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Stains can be irksome and unsightly; however, it can be quite easy to remove those unattractive stains from your rug.
The most significant thing when removing stains is to do so as soon as possible - preferably when the stain gets on the rug. Otherwise the stain becomes a lot harder to remove from the rug.
Liquid Stains
Stains from liquids should not be scrubbed. Remove liquid stains with blots. Use a white towel, or a white piece of kitchen paper and blot the stain until the excess liquid is removed. Then rinse the spot with water and blot again with the paper towel, or the cloth until dry. Repeat this until you have cleaned the stain, but never rub the rug as this will cause damage to the fibres.
Semi Solids
If you manage to get a semi solid stain on your rug, such as peanut butter, mince meat, or some other such item then remove the stain with a knife, or something with a flat surface. You should be left with a liquid stain, in which case follow the liquid stain procedure of blot and rinse as above.
Dry Stains
Dry solids should be allowed to dry to the carpet and then just break them up into pieces, or dust and vacuum up. If there is a stain on the ground, then follow the liquid stain removal procedure.
Using Products
Though you should always try water first, there are times that a stain is irremovable. In that situation you will need to use a cleaning product. Cleaning products do damage carpets in nearly all cases and are generally caustic. These remove dye from the carpet over time and can damage the fibres - however, they do work well and are quite efficient.
Stain removers are often created for specific stains and so are to be used with those stains Read the label of your remover before purchase. When using such removers test them first on an unseen area for dye transfer. Do this by placing an amount on the area and then leave it to soak into a white cloth - if the color changes, there is stain transfer and you should use a different stain remover.
If you do use the remover, use a white cloth to apply from the outside of the stain inwards. Leave the stain for a few minutes and blot after a few minutes. Repeat this procedure until the solution is removed. This is essential as a remover left in your rugs will damage them in the long term. If you're finding it hard to remove all removers, use a stack with a weight placed on top to dry up the last of the water, or use a fan to aid drying. When you are finished, use your vacuum to suck up the excess remover from the carpet.
By following this procedure you should be able to remove most, if not all stains and still avoid problems with damage to your rugs.
Cormac Reynolds is a freelance writer who currently works for British Antique Replicas who build antique reproduction furniture including sideboards, bookcases and large replica dining tables.
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