Silk area rugs are an investment into your home’s decor and help to protect your hardwood or tiled floors. When you invest in these types of area rugs, it’s important to clean them correctly, so that permanent damage doesn’t occur.
Here are a few important silk rug cleaning tips you need to be aware of.
1. Fabrication – Know your rug’s fabrication! Is it made out of 100% silk or blended with another type of fabric like cotton or wool? You can find this information by looking on the tag or on your purchasing invoice.
2. Inspection – Take the time to inspect your rug for any damage! Look for snags, stains, holes, tears and are the edges unraveling? You want to thoroughly check the top, sides and bottom of the rug and if it has any type of damage to it, take some cleaning precautions before you begin.
3. Preparation – Before you begin the official cleaning process, remove any lint, dirt and/or debris. If the rug is small enough, take it outside and shake it off. If it is larger in size, lightly go over it with a vacuum.
4. The Cleaning Process – When dealing with this type of rug, you only want to use approved rug cleaners that are safe for silk rugs. Read all directions on the package before you begin. It is recommended that you do a patch test in an inconspicuous area before you use the cleaning product over the entire rug. If you have a small spot or area to clean, then just clean that area and leave the rest of the rug alone. Once done, blot up any excess liquid with a clean, dry cloth.
5. Post Cleaning Process – Let your area rug thoroughly dry before allowing foot traffic back on it. If your rug is small enough, hang it outside to dry, but not in direct sunlight which can damage it.
The best way to care for your rug is to take care of any problems immediately after they occur, before stains set in or before a tear grows larger. If you take proper care of them now, they will last for many years to come.
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I only have a couple of small silk rugs so I clean them carefully and let them dry outdoors – not in sunlight.
I try my best to take my solk rugs outside twice a year and, the old-fashiond way, beat them clean! Non-toxic and great exercise!