Rug Maintenance: Dealing with Stains and Spills
Removing stains and spills from rugs is a common challenge many homeowners face. From a pet accident to a spilled glass of red wine or a dropped plate of spaghetti made in marinara sauce, trying to get out these stains can make you crazy.
The first rule of stain and spill removal from rugs is to act fast. The longer the spill stays on the carpet, unblotted and uncleaned, the more difficult it will become to clean. While vacuuming regularly allows you to keep your rug’s beauty intact, the beating they take from the high foot traffic can only be fixed with mild soap and water.
A Few Things to Consider Before Cleaning Spills and Stains
- It’s important to determine the nature of the stain before trying a cleaning method.
- ALWAYS gently blot the stain with a clean paper towel. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the rug fibres and damages the colours
- Start cleaning from the outside and move inwards to prevent the stain from spreading.
- Do not oversoak the stain.
- Use a plastic spatula to pick up semi-solids. Using a tissue in this situation will mash the semi-solid into the fibres, worsening the stain.
- When using a commercial stain remover, follow the instructions carefully
- Always test the DIY solution or the commercial cleaner on a hidden area of the rug first to ensure any adverse reaction is out of sight
- Apply rug protector to lift out stains easily
Now that you know the basics of cleaning rug stains, let’s take a look at DIY remedies that remove specific stubborn stains:
Dish Soap and Water
- Mix a solution of one teaspoon of mild dish soap or detergent with one cup of warm water
- Soak a cloth in it and squeeze out excess water
- Blot the stain gently in circles
- Use a sponge to soak up any residue
- Keep repeating until the stain is gone
- Gently dab the area with a new cloth soaked in clean water
- Use a hairdryer to dry the surface
*This method is most effective for coffee and wine spills.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
If the stain is stubborn, bring out the kitchen superheroes: Baking soda and vinegar.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water.
- Pour a small amount of the solution on the stain and blot it with a paper towel
- Sprinkle baking soda on it and allow the mixture to fizz
- Let the mixture sit overnight
- Vacuum the baking soda and clean the area with warm water
*This method is most effective for pet accidents and greasy stains.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Since hydrogen peroxide is a strong chemical, testing it on an old carpet is important.
- Mix one part hydrogen peroxide and three parts water
- Apply the mixture to the stain and leave it in place for an hour
- Blot it with a paper towel and rinse with water
*This method is best for tough stains such as tomato sauce.
Club Soda
On those tipsy girls' nights when you spill a little red wine on the carpet, having club soda in your refrigerator will be a blessing. Simply open the bottle and pour it on the stain. Blot the area gently with a paper towel, then clean it with dish soap and water.
Ice for Gum
If you have children, you are probably always worried about your rugs being damaged. From candies to gum and juices, nothing is off-limits. The good news is that an ice cube will help you remove that gum in no time. Just rub the area with ice until the gum hardens. Scarpe it gently using a plastic card. This method can also be applied to wax.
And that’s how you keep your rugs pristine! Rug maintenance for spills can be easily handled if you act fast. We recommend making a rug cleaning kit so that you have all the supplies in one place for a quick cleanup.
Discover the perfect rug for your home today! You can shop now for exquisite rugs at The Rugs website. The online shop offers different types of rugs under various categories, including Scandinavian, Oriental, Moroccan, etc. Check out our Fashion & Lifestyle blog for inspiration on decorating your room with the right colour rug. For more information, talk to our online customer service representative live.
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