Viscose Rug Cleaning

Viscose Rug Cleaning Orange County

With the ever-growing popularity of Viscose (often dubbed Art Silk, Banana Silk or Rayon) rugs, we are constantly asked if Viscose rugs are a good investment, and whether or not they can be cleaned. The answer is simple — yes! However, it is important to note that a viscose rug cannot be cleaned by just anyone, and absolutely needs to be in the hands of a true professional.

Viscose rugs are often dubbed as an affordable alternative to natural silk rugs. The fibers within a Viscose rug are more fragile and require specific care to keep them clean, however, with over a decade of hands-on experience cleaning and manufacturing Viscose area rugs ourselves, we have the necessary knowledge and equipment to care for these incredibly delicate rugs.

While all wall-to-wall carpet cleaners, and most professional area rug cleaners, refuse to touch Viscose rugs, our Orange County rug washing facility welcomes them! Because carpet cleaners steam clean rugs, and don’t professionally clean them at a wash facility, carpet cleaners cannot treat a viscose rug without likely damaging it. The fibers within a viscose rug are so “weak” and delicate that when steam cleaned, they can be immediately ruined. Also, because viscose rugs can be so tedious, and time consuming a lot of professional rug cleaners refuse to clean them as well, because they don’t find them to be worth the risk. The reason we are more than willing to clean Viscose rugs is because, without a shred of a doubt, we know how to! It’s very simple. Our experience extends far beyond just the knowledge of cleaning them, because we also manufacture them ourselves. We understand how each Viscose rug is actually produced, as we hand-knot them ourselves. We’re familiar with the fibers in a viscose rug, and know a viscose rug’s limitations. Also, we have the patience, space and necessary equipment needed to treat these delicate and beautiful rugs.

For example, when wet, the fibers within a Viscose rug can yellow due to Cellulosic Browning, which is a condition where a natural substance turns yellow, or brown, due to oxidation. Therefore, any liquid that spills on a viscose rug has the potential to turn the rug yellow. If a non-professional rug cleaner tries to clean the yellow spot(s), or fails to remove all remaining liquid from the rug, they will only make the spots worse and/or permanently damage the rug. When it comes to properly drying a Viscose area rug, we have a dedicated drying room where Viscose rugs are laid flat to dry. From there, we take the time to constantly hand-groom the rug throughout the drying process to make sure the viscose fibers don’t sprout up or dry out of place, that the rug’s pile dries properly and consistently, and that all remaining liquid is removed from the rug. If not laid flat to dry, and given the proper TLC during the drying process, the Viscose rug will dry rough and shaggy-looking, and yellow or brown out.

In short, Viscose rugs are a good investment so long as you properly care for them, and only trust them with a professional rug cleaning facility like Refined Carpet | Rugs. Whenever we sell or see someone with a Viscose rug, we do always encourage having it protected with our Rug Guard, as it will preserve the life and fibers of your Viscose rug, and help keep your mind at ease (especially if you have pets or kids)

Our Process

Our delicate seven step process:

1. Pre-wash Inspection – Before any cleaning takes place, our experts lead a cautious inspection in order to determine the best cleaning technique(s) to use on the rug, depending upon the material that the rug is made of. Next, we analyze the state of your rug by assessing worn areas, profoundly inserted dirt, and/or other extraordinary needs. For example, if your rug may need repair.

2. Pre-washing/Dusting –  Using a commercial vacuum, we are able to remove any and all large particles. Then, by using highly compressed air, we thoroughly remove all the dust particles and any debris. If these micro-particles are not removed, they can eventually wear away at the fibers in your area rug, so this is definitely an important step in the process.

Our method of rug cleaning ensures that each area rug is completely safe from dye transfers, and will remove all dirt from the rug. We apply a color stabilizing agent to the area rug to make sure all dyes are stable before the rug washing begins.

3. First Stage Wash – Next, we begin to remove any dirt, soil, or spotting by washing the rug down with water. We make sure to pay attention to the backing and fringe of each area rug, so as to ensure that every fiber receives a deep cleaning.

4. Second Stage Wash – In this stage, we apply a gentle organic, pH neutral shampoo (which is made for treating natural fibers) in order to break down all the grease and dirt in the rug. At this time we will also take care of any spots and stains. If the area rug has pet stains or pet urine, we will treat these as well. We then rinse away all shampoos and cleaning agents. The rug is then placed into a centrifuge that is able to remove any extra liquid or substance that could not be removed by hand. 

(Our competitors tend to use a rug cleaning method that involves steam-cleaning extraction. This method leaves your area rug with high amounts of soap residue that will, unfortunately, attract dirt ten times quicker. This method may also shrink and damage rug fibers.)

5. Grooming and Drying – We groom every area rug by combing the pile, and the fringe, in its proper direction. Once combed, the rug is hung to dry in our on-site, climate-controlled facility. Paying attention to every rug’s construction, we evaluate the level of heat, airflow, and temperature specifically needed for each area rug. The rug will then hang dry over night. 

6. Fragrance Scenting – A light fragrance is applied to the rug in order to further sanitize and freshen it. This is particularly noticeable, and delightful, to those whose rugs needed to be treated for pet urine.

7. Final Inspection – When conducting the final inspection, we make sure that the area rug is fully dried, and as clean as possible, or we will work through the entire seven-step process all over again.

Once your area rug has finished our seven-step cleaning process, we highly suggest having it protected with our Rug Guard Fiber Protectant. Rug Guard is a treatment we apply to your rug after cleaning, to protect your area rug from stains, and extend the time frame between now and your next cleaning. To learn more about our Rug Guard Fiber Protectant, click here or contact us.