WORKING WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAINS.
• PET STAINS
Many pet owners are faced with the challenge of cleaning up a mess from their adored pet. There are methods and substances that can rid the odour acquainted with these types of accidents, and remove the carpet stains entirely. First, clean up the initial mess. If there is debris on the rug, pick it up with gloves and dispose of it. If it is wet, simply use the blot method. If the stain has already dried on the rug fibres, the best way to is to moisten it. Then apply a rug stain cleaning product specifically formulated for pet stains. Many cleaning products come with odour control. To neutralize the odour try using white vinegar (you may also substitute white vinegar for white wine) to perform this action. Simply mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with a quart of warm water and spritz on the stain. Allow the vinegar spray to soak for several minutes and then proceed with the blot technique until stain is gone and spot is dry.
• COFFEE STAINS
Coffee stains can leave your handmade rug looking filthy if not treated properly. Dry the spot by blotting with a dry white towel. Apply the mixture of vinegar, water, and a gentle, non-bleach detergent first with the spritzer method, rinse, and repeat. There are several products that are sold in stores for these type of stains. Always perform a patch test to assure no damage from chemicals will present themselves. Use as directed and beware some chemicals are harmful to the skin so wear gloves as a precaution when using these stain removing products.
• BLOOD STAINS
When treating blood spots on rugs, always use cold water instead of warm or hot water. This is important because blood coagulates with heat, and cold will prevent the blood from permeating into the rug fibres. Fill a spritzer bottle with 2 tsp. of a grease-fighting, liquid dish detergent and cold water, then spray on the stain. Liberally moisten it so that the rug stain is entirely soaked. Then use a paper towel or a dry white cloth to blot the spot so that the blood is transferred to the cloth. Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary. After several tries, your custom rug should look like new again.
• INK STAINS
Dampen a clean white cloth with isopropyl alcohol and then proceed by dabbing the wet cloth on the ink stained rug. Be careful not to rub or scrub! This could cause the ink spot to spread. Let it stand for a few minutes and then use a liquid friendly vacuum to remove the excess moisture. You may need to treat the rug stain with the alcohol again. Also some hair sprays work, nail polish removers, and other things that contain high contents of alcohols (even white wines and vinegars may be used.) When using any of these chemicals, rinse with water, then blot or vacuum dry until spot is dry. Be sure to always perform a test on a small area of the rug to make sure these cleaning solutions will not lead to further damage on certain types of rugs.
Most of these techniques and procedures use household chemicals, cleaners and supplies to remove stains. If none of these prove to be fruitful, it is best to consult professional rug cleaners. If your home has wall to wall carpeting or your rug gets a lot of use, have your custom rug professionally deep cleaned once a year by a cleaner.
