Are Viscose Rugs Worth Buying? A Professional Rug Washer’s Advice

Viscose rugs have become a popular choice for homeowners and interior designers who want the luxurious look of silk without the price tag. Their shimmering appearance, soft texture, and striking designs make them a stunning addition to any space. But beneath their beauty lies a secret that is rarely talked about…viscose rugs are notoriously difficult to clean and maintain. If you own one or are considering purchasing one, here’s what you need to know about these delicate rugs.

What Are Viscose Rugs?

Viscose, also known as “art silk” or rayon, is a fiber made from plant-based cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp or cotton. Through a chemical process, these natural materials are transformed into fine, silky threads that mimic the look and feel of real silk. When woven into rugs, viscose creates a surface that’s soft, luminous, and elegant, often at a fraction of the cost of genuine silk rugs.

Because viscose absorbs dye well, these rugs come in a wide range of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. They’re especially admired for their sheen, which catches the light and brings a lux look to living rooms and bedrooms.

Why Are Viscose Rugs So Difficult to Clean?

While viscose rugs are beautiful, their delicate composition makes them highly sensitive to moisture, friction, and even certain cleaning products. Here are some of the biggest challenges:

Fiber Weakness When Wet: Viscose fibers lose much of their strength when exposed to water, making them prone to matting, distortion, and even breakage.

Prone to Staining and Browning: Spills can quickly soak into the fibers, causing stains that are difficult to remove. Improper cleaning or slow drying can also lead to a phenomenon called “cellulose browning,” where the rug develops unsightly yellow or brown patches.

Color Instability: The dyes used in viscose rugs can easily bleed or fade if cleaned with too much moisture or the wrong solutions.

Shedding and Texture Loss: Aggressive vacuuming or scrubbing can cause the fibers to break, leading to shedding and a loss of that signature silky texture.

Many homeowners discover these challenges the hard way, attempting to clean a viscose rug at home, only to end up with a rug that’s matted, discolored, or even ruined.

Why a Professional Rug Washer is Recommended for Viscose Rugs

Given the unique vulnerabilities of viscose rugs, professional cleaning is not just recommended, it’s essential. ATC Rug Washing specializes in the care and restoration of delicate fibers like viscose. Here’s how ATC stands out:

Specialized Techniques: ATC uses advanced cleaning methods and fiber-safe products designed specifically for viscose. This gentle approach removes dirt and stains without damaging the rug’s structure or appearance.

Expert Stain Removal: Whether it’s wine, coffee, or pet accidents, we have the expertise to treat and remove tough stains without risking fiber damage or color loss. Professional rug cleaners, like ATC, use specific rug-formulated solutions that maintain the integrity of your rug, test for color instability and guarantee your rug will be cleaner than anyone else can get it. (It’s important to note that not all stains are removable due to factors such as the age of the stain, what caused the stain, and even what cleaning products were used to try to remove it initially. Attempting to remove a stain at home can potentially change the chemistry of the stain. Around The Clock examines all stains and communicates their options with the customer.

Controlled Drying: ATC’s facility is equipped to dry viscose rugs quickly and evenly, preventing browning and staining that often occur with improper drying. At ATC, we use a rug centrifuge that can spin a rug up to 10,000 RPM to get it about 95% dry in 3 minutes and is completely safe for rugs. After the rug has been taken out of the centrifuge, they are hung up to fully dry on an angle (to avoid creasing) in our zero-humidity drying room.

Restoration Capabilities: Even if your rug looks beyond repair, ATC has a proven track record of restoring viscose rugs to their former glory.

Trust the Experts

Viscose rugs are an investment in style and comfort, but they require specialized care to maintain their beauty. DIY cleaning or standard carpet cleaners can do more harm than good, leading to costly damage or even the loss of your rug.

If your viscose rug needs cleaning whether it’s dulled by everyday dirt or stained by an accident, let ATC Rug Washing handle it with the care it deserves. Our expertise ensures your rug will be cleaned safely, thoroughly, and beautifully, so you can enjoy its elegance for years to come.

Protect your investment. Trust ATC Rug Washing for all your viscose rug cleaning needs.