Silk Rugs & Runners Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Luxury in every thread — caring for your fine silk rugs and runners.

Introduction

Silk rugs represent the height of craftsmanship and elegance — their lustrous sheen and smooth texture make them prized centrepieces in refined interiors.
At Woven Bliss, our silk rugs are handwoven from natural silk fibres, renowned for their radiance, softness, and strength.

While silk is a resilient fibre, it requires delicate handling and proper maintenance to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. This guide outlines how to clean, care, and protect your silk rugs for generations to come.

1. Understanding Silk Rugs

Silk is a protein fibre produced by silkworms, making it strong yet sensitive to moisture, sunlight, and abrasion.
Its luxurious shine and smooth pile heighten its visual appeal — but this very delicacy demands a careful approach.

Key characteristics:

• ✨ High sheen and soft hand feel

• 💎 Strong natural protein fibre

• 🌞 Sensitive to sunlight and heat

• 💧 Prone to water spotting and pH imbalance

2. Regular Maintenance

Vacuuming

• Vacuum weekly using low suction and no beater bar.

• Always vacuum with the direction of the pile, not against it.

• For delicate hand-knotted silk, use a hand-held vacuum nozzle or soft brush attachment.

Rotation

Rotate your rug every 6–12 months to ensure even wear and prevent sun fading on exposed sides.

Underlay

Use a premium felt or rubber underlay to absorb impact, prevent slippage, and extend rug longevity.

3. Spot Cleaning

Step 1 – Blot Immediately

Gently blot spills with a clean, absorbent white cloth. Do not rub or press forcefully, as this can distort the pile.

Step 2 – Use Cold Water Only

For light stains, apply a few drops of pH-neutral silk detergent diluted in cold water using a soft cloth.
Gently dab, then blot dry with another clean towel.

Step 3 – Air Dry Flat

Lay the rug flat in a shaded, airy room. Avoid sunlight, heat guns, or hair dryers.

⚠️ Never: use bleach, hot water, or ammonia — they damage silk proteins.

4. Deep Cleaning & Professional Care

Silk rugs should be professionally cleaned every 18–24 months by a specialist in natural fibres.
Avoid steam or immersion cleaning. Instead, request dry-solvent or low-moisture extraction methods suitable for silk.

For household refreshes:

• Gently shake the rug outdoors (avoid wind).

• Use a soft-bristle brush to restore pile direction.

5. Protection & Placement

• Avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or direct UV exposure.

• Use UV-filtered curtains or blinds to prevent fading.

• If placed under furniture, use pads under legs to avoid indentations.

6. Stain & Odour Treatments

7. Long-Term Care & Storage

• Roll your silk rug (never fold) with the pile facing inward.

• Wrap in acid-free tissue paper and breathable cotton.

• Store in a cool, dry environment.

• Avoid plastic — it traps humidity and causes yellowing.

8. Common Issues & Fixes

9. Recommended Products.

• Custom Handwoven Bespoke Rugs & Runners – Blends of silk and wool for timeless elegance.

10. Conclusion

Silk rugs are heirloom-quality pieces — elegant, tactile, and resilient when properly cared for.
With mindful maintenance, you preserve both their natural brilliance and the artisanal heritage woven into every thread.

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