How to Safely Steam Clean Viscose Rugs

Understanding Viscose Rugs

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose. It is also known as rayon and looks quite similar to silk. Viscose, however, is more budget-friendly. One of the main downsides to owning a viscose rug is its fairly difficult maintenance. Compared to other materials, such as wool, viscose is more delicate. Rugs made of viscose aren't as long-lasting, and most traditional cleaning methods tend to damage them. The reason behind this is that water causes viscose fibers to weaken. Keep this information in mind when choosing how to clean your rug.

Pros and Cons of Viscose Rugs

We have prepared a short list of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a viscose rug. We hope this will help you decide whether you are up to the challenge of properly caring for one.

Pros

• Elegant Look: It's undeniable that viscose rugs can make your home look more luxurious. Their shiny material creates a sense of elegance.
• Comfort: Viscose rugs are so desirable because they are extremely soft. They can keep up the stylish appearance of any space while being comfortable and cozy for its inhabitants.
• Affordable: In most cases, viscose rugs are more budget-friendly than other similar materials like silk. They are often compared to silk because they both look glossy and chic. Viscose, however, is the more affordable option.

Cons

• Sensitivity to Water: Moisture causes viscose fibers to stiffen. Even a seemingly minor spill can cause significant damage to the rug.
• Susceptible to Stains: The fibers of viscose rugs are predisposed to soaking up stains. They quickly absorb liquids and are difficult to clean without professional assistance.
• Short Lifespan: Viscose rugs have a shorter lifespan than other kinds. They tend to wear out faster because they are delicate and challenging to maintain.

Precautions to Take

You can steam clean a viscose rug, but you must be very careful. Steam cleaning is done with water vapors. As previously mentioned, moisture can easily harm viscose fibers. The solution is to be precise with the amount of vapor applied to the rug. Additionally, the heat level should be low to avoid damage. You must master the correct steam cleaning technique to preserve your rug's beauty. Even the slightest mistake can result in noticeable damage. Here is a list of steps that you can take to avoid common mistakes when steam cleaning:

• Testing: First, steam clean a tiny, unnoticeable area of the viscose rug. By doing so, you can test how the fibers react. If you don't see any discoloration or other signs of damage, you can continue with the cleaning.
• Use Low Heat: High heat will certainly weaken viscose fibers. Therefore, we advise you to use the lowest heat setting on your steam cleaning machine.
• Don't Over-Saturate: We don't recommend using large amounts of water when steam cleaning viscose rugs. Their fibers are highly absorbent and are prone to damage. Use the steam machine in short blasts in order to minimize moisture levels.
• Dry Quickly: You should do your best to help the rug dry as quickly as possible. Leave all windows open to ventilate the space. You can further speed up the drying process with fans and dehumidifiers. This will prevent water damage and the formation of mold.

Step-by-Step Guide to Steam Cleaning Viscose Rugs

Follow these steps to steam clean your viscose rug with minimal risk of damage:

Prepare the Rug

Start by vacuuming any loose dirt from the rug. We recommend that you vacuum with a small and gentle brush attachment when possible. While vacuuming, keep an eye out for any stains or issues that could require special care. It can be helpful to notice such problems before beginning to steam clean.

Pre-Treat Stains

If the rug has stains, treat them before you start steam cleaning. Don't use any harsh cleaning products. The best approach is to apply a mixture of water and white vinegar to the problem area. You can sprinkle or spray a small amount of the solution on the stain. Then, pat with a dry cloth. Don't rub the stain because this can discolor the rug. Leave the mixture on the stain for a few minutes before proceeding with steam cleaning.

Set-Up

Fill your steam cleaner's water tank. Then, set the machine to the lowest possible heat setting. If your steam cleaner has an attachment for gentle materials, we recommend using it. It would help you control the amount of vapors that reach the rug. It would also ensure the cleaning is done gently to preserve the viscose's delicate fibers. Additionally, it's essential to read the manufacturer's instructions about your steam cleaner. There may be specific guidelines regarding fragile materials like viscose. These recommendations can help you avoid common mistakes and achieve the desired results.

Test a Small Area

As mentioned, we highly recommend testing the steam cleaner on a smaller, less visible rug area first. Pay attention to the color and texture of the fibers. If no problems appear, you can steam clean the whole rug without worrying. This step will help you avoid causing greater damage if the viscose doesn't react well to the steam.

Steam Clean

Try to be as delicate as possible when steam cleaning your viscose rug. Apply mild, even strokes of vapor on the rug's surface. Don't keep the machine in one spot for too long because you may soak the fibers with too much water. As already noted, the viscose should, in no circumstances, be drenched. You should rather go over it with a thin layer of steam. Move the steam cleaning machine in sections to avoid getting the material too moist. You should aim to clean smoothly and gently to achieve the desired results.

Drying Process

It's important to dry the viscose rug as quickly as possible. Open all windows in the room or turn on a fan to ventilate well. Additionally, you can use a dehumidifier if you have one on hand. It would speed up the drying process by absorbing moisture from the air. Ensure your rug dries fully to prevent mold growth and damage to the fibers. Avoid putting the rug under direct sunlight as it can cause the color to fade.

Alternative Options

Steam cleaning your viscose rug can be a tricky process. You must be very cautious if you want to achieve good results without causing any damage. We understand that this may sound like a challenging task. Therefore, we made a list of suggestions for those of you who think steam cleaning viscose would be too difficult. Here are some other cleaning method options:

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is one of the safest methods for viscose rugs. As per the name, dry cleaning does not involve using any water. Therefore, it's a less risky option for viscose rugs. The rug is more likely to preserve its original texture and color as dry cleaning treats fibers delicately without damping them. If this sounds like a good alternative to steam cleaning, try to find a professional dry cleaning company that can treat gentle fibers like viscose.

Professional Cleaning Services

Another great alternative is hiring a professional cleaning service. Such companies will send technicians who have the necessary expertise and skill to clean delicate materials like viscose. They can clean your rug thoroughly without harming the fibers. Some cleaning services even offer stain protection treatments that can preserve your rug for way longer. If you decide to hire a professional company, your rug will be in good hands, and you won't have to worry about potentially causing damage to it.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning may be the best option if you are only trying to remove smaller issues. This method is recommended for marks or stains that haven't set in yet. If you decide to take the spot-cleaning approach, you must act promptly. Use a cleaning product that is suitable for fragile fibers. Apply the cleaning solution and pat the stain with a clean cloth. Make sure the area dries out fully.

Conclusion

In most cases, cleaning viscose rugs is quite challenging. It requires a certain level of skill and care. Steam cleaning can certainly be a good option for viscose rugs, but it is also risky. If not done correctly, there's a high chance of it causing damage to the fibers. Nonetheless, if you follow our tutorial and recommendations, you should be able to steam clean your viscose rug without harming the material. Just remember to be cautious and precise with your movements when applying the steam.

If you're unsure whether you can safely steam clean your viscose rug yourself, consulting with a professional cleaning service is always a good idea. Investing in the proper cleaning treatment guarantees that your rug will be well-maintained. Its beauty and softness will be preserved, and you won't have to fear possible problems.