The Persian silk rug you’ve had in the family for years has seen better days. It’s been walked on, ran on, had liquids spilled on it, and now it’s time: you’re ready to learn how to clean a silk rug. If you’re ready to freshen up your rug without damaging it, we’ll cover how to below.
How to Clean a Silk Rug Without Damaging It in 6 Steps
We’re here for the silky-clean finish
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
Written by Bry'Ana Arvie
Contributing Writer
Updated December 18, 2023
Difficulty
Easy
Simple project; big impact.
Time to complete
3 hours
You’ll spend most of your time letting the baking soda soak up stains.
Cost
Up to $25
You might need a thing or two.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Large bowl
- Vacuum (optional)
- Brushless vacuum attachment (optional)
- Soft-bristle broom (optional)
- Dust mask
- Microfiber cloth
- Dustpan
- Brush (optional)
SUPPLIES
- Spoon
- Water
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
Sweep to Remove Dirt and Debris
Begin by lightly sweeping your rug with a soft-bristled broom to remove any dirt and debris. Because silk rugs are delicate, you shouldn’t clean it like a carpet. The stiff bristles found on most brooms can damage your rug’s delicate silk fibers, and while you can use a vacuum—you must use a vacuum with a brushless attachment.
Hang or Shake to Remove Set-In Dust
Once the surface dirt is removed, you need to tackle anything that settled into your rug’s fibers that your broom couldn’t remove. Put your dust mask on, and take your rug outdoors. Vigorously shake it a few times to remove any dust. You can also drape it over your balcony, deck, or porch, and hit it a few times with a broom or brush to remove any set-in dust.
Gently Scoop Stuck on Solids
Now that the dirt, dust, and debris are gone, bring your rug back indoors. If you have stuck on solids–like smashed Cheetos or dried mud–gently scoop it with a spoon. Try not to scrape it, since you could unintentionally remove rug fibers in the process.
Remove the Stains
Fill a large bowl with warm water, dip a soft microfiber cloth–until damp; not soaking–and blot the stain. If this doesn’t work, mix 50/50 warm water and white vinegar, and blot the stain again. Then, remove the excess solution with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
Let Your Rug Air Dry
Once the stains are removed, let your rug air dry. Be sure not to apply heat to your rug, as this can damage its silk fibers.
Remove Stubborn Odors
If you smell a lingering odor, we have an easy fix for you–baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the area of the rug where you smell the odor, and let it sit for a few hours. Then use your soft-bristled broom or vacuum with the brushless attachment to remove it. If you can still smell the odor, repeat this step, as needed.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Once you learn how to clean silk rugs, the process is fairly straightforward for you to do. However, most silk area rugs cost a few thousand dollars and can easily be damaged if not properly cleaned. If you’d rather let a pro take care of your valuable rug, call your local rug cleaner. These pros know how to tackle stubborn stains and odors without damaging your rug.
Rug cleaning costs $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the rug size and how it will be cleaned.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot steam-clean a silk rug. While steamers are a staple for cleaning area rugs, specifically oriental, the same doesn’t apply to silk rugs. The heat from a steamer can seriously damage its fibers. And since you probably don’t want to replace your stunning rug, it’s best to stay safe and keep steamers away from it.
We don’t recommend you put your silk rug in the washing machine. Silk is extremely delicate; stuffing it in the washer won’t do it any good. Additionally, the hot water can harm your rug. If you have stubborn stains you can’t get out, the safest bet is to call a pro.
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