Silk is a natural protein fiber that is produced when silkworm larvae form cocoons. Composed primarily of fibroin, silk is one of the strongest natural fibers, but it loses up to 20 percent of its strength when it gets wet. Known for its ability to refract light, silk can be used to create shimmering rugs. Abrasive cleanings agents, hot water and steam cleaning can damage silk fibers, so professional cleaning is recommended for all silk rugs. Use these tips to clean silk rugs.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Remove Dust and Debris from Silk Rugs

  1. 1
    Vacuum silk rugs regularly. Use a brushless suction head to vacuum silk rugs. Beater or roller brushes may pull out fibers, reduce the pile and damage the rug.[1]
  2. 2
    Sweep silk rugs with a broom. Gently sweep the rug to avoid damaging the fibers.[2]
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  3. 3
    Shake the rug. Remove dust and debris by shaking the rug off outside. This also will help air out the rug to remove any odors.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Remove Stains from Silk Rugs

  1. 1
    Cleans stains immediately before they set in and attach to the silk fibers.
  2. 2
    Remove solid spills. Gently scoop solid debris from the rug using a spoon, but take care not to scrape the fibers of the rug. Any scraping motion may tear the silk fibers.
  3. 3
    Remove liquid spills.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Remove Odors from Silk Rugs

  1. 1
    Use baking soda to remove odors from silk rugs. Baking soda helps remove odors from a variety of surfaces, including textiles.[4]
  2. 2
    Use a vinegar and water solution to eliminate odors from silk rugs. The slight acidity of vinegar makes it effective in removing odors and germs.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Clean Silk Rugs Professionally

  1. 1
    Select a reputable, professional rug cleaning business to clean silk rugs. Silk can't be exposed to heat or chemicals, so ask how the silk rug will be cleaned. Silk rugs should be washed on both the front and back surfaces with a detergent specifically formulated for silk fibers. Most rug cleaners will offer a deep dusting, followed by pre-treatment for stain removal and hand washing of the silk rugs.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I use a wool and silk rug in a family area?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Of course, but consider the amount of traffic/soil it will get and potential for damage to an expensive rug and that is will need to be professionally cleaned. If it is an area where people eat and there are often kids and pets, you may be better off with a more durable easy to clean rug unless you are prepared to replace the silk rug frequently. If it's more of an adults/older kids only area where tracking in dirt and spills are unlikely, it will be fine. Kids and pets can be very hard on a rug!
  • Question
    How to get urine out of a silk rug?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I used part OdoBan and part water. Thoroughly saturate urine area, then soak up all moisture with towels. Repeat once more, then air dry. After area dries, use a small scrub brush to fluff up fibers.
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Warnings

  • Hot water will cause permanent damage to silk rugs. When spot cleaning silk rugs, be sure to use lukewarm or cool water.
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  • When spot cleaning a silk rug, test the cleaning solution (such as club soda or vinegar) on a small, hidden area before applying to the entire rug. Allow the cleaning solution to dry and inspect the rug. If the rug is visibly faded or damage, do not use the cleaning solution.
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  • Do not use chemical cleaners or commercial stain removers on silk rugs. The silk fibers are too delicate for strong cleaning agents and will deteriorate, causing texture changes or holes in the rug.
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  • In the event of large spills, be sure the top, under surface and pad of the rug are completely dry before placing it back on the floor. Mildew, mold or dry rot can result if any of the rug surfaces are damp.
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Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum
  • Broom
  • Spoon
  • Clean, white cloth
  • Club soda
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle


Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about cleaning silk rugs, check out our in-depth interview with Margaret Maragh.

About This Article

Margaret Maragh
Co-authored by:
Green Cleaning Expert
This article was co-authored by Margaret Maragh. Margaret Maragh is a Green Cleaning Expert based in New York City. With over 11 years of experience, Margaret and her team at Eco-Friendly Green Cleaning specialize in using environmentally friendly products for deep cleaning services. Margaret has also created a plant-based, unscented, all-purpose cleaner to further support the mission of using eco-friendly cleaning supplies in her work. This article has been viewed 147,608 times.
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Co-authors: 18
Updated: March 26, 2023
Views: 147,608
Categories: Cleaning Rugs
Article SummaryX

To clean your silk rug, all you need to do is shake it outside and then gently sweep it with a broom. You can also use a vacuum with a brushless section head. To get rid of any stains on your silk rug, first absorb any spilled liquid with a clean white cloth. Then, blot the stain with a clean cloth and club soda. Alternatively, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and blot the stain with the mixture and a dry cloth. Once you’ve got rid of the stain, leave the rug to air dry. Don’t use heat to dry it, since this can damage its fibers. For any lingering odors, sprinkle baking soda onto your rug, leave it for an hour, then vacuum it up with a brushless section head. For more tips, including how to find a reputable professional cleaner for silk rugs, read on!

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