How to Clean Silk Oriental Rugs
Silk is coming back in style in the Oriental rug industry, and while the sheer, delicate look of this beautiful material makes it a must-have for an elegant space, the vulnerability of the material makes it high-risk when it comes to stains and dirt on Silk Oriental Rug. Silk Oriental Rugs are perfect for any home and are often luxurious. However, it is essential to keep them clean in order for the colors not to fade or even worse, bleed into other sections of your rug. A silk oriental rug should be cleaned at least once a year by taking it outside and hosing it down with cold water from a garden hose. These rugs are very delicate and need to be cleaned with care. Cleaning a silk oriental rug is not an easy task. When it comes time to deep clean your rug, you'll need the right tools and materials so you don't end up damaging it. Many people will use a rug cleaning expert which will clean the rug and remove dirt from all of those deep creases. However, In this Blog post, we will give you some tips on how you can clean it by yourself at home without worrying about ruining them!
Prevent And Treat Stains From Damaging Silk Oriental Rug
Prevention
The best way to protect your silk Oriental rugs, of course, is to limit the foot traffic (especially of pets and children) it’s exposed to, and to encourage guests and family members to remove their shoes when entering the house. Keep highly saturated liquids (such as wine and juice) away from the rug; if you have pets, discipline them to resist laying on -- or worse, urinating on -- your silk rug. The odors and colors of acidic liquids can severely damage a silk and wool rug, and can only be completely removed (or, in extreme cases, only partially removed) by professional cleaners. Vacuum your handmade Silk Rugs regularly (once every one or two weeks) to keep everyday dust and dirt from building up in the rug’s fibers. If your silk rug is exposed to light, make sure you rotate it every few months to ensure that all parts of the rugs are exposed to the sunlight equally. This can help prevent discoloration and deterioration of the rug’s silk fibers.
Treatment To Clean A Silk Oriental Rugs
If dirt or liquid stains appear on the fibers of your silk Oriental rug, there are several at-home remedies you can try. It's crucial to note that you should avoid using any cleaning methods other than those mentioned below. Using products other than water, mild soap, baking soda, and white vinegar could potentially cause further damage or discoloration to your silk Oriental rug.
The first and most important step in treating a spill on your Oriental rug is to take immediate action. The longer you wait, the less likely it becomes that you'll successfully remove the liquid stain. When a spill occurs, begin by dampening a clean white towel with warm (but not boiling hot) water. Then, gently blot—avoid rubbing—the spill with the towel, allowing it to release from the rug and absorb into the towel.
If warm water alone doesn't lift the stain from the silk Oriental rug, consider adding a small amount of white vinegar to your at-home solution. Create a 50/50 mix of warm water and white vinegar, then use the same blotting method to remove the stain from the rug.
As a final stain-removal attempt, you can try sprinkling baking soda onto the spill while blotting the rug with a mixture of white vinegar and water. While baking soda is primarily known as an odor-reducing agent, it may also assist in removing stains.
It's essential to remember that, for the best and least risky results, professional cleaning is always recommended for silk Oriental rugs. This is especially true given the delicate nature of silk rugs compared to traditional wool rugs. Ensure you have your rug professionally cleaned every few years to help preserve its lustrous appearance.
Here Are Some Tips That Will Help You Clean A Silk Oriental Rug
These tips are very helpful, you should use them when trying to clean your silk oriental rug. We have made sure to give you tips that would not damage your silk rug in any way!
Tip 1: Vacuum Your Rug
You should vacuum your silk oriental area rugs at least once a week. The vacuum should be equipped with the appropriate tools, like an attachment designed for upholstery or stairs. Vacuuming your rug will help remove dust and allergens that have settled on it over time, as well as helps to avoid any damage caused by spills from seeping into deep fibers of the rug.
Tip 2: Clean Your Rug With A Silk Rug Shampoo
You should clean your silk oriental area rugs at least once every six months. It is important to use the appropriate shampoo for this type of fabric, and you can find them online or in specialty stores (you will want to do some research before buying one). The best shampoo for silk rugs will be a gentle, non-toxic one that is designed for use with this type of rug.
Tip 3: Do Not Use Bleach To Clean A Silk Rug
Bleach is a very strong cleaning agent which may harm the silk fibers in your rug. It will ruin the texture and material of your rug. You can use other alternatives for bleach that are safer and easier to clean.
Tip 4: Use Light Detergent
If you want to get your rug really clean, use a light detergent. This will help remove dirt and grime from it. Detergents are the best rug cleaning agents and perfect for removing harsh stains. If your rug has any, Use a light detergent by diluting some water in it and apply to the affected area.
Tip 5: Do Not Let Water Sit On The Silk
When cleaning any type of fabric, do not allow water to stay on the surface for too long because this can damage the fiber material that is used in the rug. Instead, use a cloth to soak up any standing water and then blot the area with another dry piece of fabric or towel.
Tip 6: Roll Your Oriental Rug In Opposite Directions Before Cleaning It
It is always best to roll your silk oriental rug in different directions when you need to clean it because this will ensure that all sides are cleaned properly. Do not let the stains sit for too long or they will become permanent. You can also roll your rug when you are vacuuming to make sure all the sides are free from dust and are thoroughly clean.
Tip 7: Baking Soda And Vinegar Work Great
Many other people suggest using baking soda and vinegar to clean your silk oriental rug because these are natural ingredients that will not harm the fabric of the rug. Simply apply a mixture of both agents on the stain, let it sit for about 30 minutes, scrub with a brush or cloth if necessary, rinse well with water again, and let it air dry.
Tip 8: Use A Vacuum Cleaner With An Upholstery Nozzle Attachment
You can also use the suction side of your rug to help remove dirt, dust, and other particles from your silk oriental carpeting by using the upholstery nozzle attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Simply attach the hose to this attachment on your vacuum and then turn it on.
Tip 9: Use An Upholstery Brush Or A Soft Cloth To Clean The Rug
An upholstery brush is best for scrubbing off more stubborn stains, while a softer cloth may be better at removing dirt that has accumulated over time. You can also use both of these tools together to help better clean your rug.
Tip 10: Dry Your Rug With A Clean Cloth
Once you have removed the dirt from your rug, it is important to dry it off as well. Use a clean towel or another suitable piece of fabric and use light pressure while wiping across the surface. Be sure to completely blot out any excess moisture that may be left behind on either side of the silk oriental carpeting so that it doesn't get trapped and cause mold or mildew to grow.
Tip 11: Do Not Scrub The Rug
Scrubbing any type of carpeting, whether it is wool or silk, will only cause the fibers to become worn down and eventually shred. If you need to clean a spot on your rug that has been spilled on by either water or an unknown liquid substance, blot out as much moisture as possible with paper towels first before attempting to clean the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silk Oriental Area Rugs
1. Are Silk Oriental Rugs Worth The Investment?
Yes, a silk oriental rug is worth the investment because it's durable and will last for many years. These rugs are also luxurious and can add a touch of class to any room. They're the perfect area rug for high-traffic areas, or in an office. The longer you take care of them, the better they'll look! You can decorate your home with a beautiful authentic oriental rug that you can put in your front hallway, or even at the bottom of your staircase.
2. Where Can I Place My Oriental Silk Rugs?
You can place your oriental silk rugs on any hard flooring surface such as wood, linoleum, or tile. The silk oriental rugs are a beautiful addition to your home and they're also incredibly easy to care for! They provide some cushioning beneath your feet which in turn helps you stay comfortable while standing or sitting on hard flooring surfaces. A silk fiber brings a soft pile and will add warmth to a room. You can place these rugs in your bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, hallways, entryways, and even outdoor areas like on the balcony and patio.
3. Are Carpet Cleaners Reliable?
Yes, carpet cleaners are reliable and can be relied on to clean your carpets. All you need is a rug cleaner that has enough power for the type of job it's going to handle. For example, if you want to deep-clean an Oriental style silk oriental rug, then use a professional-grade solution with dual brushes oscillating side-to-side. The rug should be cleaned about once a month to keep it clean and fresh smelling. It is also important that you use the right vacuum cleaner for your type of carpet because vacuums with agitators will damage delicate silk fibers which can lead to matting, curling, and eventually fading in color. Chemical cleaners and commercial cleaning agents should be used if the rug has stains from spills, pet accidents, or other messes.
4. How Often Should I Clean An Oriental Silk Area Rug?
An Oriental-style silk rug should not be cleaned too often because it will cause the fibers to the mat and curl over time which can lead to fading in color. Other types of rugs need more frequent cleaning depending on how much traffic they get so if you are not sure, consult with a specialist. However, a silk rug should be vacuumed at least four times per year to keep it looking clean and healthy while the use of a light brush will help loosen the soil.
5. When Should I Opt For Professional Rug Cleaning?
If you have spilled any type of liquid spill on the rug, if it has not been vacuumed in over two years, or if you notice an odor from your rug then professional cleaning is recommended. Professional cleaners will be able to remove stains that may otherwise remain and get rid of odors. Professional cleaning can also restore your rug's luster and sheen. A professional rug cleaner will clean the entire rug exactly how you want it. The rug cleaners and rug experts try to use methods that would clean the stains and liquid spills without ruining the knot count or the pile of the rug. I recommend that you have your first professional cleaning after two years, or if there has been a spill. Professional cleaners will give you an estimate on the cost before they begin any work and all materials are provided by them during their visit to clean your Oriental or Persian silk rug so it does not take up space in your home. If you want to remove odors permanently, Go for professional cleaning.
6. Can I Use The Spot Cleaning Method For My Silk Oriental Rug?
If you have spilled any type of excess liquid on the rug, then spot cleaning is an option. You should blot up as much excess moisture with a towel and allow it to dry completely before vacuuming in order to keep from spreading the stain. Remember to spot clean silk rugs when there are harsh stains and use this method sparingly to avoid permanent damage to the rug. You can spot clean by mixing vinegar with cool water and using a white cloth to apply the solution and rub it only on the stains. You can also use a spray bottle to spray this mixture over the stained areas and clean it with a dry cloth to loose dirt and stains. Using harsh chemicals is not an option when doing spot cleaning. After this method, you can dry the areas with a hair dryer.
7. Can I Use Club Soda For Cleaning A Silk Rug?
Club soda is not recommended for use on silk rugs because it can cause the color to bleed. Excess club soda will also cause the rug to lose shape. You can choose another option such as dish detergent, baking soda, or vinegar.
8. Can I Use A Beater Bar For Cleaning My Silk Rug?
This is a quick way to clean stains on your rug, but it can be difficult on the fibers. Beater bars are not recommended for silk rugs because they may cause wear and tear or damage. The best option would be a vacuum cleaner with an attachment nozzle that will work wonders on any surface type, including wool and silk carpets.
9. Why Do People Buy Oriental Silk Carpets?
People who buy silk carpets want to invest in a high-quality product that is durable, with beautifully detailed designs, and will last for years. One of the best investments you can make when decorating your house is upgrading with an oriental carpet. The intricate designs and pattern on the silky texture of the rug are perfect for any room of the house or office space.
10. What Is The Major Difference Between An Oriental And Persian Rug?
Persian Rugs are made with wool and they are made in Iran. Oriental carpets are made from silk and they originate in China, India, or Tibet. The major difference between the rugs is the materials they are made from and the country of origin. You can find both the types of rugs online from RugKnots. We have the best quality Persian and oriental rugs that would suit any interior design.
Get the trendiest rugs from RugKnots with free shipping. Oriental silk area rugs are very popular for a modern home. But, they are hard to take care of. If you have any questions and queries about how to clean or take care of these rugs, then feel free to email us at info@rugknots.com or call us at (301) 660-7046. We are happy to answer your queries!
3 Comments
I have a beautiful silk rug but unfortunately my husband dropped a bit of tomato sauce on the corner. My husband immediately got some water with a tiny bit of fairy liquid and gently cleaned the stain. The stain has gone but in certain lights the silk appears white. Any ideas how to rectify my poor rug. Thanks
My cat vomited on our silk rug. My wife cleaned the area and used water to finish the cleanup. She said she blotted the area with a towel to help dry the rug, but after, we noticed the vomited area had a slight sheen when viewed from one direction. She used only water for the cleanup. Is this a water stain? If so, how do we restore the rug to the original appearance?
Can water stain be removed from the backing of a silk rug? I just had rug professionally cleaned and still see water stain on back of the silk rug.