Viscose: Is it really worth it?

 

Choosing a new carpet or rug for your home can sometimes be quite the overwhelming task. There are a vast amount of materials to choose from it can make your head spin. We’ve already discussed the majority of types of fibers to choose from, but have you ever heard of viscose?

What is Viscose?

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber that is made by taking a natural material, in this case, anything which contains cellulose (wood pulp, soybeans, bamboo, eucalyptus & cotton) and putting it through a chemical process. This is what distinguishes it from polypropylene or nylon, as they are 100% man-made.
These fibers go through an aggressive chemical process to give the look and feel of soft and shiny. What’s interesting is rayon making is incredibly toxic, it’s not even made in the United States anymore. Now, you can find most viscose coming from India.

Viscose carpet and rugs have quite the unique “look and feel” to them. The quality of these fibers is cheap to make, but on the other hand, their purchase price is anything but. Designer brand name artificial silk is being sold at real silk prices, which makes us scratch our heads. What is really so wonderful about this artificial fiber? Honestly, we couldn’t find enough positive characteristics on viscose, but the list of cons…well that was much easier to compile.

BEWARE Viscose stains and wears easily.

The only way to protect your viscose rug or carpet is to have it professionally treated with a stain protector by a carpet cleaning company. Think of viscose like an expensive paper, remember it’s composed of cellulose, how do you think paper withstands stains and high-traffic? Do you like to vacuum frequently?  Then, viscose is not your best bet. Viscose fibers tend to pull and sprout when they are vacuumed. It’s highly recommended to not use beater bar vacuums on viscose, only suction vacuums. When it comes down to it, Viscose is truly not a durable, long-lasting, quality material. Not only do these fibers fray easily, but they flatten when used in high-traffic areas. Viscose is also known for losing its color and turning a “yellowish” hue. Pet stains and water damage will ruin your viscose rug. Viscose fibers that sit in water tend to amount to a great amount of structural damage, and a dark yellowing. Store-bought spot cleaners should not be used on viscose rugs since most will damage the fibers. If viscose fibers happen to take a spill, always remember to blot and never scrub the soiled area. Since these fibers are so delicate, scrubbing will only cause further damage to your carpet or rug.

You might be asking yourself why are viscose rugs so expensive? Well, why are companies in business… to make money. If something is trendy, then manufacturers can absolutely upcharge on their product. But, it’s up to the consumer to do diligent research, especially if you’re about to make an expensive purchase that will be walked on in your household.