Washing silk rugs?

Marvin Amstey · January 18th, 2019, 06:20 PM

We've been using a shop vac on wool rugs for decades

Rich Larkin · January 22nd, 2019, 03:56 AM

For a squeegee, I have had good luck with a length (ca. 10-12 inches) of hardwood flooring. Maple is the best, but I have used other woods. Go over the straight, sharp edge with a fine sandpaper. Plane it along the top of the (wet, soapy) pile in the direction of the pile, maintaining steady, controlled pressure. It pushes a lot of dirt-laden water out of the piece while avoiding the tendency of many squeegees to grab at and pull fibers.

I have never tried it on silk.

Steve Pendleton · February 6th, 2019, 06:02 PM

Good outcome! For reference, the method was a day-long, passive soak in cold water and Orvis, light-tough squeegee after rinse, air-dry on a rack open and supporting underneath. No issues. Increases the silky sheen, probably because the squeegee aligned the fibers. Thanks to all!

Steve

Ian Strange · February 12th, 2020, 05:56 PM

I've used the shower on its powerful setting on small wool on wool flatweaves, followed by a quick soak in mild detergent and a final powerful showering until the water runs clear, then dry outdoors over the back of an uptilted garden chair. Works fine.

February 6th, 2019, 06:02 PM	#3
Steve Pendleton Members Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4	Good result, memo of method Good outcome! For reference, the method was a day-long, passive soak in cold water and Orvis, light-tough squeegee after rinse, air-dry on a rack open and supporting underneath. No issues. Increases the silky sheen, probably because the squeegee aligned the fibers. Thanks to all! Steve

January 18th, 2019, 06:20 PM	#1
Marvin Amstey Members Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fairport, NY Posts: 38	We've been using a shop vac on wool rugs for decades

January 22nd, 2019, 03:56 AM	#2
Rich Larkin Members Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 130	For a squeegee, I have had good luck with a length (ca. 10-12 inches) of hardwood flooring. Maple is the best, but I have used other woods. Go over the straight, sharp edge with a fine sandpaper. Plane it along the top of the (wet, soapy) pile in the direction of the pile, maintaining steady, controlled pressure. It pushes a lot of dirt-laden water out of the piece while avoiding the tendency of many squeegees to grab at and pull fibers. I have never tried it on silk.

February 12th, 2020, 05:56 PM	#4
Ian Strange Members Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: London, England Posts: 3	I've used the shower on its powerful setting on small wool on wool flatweaves, followed by a quick soak in mild detergent and a final powerful showering until the water runs clear, then dry outdoors over the back of an uptilted garden chair. Works fine.