Silk is a naturally-made product, yet it has a luxurious look. Natural silk — which comes from silkworm cocoons — is gathered by hand, as opposed to the synthetic silk you may find nowadays. You may discover pure silk rugs to be more expensive than synthetic rugs. This is because of the quality and labor invested in making these.
Unfortunately, unlike synthetic fiber, natural silk rugs are hard to clean. Soap and water aren’t enough for you, and they might damage your precious rug. A hard brushing and concentrated detergent can make the colors fade. If you’re not sure about what you should do to clean it, it’s better to call a professional to handle your cleaning. They have the right tools and knowledge to take good care of your silk rug.
However, if you don’t have a budget, or you think you can do it on your own, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to clean a silk rug.
Pro Tips on How To Clean a Silk Rug
1. Use a Vacuum
Utilizing a vacuum cleaner is the most effective and convenient method for removing dust and crumbs from your silk rug. Plug in your upholstery vacuum attachment, and you’re good to go. Make sure that you will only use it if there’s no liquid included in the mess.
2. The Natural Way
Before the invention of vacuum cleaners and other electrical appliances, one way to clean your rug was to hang it outside. You can shake and tap it to remove dust and other particles stuck in your silk rug.
3. Water and Vinegar Mixture
Vinegar is not just for cooking; you can also use it in doing your cleaning tasks. Aside from using it to clean your glass windows, you can also use it on your silk rugs. Combined with water, vinegar is a good cleaning agent for any wool or silk products.
Simply put the mixture in your spray bottle and gently spread it on the stained area. Give the mixture 15 to 20 minutes to rest. When it’s done, you can use your vacuum or pat it dry with a clean towel. Your rug will stay clean and colorful after this.
4. Sprinkle Some Baking Soda on the Rug
Baking soda is also helpful for cleaning your silk rugs. Just like the vinegar solution, you can also add water with baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture on your silk rug and let it rest for 15 minutes. This solution will help absorb the dirt stuck on your rug. You can dry it with vacuum afterwards to make sure that there’s no dirt left.
5. Use a Soft Broom
There are brooms intended for your delicate silk rugs, so make sure you have one. This can help in the absence of a vacuum cleaner.
6. Detergent Mixture
Most stains on a silk rug can be removed with a tiny bit of mild detergent and warm water. To remove most dirt, let the moisture sit for 20 minutes before you rinse it off. Make sure you don’t put too much soap on your silk rug. The chemicals can damage it and cause fading of colors or loss of shine.
7. Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is one way to clean your silk rug. It’s recommended if you have expensive rugs. Calling a professional carpet cleaner is your best option, especially if you own large silk rugs that can’t be cleaned at home. They have the right equipment to clean it for you.
8. Steam Cleaning
If you use a steam cleaner to clean your rug, you must follow the guidelines from the manufacturer. If you notice that your carpet is excessively stained, don’t just use your steam cleaner, especially if your silk rug doesn’t have padding. Heat can cause shrinking and deformation on your rug, so we only recommend steam cleaning if the other ways don’t work for you.
How To Increase the Lifespan of Your Silk Rugs
Aside from how to clean your silk rugs, below are some tips on how to preserve your silk rug’s life:
- Put it in areas with little foot activity
- Avoid making spills and stains
- Vacuum or sweep it regularly
- Remove dirt at once to avoid accumulation
- Don’t let spills sit overnight
- Take odors out
- Think about hiring a cleaner
Benefits and Drawbacks of Silk Rugs for Household Use
Benefits
- Silk rugs are great decor for any part of the house.
- It gives your home a luxurious vibe.
- Silk rugs are environmentally friendly products.
Disadvantages
- Its delicate nature requires high maintenance.
- It’s prone to damage if not maintained properly.
- Cleaning it can be time-consuming compared to another part of the house.
Conclusion
Cleaning your silk rug is not an easy task. It requires patience, consistency, and proper cleaning tools. You will also need to establish ways to prevent unnecessary spills or stains from occurring on the silk. If you have a budget for rug cleaners, it would be best to hire them to do the job for you.
The key here is to ensure you know how to clean your silk rug before accidents happen and create a bigger mess than what you started!
FAQs
Are Silk Rugs Hard To Maintain?
Silk rugs are delicate and durable. Yes, it is easy to maintain, but it will depend on how large your silk rug is.
Can You Hand Wash a Silk Rug?
Yes, you can hand wash your silk rugs. You can hang it outside and spray it with water using your garden hose, but make sure to adjust your pressure, so you won’t damage your rug.
What Do I Do If My Silk Rug Gets Wet?
If your silk rug gets wet, get a dry towel and gently tap the stained area. Don’t wipe it. There’s a high chance that the stain will spread.
Is Baking Soda Safe for Silk?
Baking soda is safe to use. Make sure to mix it with water and use it as a solution. If you have an expensive silk rug, it’s better to call for professionals.