Taking Good Care of Your Silk Rugs

screen-shot-2016-11-21-at-2-45-08-pmTransforming your home into a sophisticated and elegant haven does not require much effort. In fact, a really big step to achieving that goal is to add a few silk rugs to your living area(s).

Like most area rugs, silk rugs can revamp your home’s overall décor and appeal. A distinctive feature of this type of flooring material is that they are made up of protein and water, which often cause them to become damaged more easily.

Due to this unique attribute of silk rugs, much care and caution must be observed during the cleaning/maintenance process.

To be honest, hiring professional cleaners to clean your silk rugs is ideal in preventing the rugs from getting damaged.

However, there are many different ways to care for your silk rugs by yourself. Below, I’ll share some awesome tips on how to get started!

Caring for Your Silk Rugs

  1. Eliminate dust and dirt.

The presence of dirt and dust is one of the many causes of damage to most types of flooring materials.

By eliminating dirt and dust from your silk rugs, they will look and smell fresher and cleaner than ever before!

Here are a few tips to get started:

  • Vacuum regularly. Vacuum with a brushless suction head. Don’t use roller brushes or beaters as these might damage the fibers. Consequently, the rug may be slightly or completely damaged.
  • Use a soft broom to sweep the rug. Doing this will prevent the fibers from getting damaged. Additionally, the soft straws on the broom won’t uproot the fibers.
  • Give the rug a thorough shaking. Dust and dirt may still be present in the rug even after vacuuming. A proper shaking will help to remove them.
  1. Remove stains, if any. Never use liquids to remove dry stains.

In the case of a wet stain, blot the stain, then use water to remove it. Keep in mind that silk rugs don’t play well with hot water.

Besides, hot water may result in protein degrading, leading to the partial or complete damage to the rug.

In removing stains:

  • Treat the stains ASAP!
  • For solid spills, use a spoon and gently scoop up the matter. Make sure that you don’t disrupt the fibers as they are very sensitive.
  • In removing liquid stains, add a slight amount of pressure to the spot, then use a clean white cloth to absorb the liquid.
  • Combine a balanced mixture of water and vinegar and apply it to the stained area. Blot the stain with a cloth partially soaked with the mixture. Afterward, use a dry cloth to blot up the excess water, then allow it to air dry.

Verdict

Having silk rugs in your home can be a memorable experience. The flamboyant colors, designs, and patterns that they come in help to transform your home into a beautiful sanctuary.

Because silk rugs containwater and protein compounds, they are more vulnerable to damage. As a result, great care must be observed when cleaning your silk rugs.