Viscose Rug Cleaning | Uncovering The Truth
What’s the Deal with Viscose Rugs?
Viscose rugs are everywhere—from chic design magazines to high-end showrooms. They’re marketed under names like bamboo silk, banana silk, art silk, and even rayon. But behind the shimmer lies a story rug owners need to understand.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover the truth about viscose rugs—how they’re made, why they’re problematic, and how Oriental Rug Salon can help protect your investment. Whether you own one or are considering buying one, this article will provide you with the inside scoop (without the sales fluff). Also, be sure to visit this video that will explain what Viscose is and how to care for it.
What Exactly Is a Viscose Rug?
Viscose isn’t a natural fiber—it’s a semi-synthetic made from wood pulp or plant cellulose that goes through a heavy chemical process.
Alternate Names for Viscose Rugs:
- Art Silk (short for Artificial Silk)
- Bamboo Silk
- Banana Silk
- Faux Silk
- Rayon
Despite the fancy names, they all refer to the same fragile fiber—viscose.
How Viscose Rugs Are Made
The production process is more science lab than artisan workshop:
- Wood pulp or plant cellulose is dissolved in chemicals.
- The mixture becomes a thick, viscous solution (hence viscose).
- It’s extruded into fibers and spun into thread.
- The yarn is woven into rugs, often mimicking real silk.
Sounds eco-friendly? It’s not. The process requires a toxic chemical bath and results in a fiber that’s beautiful—but weak.
Why Do People Love Viscose Rugs?
They’re soft. They shimmer. They look like real silk at a fraction of the cost. Interior designers love them for their high-end appearance and ability to reflect light in stylish spaces.
But here’s the rub: That shine comes with serious drawbacks.
The Problem with Viscose Rugs
- They’re Fragile—Like Tissue Paper in a Rainstorm
Viscose is one of the weakest fibers in rug making. Add water or even high humidity? It gets weaker—up to 70% weaker when wet.
- They Mat and Shed Like Crazy
Those silky fibers? They flatten faster than a beach towel in a hurricane. Foot traffic and even vacuuming can leave them looking dull and lifeless.
- They Stain Easily and Permanently
Viscose acts like a sponge for spills. Water stains, pet accidents, wine, coffee—it doesn’t take much. Worse? Even professional cleaning can’t always undo the damage.
- Cleaning Is Risky Business
These rugs can yellow, distort, or even break apart if handled improperly. Most cleaners won’t even touch them.
How to Care for a Viscose Rug at Home
If you already own one (or several), here’s how to minimize damage:
- Avoid Moisture: Even a damp mop can cause discoloration or fiber breakdown.
- Use Gentle Vacuuming: Avoid beater bars—just suction.
- Rotate Frequently: Helps reduce matting in traffic lanes.
- Use Furniture Pads: Prevent crushing under legs.
- Keep It Dry & Cool: High humidity = high risk.
Still, even the best care can’t stop viscose from aging poorly.
Should You Buy a Viscose Rug? Let’s Talk Honestly
If you’re considering purchasing a viscose rug, ask yourself:
- Is it in a low-traffic, spill-free zone?
- Are pets or kids’ part of your life?
- Do you love the look but hate replacing rugs every few years?
If yes, you might want to explore wool or real silk instead—longer-lasting, easier to clean, and better for resale value.
Why Professional Cleaning of Viscose Rugs Is Tricky
Cleaning viscose requires more than soap and water. It requires experience, chemistry knowledge, and careful drying.
Common Issues When Cleaned Improperly:
- Yellowing or browning
- Fiber distortion
- Cellulose bleeding
- Permanent stiffness
This is why many rug cleaners say no to viscose.
Enter Oriental Rug Salon: Viscose Cleaning Specialists in SW Florida
At Oriental Rug Salon, we’ve seen every kind of rug—especially viscose, bamboo silk, and art and banana silk—and we’ve learned how to navigate their fragile nature.
Why Clients Trust Us with Their Viscose Rugs:
- Certified Experts: IICRC, CRI, and WoolSafe Approved Service Provider
- Decades of Experience: We’ve cleaned thousands of fragile and valuable rugs.
- Customized Approach: No “one-size-fits-all.” Each rug gets a unique treatment plan.
- Free Pick-Up & Delivery: Serving Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties
During our inspection process we advise clients in writing of any issues we may experience with the cleaning of viscose (including banana silk, faux silk, rayon, etc.) so that they can make an informed choice as to how to proceed with their rug cleaning.
Fully Insured: We treat every rug like it’s priceless.
Our Rug Cleaning Process for Viscose Rugs
Here’s a simplified overview of our specialized viscose rug cleaning process:
- Pre-Inspection
- Fiber ID
- Dye testing
- Structural review
- Controlled Dusting
- Dry particulate removal via gentle vibration and suction.
- Customized Hand-Cleaning
- Carefully selected low-moisture, pH-neutral solutions.
- Hand-extracted to protect fiber integrity.
- pH conditioned rinse
- Speed-Drying
- Rapid, controlled drying prevents yellowing and distortion.
- Grooming & Final Inspection
- Fibers are hand-groomed to restore sheen.
- Final inspection and rug prepared to go home.
Why Certifications Matter
Anyone can say they clean rugs. Few are trained to clean viscose rugs.
Oriental Rug Salon is:
- A Certified Partner with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
- A Certified Member of the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI)
- A WoolSafe Approved Service Provider
Recommended by interior designers, flooring retailers, and rug dealers across SW Florida
Viscose Rug Cleaning: What We Tell Our Clients
We’re honest. If we can clean it, we will. If it’s too fragile or damaged—we’ll let you know. Our goal isn’t just to make your rug look nice. It’s to preserve its life, protect your investment, and give you peace of mind.
Real Talk: Is Your Viscose Rug Worth Saving?
We’ll give you an honest assessment. Sometimes the best solution is cleaning. Other times, it’s replacement. We’ll never pressure you—just guide you.
Complimentary Services That Make Us Stand Out
- Free Pick-Up & Delivery
- Free Written Quotes
- Appraisal Services Available
- No-Risk Consultations
We proudly serve clients across Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Looks Aren’t Everything—But Expertise Is
Viscose rugs may be eye-catching, but they’re high-maintenance divas. If you own one, treat it like fine silk. And when it’s time for cleaning, trust the experts at Oriental Rug Salon.
We don’t just clean rugs. We understand them.
FAQs: Understanding Viscose Rugs
- Is bamboo silk the same as viscose?
Yes. Bamboo silk is just a fancy name for viscose, a semi-synthetic fiber made from plant cellulose.
- Can you remove pet stains from a viscose rug?
Sometimes. But due to the fiber’s absorbent nature, pet stains often cause permanent discoloration.
- How often should a viscose rug be professionally cleaned?
Every 12-18 months—only by a professional rug specialist familiar with delicate fibers.
- What is the best way to protect my Viscose made rug from spills?
As soon as you purchase the area rug you should have a professional grade protector applied. Fiber protects act as a guard to protect carpet fibers from spills. See our video here for more information.
5. How durable is Viscose, banana silk, and rayon?
These fibers are not durable and not recommended for high-traffic areas, homes with pets or children, because it stains and develops traffic lanes easily.
6. Why are Viscose rug made area rugs called “artificial silk”?
They are called this because the process gives them a soft, lustrous appearance similar to natural silk, even though they are made from wood pulp instead of silkworm cocoons. Faux silk”, “banana silk” and “art silk” are common terms for rugs made from viscose, a type of “artificial silk”.
7. Why do Viscose and other Faux Silk rugs sometimes have a high price tag?
Some retailers market viscose rugs as luxury items at a high price, even though the material is cheap to produce. This can mislead consumers into believing they are buying a more durable or valuable product at a much lesser cost that a comparable in size real silk rug.
8. How can you prevent damage to viscose rugs?
To prevent damage to a viscose rug, you must limit its exposure to moisture, friction, heavy use, and areas prone to spills, children, or pets due to its highly absorbent and fragile fibers. Following a diligent maintenance routine that includes gentle cleaning and professional care is essential for extending the rug’s lifespan. These rugs should ot be used in bathrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, or children’s play rooms or areas of high humidity or risks of spills. They should be protected from sunlight as the chemical process used in the making of the fiber is sunlight sensitive and sunlight can cause fading over time. Keep these rugs away from sliders or windows that allow a lot of sunlight to enter. You should also avoid furniture pressure. Placing heavy furniture on a viscose rug can leave permanent dents and break the fragile fibers. For extra protection, use furniture glides and consider temporarily rolling up the rug if you need to move heavy items.
