Are you someone who agrees with the idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of remedy? If so, you’ll agree with the first method we offer for cleaning a silk rug without damaging it, and that is to block the stains in the first place!
#1 Prevent Problems!
Investing in a silk rug is a commitment and yet it is a desirable one because silk rugs rate as some of the most beautiful and valuable imaginable. Though we are all for using them in your home, what we would suggest is limiting traffic or exposure to risk (i.e. kids, pets, heavy traffic). This might mean using it in spaces where no one is going to bring a potentially staining food or beverage, instituting a no shoes policy in rooms with silk rugs, and so on.
#2 Vacuum Often
You may not realize that simple things like natural body oils or unseen dust and dirt can accumulate on the silk fibers and eventually lead to staining. Because of that, you need to vacuum the rug every one or two weeks in order to eliminate the risks of exposure to dirt and dust. Note that you should use a brushless suction head and not the roller brushes that can harm the delicate fibers. You may also want to use this time to rotate the rug in order to prevent any bleaching or discoloration from sun exposure or uneven use.
#3 Shaking Clean
Another good way to liberate a silk rug from a lot of accumulated dirt or debris is to simply roll it up, gently. Carry it outdoors to a yard or garden area and give the rug a thorough shaking. If the rug is large, enlist help. You can each hold an end and just shake it to eliminate any debris and give the rug a good “airing out” that can also help reduce odors
#4 When Disaster Strikes
So, someone has spilled something on the rug. Don’t panic! Instead, blot the material immediately with clean cloths. Do not rub or scrub, but instead, keep dabbing until you have picked up all of the fluid you can. If the “spill” is a solid, use a spoon to gently scrape it off the fibers, but do not apply force or pressure as this can tear the silk.
Then, use some club soda on a clean cloth and blot at the stain. This is meant to pull up any stains that had colors to them, such as wine or juice. Use a dry cloth to continue blotting. Allow the area to air dry if the stain is removed.
#5 If All Else Fails, Call a Pro
Silk rugs are so different from other rugs that you never want to risk damaging them. If your preliminary efforts at cleaning up a stain have failed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional rug cleaning service. They have the tools and skill to do it right and keep the rug safe.
Then, use some club soda on a clean cloth and blot at the stain. This is meant to pull up any stains that had colors to them, such as wine or juice. Use a dry cloth to continue blotting. Allow the area to air dry if the stain is removed.
