A good rug can transform the appearance of an entire home. However, there are many different styles of rugs out there, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the ways wool and silk rugs differ to help you make your decision. If you’re looking for exceptional rug cleaning services in Las Vegas, choose Oriental Express. We’ll give your prized furnishings the finest treatment that they deserve.
The first thing you’ll likely look at when shopping for an area rug is the price. As one of the most common styles available on the market, wool rugs can range in cost. Some wool rugs are less than $100, while others can be as much as five figures. With that said, wool rugs are typically more affordable than their silk counterparts. Keep in mind that you will get what you pay for, so a cheap wool rug won’t have the same level of quality as something in a higher price range.
If you’ve looked around at different silk rugs, you’ve likely noticed two different styles: 100 percent silk and wool/silk blends. Regardless of the makeup of the rug, when you include silk into the picture, the price will go up. Not only is this due to the costs of the material itself, but it also comes down to a higher knot count per square inch. Silk rugs have long been prized possessions of royalty, which also adds to their value and cost.
As the most commonly used material for oriental hand-woven rugs, you are more likely to see wool as the predominant material used. This is thanks to how easy it is to source wool and how widely available it is. The quality of the wool will depend on a variety of factors, including the age and breed of the sheep, the diet they ate, and climate where the sheep hail from. An additional reason why wool is used more than other materials comes down to its status as a renewable resource. Just be sure you’re not allergic to wool before you purchase one (or a silk/wool blend rug for that matter.)
The process of harvesting silk is much more difficult and extensive than that of wool. Most often harvested from certain types of insect larvae, such as silkworms, the fiber is extracted from the larva’s cocoon. This requires a lot of larvae and a lot of time to produce enough silk to be a viable material. With this process requiring so much more effort, that leads to silk rugs costing more. Silk/wool blend rugs are therefore produced to achieve a similar aesthetic while reducing the price when possible. Some rug manufacturers will utilize bamboo silk, created from bamboo cellulose, to improve the process while maintaining the look of traditional silk.
With thick and strong pile, wool rugs are exceptionally durable. This makes them an ideal option for spaces that get a lot of use. They also have a natural resistance to stains, spills, and can stand up to foot traffic quite well. With an expected lifespan of over 50 years, wool rugs can be a long-lasting statement piece in your home for years to come, as long as you keep up with their maintenance. Additionally, wool rugs are less susceptible to dust mites and are fire resistant.
While silk is certainly strong as a natural fiber, silk rugs themselves are actually quite delicate. They should be kept in rooms that don’t receive a lot of foot traffic to keep them in good shape. To preserve a silk rug as long as possible, you can hang it on your wall as a tapestry. Silk rugs will get dirty faster than wool rugs. With that said, a bamboo silk rug blended with wool will be more durable than traditional silk rugs, making them a more practical option for most homes.
While wool rugs may be more durable and resistant to damage, that doesn’t mean you can ignore their upkeep. It’s important that you vacuum your wool rug twice a month to prevent dirt from becoming embedded in small air pockets. When dirt is left to build up, it won’t just affect how the rug looks, it can also wreak havoc on someone with allergies. Take care to not over-vacuum your wool rug, as it can pull wool fibers apart and out of the rug, which damages it.
When silk gets wet, it can lose up to 20 percent of its strength. Along with that, cleaning supplies, hot water, and steam can all damage a silk rug’s fibers permanently. As with wool rugs, you should vacuum a silk rug twice a month, only using a brushless vacuum head to prevent damage. Although there is a classic image of taking a rug outside to beat it, this is not recommended due to how delicate silk is. Sweep gently with a broom or softly shake it outside instead. In the event it is stained, soak up the stain as quickly as possible. For best results, use a professional cleaner (like Oriental Express) to ensure it is cleaned properly.
Their durability, ease of maintenance, and affordability make wool rugs a perfect option for someone on a budget.
There is a reason why silk rugs have been valued for so long; they are exceptionally stunning and carry an air of elegance.
Whether you choose wool or silk for your new area rug, you need to make sure it is being cleaned properly. Don’t just trust any carpet cleaning company. Choose the Las Vegas rug cleaning experts at Oriental Express. With nearly four decades of experience, you can count on us to treat your prized furnishings with respect and care. Call today to learn more.
