If you’ve recently purchased a home or have decided to upgrade your interior, you might be surprised to discover the various types of rugs that are available. Options include wool rugs, nylon, acrylic, loop pile, plush, polypropylene, shag, fur, and many other rug fabrics. Some are natural, while others are synthetic, and they all vary in price depending on the quality and durability. Natural-fiber rugs cost more than synthetic; however, you get what you pay for. A popular rug type made out of natural fibers is silk. 

Silk is more expensive than some fibers. But too many, it is a worthwhile investment. The lustrous silk fiber provides a beautiful sheen and a luxurious appeal that you can’t get with any other type of fiber. For those wanting a lush, smooth, and satisfying feel to their rug, silk is the way to go. What comes with the extra cost and long-lasting durability, comes with more maintenance. Learning how to care for and clean your silk rug will ensure that it will last generations to come. 

Purchasing Your First Silk Rug

If you’re in the market to purchase a silk rug or want to remember why you spent your money on one––you’re in the right place. Natural silk is the fiber of luxury, and nothing else compares. The use of silk for rugs and apparel dates back thousands of years. Silk art has been historically prominent and is still popular in India, Persia, Morocco, Egypt, China, Kashmir, and Tibet. Those who design silk rugs are geniuses of their craft, as it takes great skill and precision to create the perfect piece. Most people purchase a silk rug due to its impressive durability, long-lasting strength, and the fact that they are eco-friendly. Our Cora is a 100% silk rug that comes in many stunning colors.

It is crucial to know what the real thing looks and feels like, as there are artificial silk and knock-off silk rugs out there. Natural silk is produced by silkworms, a fibrous amino acid protein, which is what makes it so durable. When thinking about the strength-to-density ratio, silk is stronger than steel! They also have a much higher knot count per square inch than any other type of rug. When browsing the silk rug aisles, you should know how to spot an artificial silk rug. This information will help you save money and time.

Artificial silk might feel and look like natural silk at a glance, but there are a few ways to tell the difference. Artificial rugs may have…

• A thicker pile
• Not as much sheen
• Shedding fibers
• A flat color
• A shaggy pile
• Dyes that bleed or fade

Another thing to realize is that over time, artificial silk loses its strength, easily discolors, yellows, and starts to look weathered fairly quickly. This is why spending the extra money on natural silk is the best route.

Now that you’ve bought a lovely silk rug or are more interested in doing so, cleaning and properly maintaining your silk rug is crucial to its long-lasting life. 

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Silk Rug

Like other fibers, such as wool, silk must be maintained a certain way. It is shimmery and luxurious, and you want it to stay that way. The easiest way to keep your silk rug clean is to be proactive and maintain it appropriately. 

Proactively Cleaning a Silk Rug

Choosing not to wear shoes in the house––or at least not on the silk rugs––is one easy way to be proactive. Also, keeping silk rugs in rooms that are not heavily walked over by children and animals will ensure you won’t have to deep clean them as often. Rotating your silk rug every few months is a must if a portion of your rug remains in a sunlit area during the day. By doing so, the sunlight will hit equal areas of the rug and not cause one area to look discolored. Putting preventative measures in place is more efficient than cleaning the silk rug itself! Check out our Rug Guide for care tips 

Routine Cleaning a Silk Rug

You may vacuum your silk rug, although you want to exclude a beater or roller brush when doing so. Just like with other rugs, you can take it outside and beat the dust and dirt out. And if you spill something liquid on your silk rug, immediately treat it by blotting it with warm water and a towel. If the water itself does not work, you may use a 50/50 white vinegar/water mixture and continue to blot. Using baking soda is also okay if vinegar and water don’t seem to do the trick. Whatever you do, do not rub; only blot the rug! The faster you treat the spill, the more likely it will come out. 

Deep Cleaning a Silk Rug

Deep cleaning should happen about once every six months or so. To deep clean your silk rug, there are silk shampoo products available that are safe to use. Make sure to double-check ingredients, as they should be gentle and non-toxic. Silk rug shampoo can be bought online or at specialty stores. After you gently blot the shampoo into the rug, blot again with warm water and then once again with a clean, dry towel. Make sure you have cleaned off all residue and blotted out all water. Roll the silk rug in different directions when cleaning it to ensure that the entire surface area is cared for.

You may steam-clean your silk rug, but only do so by following the manufacturer’s instructions––this is only recommended as a last resort and must be done with care. You also have the choice of getting it professionally cleaned if you do not want to deal with it yourself or if the rug is especially dirty. 

Keep Your Silk Rug Looking Luxurious

Whether you just started browsing Resonnaire’s amazing selection of silk rugs, or you have just purchased one, being educated on how to properly care for your investment is the smart thing to do. Spending money on a silk rug and not carefully maintaining it is the worst thing you can do. Don’t waste your time and money––be proactive to clean and maintain your silk rug the right way.