You have some floor space that you want to soften and beautify with area rugs. You might be unsure whether you should choose silk or synthetic rugs.
Many people mistakenly buy materials they think are silk, or will when in fact it is made from cheaper synthetic material.
Overview
All area rugs can be machine-made, handwoven, or hand-knotted.
An Oriental rug must be made entirely from natural materials and 100% handmade.
Most area rugs made these days from rayon, such as viscose or synthetic silk, are made of this type of rayon. This is the same silk that is used in cheaper rugs and sometimes sold to consumers as silk.
There are also synthetic area rugs that have a pattern on their fronts, which is reminiscent of traditional Persian rug designs like Tabriz, Kashan, and Heriz. These aren’t Oriental rugs. These rugs have an oriental rug design. These are usually made from heat set polypropylene. Also known as olefin, It is not as soft and luxurious as wool, but it is strong.
This type of fibre also attracts dirt and oily residues from your feet and shoes. We believe that natural fibres outperform synthetic fibres over the long term, even though they are more expensive. An area rug purchase is an investment that you get what you pay.
Many rug buyers in the area buy a rug at a high price and then have to pay higher prices later. This can happen because the rug is mistakenly believed to be made of silk, but it is actually made of synthetic material from natural sources. These fibres can be called banana silk or bamboo silk because the pulp is derived from these sources and then processed in a factory using chemical processes.
These rugs can be permanently stained. We’ve seen customers bring the rug to us after spills and spots have occurred, but there are more permanent stains.
Permanent stains can be a problem with carpets and rugs. You should avoid foot traffic and beverages spills, as well as pet stains like urine and vomit. For professional assistance or advice, call A Wool Safe certified rug cleaning company if you have a spot or spillage.
Ask your rug cleaner about their suggestions if you have concerns. As a veteran rug cleaner, my clients often ask me to recommend rug dealers that specialize in certain styles and fibres. We can also provide a stain-resistant finish for a new rug that will prevent it from staining.
Some Area Rug tips:
Before you buy an area rug, get a second opinion. Some fibres are difficult to clean.
Avoid unscrupulous rug dealers. Many dealers will misrepresent area rugs as “Oriental” or “silk.” Look for a rug dealer with a strong reputation.
Regular (every two years) cleaning by a certified professional – should be listed with IICRC (Institute Of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
