Rayon Viscose Rugs

Cautions:

1. Test and inspect rug. Complete pre-inspection form and photograph rug. Note all
pre-Existing conditions, including:

2. Look for yarn slippage.

3. Document texture issues.

4. Look for yellowing and other discolorations.

5. Test for bleeding and crocking.

6. These rugs often become stiff and change texture if not washed with proper chemistry
and procedures.

7. Avoid any aggressive dusting. Do NOT air dust.

8. Must have customer sign a release of liability waiver before washing.

Cleaning procedures:

1. Gently dust or vacuum with care.

2. Wet out rug with cool water and Rayon Rug Shampoo mixed at two ounces per gallon.
Apply to both sides of rug. Allow two or three minutes of dwell time.

3. If colors/dyes crock off, apply Dye Release heavily.

4. Apply Rayon Rug Shampoo mixed at eight ounces per gallon. Apply to both sides,
including fringes.

5. Work in with rotary, Cimex, hand brush or other method, to shampoo into rug.

6. Rinse with cold, clear water until rinse water is clear.
7. Squeegee, roll, ring out, extract, centrifuge or use other method to remove as much
excess water as reasonably possible.

8. Groom pile with the primary lay of the pile.

9. Speed dry the rug. Rayon is very slow drying and some will brown or discolor during
drying. Speed dry as soon as possible. Dry upside down to prevent browning to the face.
If hanging to dry, ensure proper spacing to avoid rugs flapping against one another.

10. After drying, groom again, going with the primary and secondary lay of the pile.

11. If the rug pile is stiff or distorted, lightly apply Silky Soft Solution and groom again. If
yarn slippage is an issue, use the hand wash brush for silk to groom.

12. Tactfully advise the customer to never buy rayon rugs again.

Additional information:

It is important to understand that there is a wide variety of rayon fibers. Your cleaning results will vary from one type of rayon to another. There are three different methods of manufacturing rayon, with some subgroups. Let us discuss a few.

Viscose method:
Viscose rayon uses carbon disulfite during manufacturing and is very damaging to people (neurotoxin) and the environment. Viscose often contains lignin, leading to discoloration during the drying phase. Viscose becomes very weak when wet. No one should ever buy viscose.

Cuprammonium (cupro) method:
Cupro Is another process used to make rayon. Cupro does use some toxic chemistry (copper sulfate ,ammonia, sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide) which are all recycled in most manufacturing plants, so much better than carbon disulfide used in the viscose method. Cupro is more silk like than any of the other rayon types. Cupro is also being called “vegan silk” or Bemberg silk to con people into buying more rayon. Bemberg is a brand-name for cupro. Just because you can make cupro rayon safe for the environment, does not mean that all manufacturers make it in an environmentally safe way. Remember that rayon is the worlds cheapest and weakest fiber, and many manufacturers cut corners to make it.

Polynosic rayon:
Polynosic rayon is a subtype of viscose. So very undesirable for all. However it is easier to clean than standard viscose. Viscose rayon gets weaker when wet, this makes wet cleaning very difficult, even damaging. The polynosic method of making viscose creates a stronger form of viscose. Polynosic viscose has a higher degree of polymerization than ordinary viscose. Polynosic viscose has about 55% polymerization as compared to only about 40% polymerization in ordinary viscose. Modal is a brand name for polynosic viscose. Much easier to work with than ordinary viscose when wet cleaning.

Lyocell method:
The lyocell process of making rayon does not use carbon disulfide, or other toxic chemicals, It uses 4-methylmorpholine 4-oxide so it does not harm people or the environment. Also, it does not contain lignin, the lyocell method removes all of the lignin. So, far less problems with discoloration during drying.

A brand name for lyocell process is Tensell . The lyocell method makes the best type of rayon. Better for you the cleaner, better for the environment and better for your clients. So for those who insist on buying rayon, insist on recommending the lyocell method of making rayon.

Sources:
Textile fibers, dyes, finishes, and processes a concise guide. Howard L. Needles.
Textiles in perspective. Betty F. Smith/Ira Block.
Essentials of textiles. Marjory L. Joseph.