[craiglinds71]

Hi all
Can anyone tell me what is the best method to clean Silk rugs, and what is the best solvent to use etc
Many Thanks
Craig Lindsey

[Ken Wainwright]

Hi Craig

And welcome to Cleanitup.

What's your experience, equipment etc?

Safe and happy cleaning
The Ken

[craiglinds71]

Hi Ken
Ive been cleaning for nearly six years, went on NCCA training course's when first started!
currently running tcs emv portable h/w extraction, & texatherm.
Kind Regards
Craig

[Ken Wainwright]

Craig

If you are happy with your pre-testing and sure that the rug is 100% silk and NOT Art Silk, then it may be OK to clean with your upholstery tool.

Backdust, surface vac, repeat until no more soil recovery is apparent.

Woolsafe pre-spray, agitate gently by hand with pile brush in direction of pile. Dwell as appropriate.

Rinse/extract Woolsafe with upholstery tool, several extra dry strokes  all in the pile direction.

Towel dry in the direction of the pile.

Towel dry in the direction of the pile.

Towel dry in the direction of the pile.

Towel dry in the direction of the pile.

Towel dry in the direction of the pile.

Repeat as required.

Groom with velvet/boffin brush.

Groom with velvet/boffin brush.

Groom with velvet/boffin brush.

Groom with velvet/boffin brush.

Repeat as required.

Turbo dry

Silk rugs can be very demanding in terms of both technique and time. Don't cut corners and grooming should be perfect upon completion otherwise pile distortion will look awful.

I wont even go into saturation or submersion cleaning for you.

If you have any doubts, walk or pass on to a rug cleaning specialist.

Safe and happy cleaning
The Ken

[slioch]

The only thing I would add to Ken's comments is a specific extraction solution: Chemspec Textile Rinse - never had a problem with it and the fibre is improved to the touch when dry.

[craiglinds]

Many many thanks for your comments,
I would have cleaned it by hand with a solvent cleaner!! so glad i sent this post now.
Thanks for your time chaps
Craig