop any unsightly spots or stains, you should rotate it every month or so. This will help prevent any damage to one particular area of your rug while also allowing it to be exposed to some direct sunlight and fresh air; both of which can contribute positively to its preservation and longevity.
Use a Rug Pad
If you place a rug directly on a bare floor, or even a carpeted floor, you may find that it moves around easily, or worse, can be damaged. To protect your investment and preserve its condition over time, use a small rug pad underneath your silk rug. You can buy them at any major home goods store; they’re relatively inexpensive and will help your rug to lay flat and keep it in place.
Clean spills promptly
Try to keep liquids away from your rug so they don’t spill on it accidentally. However, if something spills over the rug, clean it without delay. Leaving the rug dirty for longer will not only damage your rug but may also make it hard to clean later on. Instead, you must clean your silk rug as explained at the start of this article.
Final thought
It’s important to note that a silk rug is an investment and should be taken care of. If you are careful, your rug can last a long time. To keep it looking its best, always blot spills with towels and clean spots immediately using mild soap and cold water, if possible. If you deal with spills often, invest in a mild cleaning product that is suitable for natural dyes and is free from bleaching agents or to be on the safe side just use a vinegar solution to clean the spills.