Viscose begins as a natural fiber and then undergoes chemical processes through which it becomes more consistently dyed and spun, making it more even compared to natural fibers. A lush and soft viscose rug can replicate the appearance and texture of the majority of other natural fibers, such as luxurious linen and wool, which is why it could be the perfect option to add an element of elegance to your home.
Others throughout the world refer to viscose carpets as bamboo silk, banana silk, and rayon. The main benefit of these rugs is they can offer a sleek, clean, and pricey appearance in a budget-friendly way, but certain factors need to be considered, such as the issue of cleaning, when deciding whether to purchase these rugs.
Table of Contents
The beauty of viscose rugs
Viscose rugs are perfect for individuals who still want to acquire the elegance that a rug can offer a room without going over budget. Rugs can be fairly pricey in general, but these rugs are stylistic and can replicate the shine and brilliance of silk rugs and provide you with a sophisticated look while still being less expensive.
A viscose rug’s pile is also remarkably dense, silky, and smooth. Although heat might cause the rug to shrink, it can still provide a luxurious touch to your house if it is stored in a cool, dry area. Viscose has the benefit of being blendable with wool or cotton to make it stronger and more useful for everyday use while retaining its attractive appearance.
Things to keep in mind when buying a viscose rug
Where can you place a viscose rug?
Since viscose rugs are often on the smaller side, they make excellent runners that may be tucked under a side table, a lamp, or next to a bed. Many individuals potentially change viscose carpets into wall hangings to maintain their beauty. A further way to safeguard the fibers of this rug is to walk around the household in slippers or socks.
Are viscose rugs suitable for homes with children and pets?
It’s critical that you keep in mind how sensitive viscose rugs are and recognize that this type of unconventional rug is designed for spaces or lives without children or pets. Despite the fact that the majority of synthetic rugs are made to be durable and stain-resistant, viscose fibers have a tendency to wear out more quickly, and thus, they are not intended for locations with high traffic.
Pros and Cons of viscose rugs
Pros
- Most of the time, viscose rugs resemble silk extremely closely, and you can easily achieve the same luxurious look for a lower and more affordable price. These rugs also come in various patterns and designs that you can use to complement the features and decor of your home. They are also in extreme demand right now because of how they reflect light and add elegance to any space.
- With viscose rugs, you can also achieve an immensely soft and silky texture that will keep you coming back for more. Similar to actual silk rugs, viscose provides the same level of silkiness and comfort.
- Viscose does not absorb heat since it is a poor heat insulator and therefore has a significant edge over other kinds of rugs in terms of heat retention. Viscose rugs can also benefit you in the summer by keeping your floors cool, and thus they may be the best choice for you, whether you reside in a sunny urban neighborhood or near the countryside.
- If worried about the durability of the rug, you could always choose to use the rug as a wall hanging which could increase the visual appeal of your home due to its intricate and unique patterns that can attract the eyes of visitors by adding a touch of luxury to your home.
Cons
- Viscose rugs are made of artificial fibers, and the process of making them involves various chemicals. Thus, if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly choice of rug, viscose rugs may not be a suitable option for you.
- Viscose rugs are also mostly unsuitable for winter as they can get very cold, and if in case they do get wet, the rug can get discolored and start to form yellowish tones in areas where moisture is present. Therefore any water spills can cause the rug to turn shades of yellow, and this rug may not be a good choice for a household with children or pets.
- Viscose rugs also have a reputation for being high maintenance since they often need expensive professional cleaning once a year. Additionally, the fragile fibers of the carpet can break easily due to foot traffic and cause a lot of shedding, so they must be carefully vacuumed to prevent additional damage to the rug. Professional cleaning can also cause the rugs to lose their softness, and they may need to be washed with a softener to get the smoothness of the rug back.
- Typically, these rugs are not long-lasting, especially if they come into contact with liquids. Due to how rapidly they degrade after being stepped on and spilled on, they are also sometimes referred to as disposable rugs. Over time, your rugs are also prone to falling apart as the rayon fibers within them start to break.
The durability of viscose rugs
Viscose rugs are probably not the most long-lasting and sustainable option. However, they are frequently among the top selections in terms of appearance, color assortment, size, and style. If you’re going for only the looks of the carpet, then viscose is a good option, as you can purchase it at a cheaper rate and get a sophisticated look, but you probably would have to replace the rug once it starts to degrade. Viscose also significantly decreases in durability and can lose its aesthetics if moisture builds up or when liquids are split upon it.
Viscose and wool are also frequently combined to produce more attractive and durable rugs, which is why they could be a better option when compared to rugs purely made of viscose. This combination also enhances the overall appearance of the rug.
Maintaining and Cleaning a viscose rug
- Viscose rugs are very vulnerable to water spills, as this can cause them to turn yellow, so a citric or acetic acid solution should be used when cleaning stains. Therefore it’s essential to purchase these while also buying a viscose rug.
- Scrubbing vigorously at a stain will only damage the rug’s fibers, so one must handle the rug gently, blot the stains, and dab at them to remove them.
- Fabric softeners can also be handy when it comes to keeping your rug soft after any cleaning process.
- When drying a rug, it’s crucial never to use direct heat as this can speed up the yellowing process; thus, using cool air to dry the rug would be a better option.
- Professionally cleaning your rugs every 1-2 years can also be beneficial in making the rug last longer.
- Vacuuming is necessary to pick up any shedding caused by the rug, but this must be done at a gentle vacuum setting since forceful vacuuming can damage the rug.
Although viscose rugs are a very controversial topic, with a few who love them and a few who detest them, it is still a versatile fiber that can provide a silky soft texture in various shapes and designs. The crushed velvety texture of viscose can offer you an opulent look while still being budget-friendly, and if this is what you seek, then viscose can be the perfect rug for you. If you’re looking to purchase a more durable and environmentally friendly rug, you might need to look in the direction of other rugs, such as silk and wool.