In a previous post we were talking about how to care for a viscose couch and why this kind of upholstery is called the nightmare of carpet and upholstery cleaning companies. However, this type of fiber is found in a large number of furniture pieces and rugs, so we need to establish and implement efficient and safe cleaning methods for all our customers. It is possible to clean this fiber that does provide a series of advantages, although with extra precaution and some help from viscose rug cleaning experts. Keep on reading to find out more!
Pros and Cons of Viscose Rugs
Why do people purchase viscose rugs in the first place? These rugs made from a semi-synthetic material present the following advantages:
It resembles silk
Viscose is an affordable material that resembles pretty well the expensive and sumptuous real silk. Viscose is also more affordable than wool and other natural materials.
It is soft and pleasant to touch
Even though real silk is the softest, you can get a pretty similar feel from viscose without breaking the bank.
It does not retain heat
Viscose will provide a cool feel in the summer and is suitable for use in warm places.
Are available in many shapes and sizes
Due to their increasing popularity in the latest years, viscose rugs are available in multiple shapes, sizes, and patterns. They are appreciated for the way they reflect light and their crushed velvet look. Viscose rugs are produced in various colors and qualities to suit every style and budget.
However, there is no perfect fabric, and this is also true for viscose. When purchasing a viscose rug, you should consider the following drawbacks and how much they could be bothering you on the long term:
It is not suitable for high traffic areas
It is recommended to keep viscose rugs in low traffic areas of your home because spillages are very harmful for this fiber. Water causes viscose fibers to lose their strength and a viscose rug used in a moist environment will eventually start to fall apart.
Stepping on a viscose rug too often is also harmful. If wool fibers can be stepped onto 10,000 times before bending and silk can withstand 2,000 bending cycles, viscose will lose its appearance after just 70!
Viscose can suffer from discoloration
Viscose tends to become yellow with age and due to the usage of high temperature cleaning equipment.
It is unsuitable for cold climates
Because it does not trap heat, viscose will not ensure a friendly, warm feel during the winter.
These rugs are not environmentally-friendly
Viscose is made from wood pulp, but the process needed to obtain it uses a lot of chemicals which are needed to chemically bound the wood particles in order to keep them together. So, a viscose rug cannot be called organic by any means.
Why Viscose Rugs are Difficult to Clean
The biggest disadvantage of viscose rugs is represented by their high maintenance. Aggressive cleaning methods are prohibited because these rugs are very susceptible to breaking. This effect is caused by the weak cellulose fibers they are made from.
Another issue with viscose rugs is the cellulosic browning, a phenomenon consisting of yellow or brown marks caused by spills of water. Some carpet cleaners are able to tackle this problem, but there is absolutely no guarantee you will be able to eliminate the stain.
Safe Methods for Cleaning Viscose Rugs
If your viscose rug needs cleaning (and it will eventually do!), best it to use the viscose rug cleaning services of a professional upholstery and carpet cleaning company. Here is how viscose rugs need to be cleaned to preserve their integrity:
Vacuuming thoroughly but carefully
It is recommended to use a specialized wand such as an upholstery tool. No beating bars or rubbing if you want to avoid damage to your rug!
Be careful with the carpet cleaning solution
Use a WoolSafe-approved detergent or a detergent created for delicate synthetic fibers. An acid rinse may be needed as alkalis tend to break the fiber down quite quickly.
Viscose has a high risk of color migration or dye bleeding, so it needs to be washed carefully and at low temperatures.
Dry cleaning may be recommended
Viscose fibers are usually designated as dry-clean-only because of the twisting that occurs in a washing machine can damage the fibers. When combined with water damage, the twisting is even more harmful.
Drying face down
Drying the rug face down may lessen cellulosic browning and worst-case scenario, allow it to the back side of the rug only.
Cleaning viscose poses a lot of difficulties for more inexperienced carpet cleaners who are not used to working with this type of rugs. At PristineGreen Upholstery and Carpet Cleaning we know how to deal with this type of rugs. Even if we do not recommend the purchase of viscose rugs, we understand their appeal and are determined to provide the best area rug cleaning services for all our clients. Our customer service hours are 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week - contact us today and let us know how we can help!
