Rayon

Rayon is a manufactured regenerated cellulosic fiber, produced from naturally occurring polymers. It is known by the names viscose rayon and art silk in the textile industry. It usually has a high luster giving it a bright shine.

If the rug you are cleaning is rayon, wet clean VERY cautiously! Rayon loses 50-70% of its strength when wet and rayon rugs frequently bleed severely. Pre-test for dye stability. Because of its poor durability, high absorbency, poor dimensional stability, tendency to fade and its tendency to strongly shrink, rayon is a very poor choice for rug fiber. Rayon is easily damaged by spotters containing alcohol, such as APS™ All Purpose Spotter. Also, remember that "art silk" or "faux silk" is actually rayon!

I.D. burn test for rayon: Rayon scorches and ignites readily with an approaching flame. In the flame, burns rapidly with a blue flame. When withdrawn from the flame, continues to burn rapidly with a red afterglow when the flame is extinguished. Smells like burning paper, leaves a gray to charcoal color light feathery ash.

Related Articles and Information:

• Fiber Identification
• Fiber Chemistry
• Rug Care