Viscose Rug Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Learn what makes viscose different, how to maintain it at home, and what to expect from professional viscose rug cleaning — before you risk damaging a delicate fibre.
What Is Viscose?
Viscose is often described as “natural” because it’s made from plant materials, but that only tells half the story. In truth, viscose is chemically processed cellulose, a fibre made from plant material such as wood pulp created using strong chemicals like sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acid. The result? A fibre that mimics the softness of silk, but lacks its resilience.
It’s more accurate to call viscose a semi-synthetic material, halfway between nature and industry. Although often marketed as natural because its source is plant-based, the heavy chemical processing makes it far from truly natural.
If you’re curious about how viscose is made, this guide by O Ecotextiles offers a deeper dive.
The Many Faces of Viscose
You may not always see the word viscose on a rug label, as they are often marketed under different names, including:
- Bamboo Silk
- Banana Silk
- Plant Silk
- Art Silk (Artificial Silk)
- Rayon
These names can cause confusion, leading many buyers to believe they are purchasing genuine silk when they are not.
The Hidden Downsides of Viscose Rugs
When we first started cleaning in Central London, viscose rugs were a rarity. Now, in some of the most prestigious addresses we serve, it’s not unusual for 80% of the rugs to be viscose.
Why the shift? Clients and designers often tell us they like the silk-like sheen, appreciate the lower cost compared to true silk, or enjoy the variety of colours and modern designs.
And at first glance, viscose rugs are stunning. But there’s a hidden cost — one that often becomes clear the first time someone spills a glass of water.
Imagine buying a beautiful new rug — soft, luminous, and perfect for your space. Six months later, a few dark spots appear. Maybe a careless vacuum has left drag marks across the pile.
Humidity from a nearby window discolours one corner. A small water spill blooms into a large, rough-textured patch.
This is not rare. This is viscose.
Problems You Can Expect
- Weak fibres: Viscose crushes, blooms, and discolours easily.
- Low long-term value: Even costly viscose rugs don’t hold resale value.
- High maintenance needs: Regular cleaning and extreme care are essential.
- Environmental concerns: Viscose manufacturing is resource-heavy and chemically intensive.
At The Persian Rug Cleaning Company, we’ve seen viscose rugs priced at £20,000 that lose their looks, and value, within a few years.
How to Protect a Viscose Rug (Before It’s Too Late)
Viscose rugs can be cleaned, but expectations must be realistic. When we clean viscose rugs, we can:
- Thoroughly sanitise and decontaminate them (especially after floods or pet accidents).
- Improve their appearance — but only to the extent that the fibre damage allows.
Unlike wool or silk, once viscose fibres are blown, bloomed, or discoloured, they cannot be fully restored.
We tell our clients honestly: We can clean your rug beautifully. But we cannot undo what viscose itself cannot withstand.
If you already own a viscose rug, or can’t resist buying one, here’s how to give it the best chance:
- Apply a professional rug protector immediately –This treatment helps spills bead on the surface rather than soaking in.
- Vacuum gently, with a brushless suction head – No beater bars, no aggressive passes.
- Control humidity levels indoors – High moisture can cause yellowing and discolouration over time.
- Act quickly on spills – Even clean water can cause permanent blooming.
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