Rugs can make a space more cohesive, comfortable, and stylish. However, they can be quite pricey, so you want to have all of the facts before making that investment. We’re here to share some industry knowledge with you today!
When selecting a rug for your home, viscose and viscose-blend options are popular because they have a luxurious appearance and an affordable price tag. But we’ve been cleaning carpets for 30 years, and as rug experts, we have some concerns about their upkeep and care. Here’s what you need to know before you make that big purchase.
What is a viscose or viscose-blend rug?
Viscose is a type of semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp — essentially, it’s made from paper. According to the popular home goods brand AllModern, viscose mimics silk, offering a high-end look and feel at a lower cost. You might also come across viscose-blend rugs, which combine viscose with wool or cotton, making the material more versatile.
Why are viscose rugs so popular?
THEY LOOK AND FEEL Expensive
Viscose rugs are known for their glossy sheen and soft texture, which can add a touch of elegance to any room. They are an affordable alternative to silk rugs, providing a similar luxurious appearance without the hefty price tag.
THEY ARE Hypoallergenic
Viscose rugs are less likely to trap dust and allergens compared to some other rug materials, making them a good option for households prone to seasonal allergies.
THEY ARE VIBRANT
These rugs have long-lasting and vibrant color. They’re known to maintain their colors over time, which is what everyone wants to hear when making a significant investment in a rug.
they’re Affordable
Viscose rugs are generally less expensive than natural fiber rugs like silk or wool, making them a cost-effective choice for those who don’t want to break the bank.
THEY HAVE VERSATILE Designs
Viscose can be woven into various patterns and styles, including braided, hand-knotted, hooked, tufted or flatweave, allowing you to find a rug that fits your aesthetic and budget.
What are the downsides of a viscose rug?
THEY’RE SENSITIVE to Moisture
Viscose is essentially made from paper, which can turn brown when exposed to spills, pet accidents, or humidity. From experience, a good life comes with a few spills, so that makes this a big con for us. We've even seen instances where well-meaning attempts to clean small stains made the problem worse.
THEY’RE PRONE to Shedding
You thought dog and cat hair was bad, but viscose rugs shed too! This does get better with time, but is especially bad when the rug is new.
THEY DON’T WORK WELL IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS
Due to their delicate nature, viscose rugs are best placed in low-traffic areas where they are less likely to encounter spills or heavy foot traffic. But we believe a home is made to be lived in, so we hate to see an underutilized space.
THEY’RE HARD TO CLEAN
Viscose rugs typically require a dry cleaning method, which can be less effective at removing stains. Sooner Cleaning + Restoration’s preferred method is hot water extraction, which is recommended by most carpet manufacturers, including Shaw Industries, the largest manufacturer of carpet in the world. Hot water extraction cleans more thoroughly and protects your investment better than dry cleaning. Unfortunately, this means that while we can try to clean viscose rugs, we don’t always love the results.
“Viscose and viscose-blend rugs are relatively cheap and look beautiful, but if you have pets or a busy household, they are not a great idea.”
How do jute rugs compare?
Jute rugs share some similarities with viscose rugs. They’re oftentimes a beautiful and budget-friendly option, but they come with their own set of cleaning challenges.
Jute is a natural fiber known for its durability, but like viscose, it can be sensitive to moisture. So, hot water extraction, which is typically the most effective deep-cleaning method, might not always be the best approach for jute rugs either.
How can you best care for and maintain a viscose rug?
If you’ve already purchased or fallen in love with a viscose rug, don’t worry! We have 30 years of experience finding the best solution for any stain, and we’re good at it. Viscose rugs do have cleaning challenges, but we know how to handle them with expertise and precision.
TRUST THE EXPERTS
Since 1993, we’ve built our reputation on providing best-in-class carpet services. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest in carpet cleaning, attending conferences and classes each year, and for over a decade, we’ve been voted Norman’s Best Carpet Cleaner in the Norman Transcript Reader’s Choice Awards. Sooner Cleaning + Restoration is also family-owned and operated, and we give you that customer service that only a small business can.
CONTACT US
No matter what rug you have, our expert team can help clean it! We’d love to give you a quote, so if you have a dirty rug in mind, click the button below and contact us!