Silk Rug Cleaning in Memphis, TN.
Memphis's specialist silk rug cleaner — cool-water, low-pH methods for Hereke, Qom, and fine Tabriz silk.
Cleaning silk rugs continuously since 1881.
Same family, same standards, four generations of craft.
Listed by the Oriental Rug Buyers Guide as one of the country's top rug cleaners.
Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, Memphis chapter.
Silk rug specialists are rare anywhere in the country, and that's particularly true in the Mid-South. Memphis silk rug owners — and there are more than people realize, including significant pieces in Central Gardens, Chickasaw Gardens, and the heritage homes of East Memphis — often have to ship pieces out of state for proper cleaning. Fred Remmers has been doing specialist silk work in Memphis since 1881. We use cool-water, low-pH methods, dye testing on every color, and controlled-humidity drying that protects silk's characteristic luster.
Silk is the most demanding fiber in the rug world. Hand-spun, naturally lustrous, capable of holding two to three times the knot density of wool — and structurally weaker when wet. Standard rug-cleaning methods on a silk Hereke or Qom permanently dull the sheen, can cause irreversible color bleeding, and weaken silk fibers. Our silk method is fundamentally different: cool water (never hot), low-pH chemistry (never alkaline), shortened wash cycles, gentle hand agitation, and controlled-humidity drying.
Free pick-up across West Tennessee, Northwest Mississippi, and East Arkansas. Most rugs are returned within 7 days from pick-up. We provide a written estimate before any work begins.
Specialist methods for every silk tradition.
Each silk tradition has specific requirements. We adapt the method for each.
Hereke (Turkish)
The most prestigious Turkish silk tradition. Often 600–1,200 knots per square inch on silk foundation. The most conservative cleaning approach we offer.
Qom (Iranian)
Full-silk Iranian masterworks, often museum-quality. Fine knot density and sensitive dyes require the most demanding cleaning approach.
Tabriz silk
Some of the finest pieces from Tabriz are full-silk or silk-on-silk construction. Standard Tabriz methods are too aggressive for silk.
Kashmir silk
Fine silk on cotton foundation, often modern (post-1950) Indian production. Requires silk-specific cleaning approach.
Silk-highlighted oriental
Many fine Persians, Turks, and Indians use silk highlights in an otherwise wool rug. Silk areas treated with silk-specific care.
Art silk (viscose/bamboo)
Sold as silk but actually cellulose fiber. Cannot be wet-cleaned without damage. We identify correctly and recommend dry methods only.
Free pick-up across Memphis and surrounding areas.
- Memphis
- Germantown
- Collierville
- Cordova
- Bartlett
- Millington
- Arlington
- Lakeland
- Eads
- Ellendale
- Brunswick
- Munford
- Atoka
- Drummonds
- Rossville
- Oakland
- Mason
- Brighton
- Southaven
- Olive Branch
- Horn Lake
- Hernando
- Walls
- Nesbit
- Lake Cormorant
- Coldwater
- Byhalia
- Holly Springs
- Red Banks
- West Memphis
- Marion
- Crawfordsville
- Earle
- Edmondson
- Heth
- Hughes
- Joiner
- Marked Tree
- Tyronza
- Turrell
Common questions about silk rug cleaning in Memphis.
Where in Memphis do you offer silk rug pick-up?
Free pick-up across Memphis, Germantown, Cordova, Collierville, Bartlett, Olive Branch, Southaven, and the wider Mid-South. Silk pieces receive specialist handling throughout pick-up, cleaning, and delivery.
Why does silk rug cleaning need specialized methods?
Silk fibers are protein-based and weakened by hot water, alkaline chemistry, and aggressive agitation — all routine in standard rug cleaning. Improper cleaning permanently dulls silk's characteristic luster.
Memphis humidity — is it bad for silk rugs?
Humidity affects silk more than wool. Improper drying causes watermarks, dye migration, and luster loss. Our controlled-humidity drying room and conservative drying schedule are specifically designed to protect silk in the Memphis climate.
How do I know if my rug is silk or art silk?
True silk has a soft, cool feel and distinctive luster that shifts with light angle. Art silk (viscose, bamboo silk) is cellulose fiber that mimics silk's appearance but behaves very differently when wet. We identify non-destructively during inspection.
Will cleaning damage the silk sheen?
Properly performed silk cleaning will not damage the sheen — in fact, it usually restores brilliance that has dulled from accumulated soil. Sheen damage happens only with hot water, high-pH chemistry, or aggressive agitation — none of which we use on silk.
Available across five metros.
Free pick-up and delivery in every city we serve. Tap a city for local details and your nearest phone number.