Rug Cleaning Guide
A rug can be a purchase for a lifetime and for generations if cared for properly.
The information contained herein offers simple, basic tips on cleaning and protecting your investment.
These cleaning tips are merely suggestions and you may wish to contact your rug cleaning professional for advice.
Depending on foot traffic, your rug will need periodic washing by a rug cleaning professional.
- Rotate your rug periodically for even wear.
- Vacuum on a regular basis. Be careful of fringe and the height of the beater bar. Consider not using the beater bar.
- Use a quality underlayment, pad or cushion to allow for cleaning and prevent slippage.
Blotting Stains
When stains occur, dilute with water. Do not soak the area. Work quickly, do not allow stains to set. Blot from the edge of the spill towards the center using a clean white patter towel or cloth. Avoid as much as possible, avoid rubbing the area or pushing the stain further into the pile. For semi-solid or solid spills, use a spoon to scoop up as much as possible. Allow to air dry or dry with a fan or hair dryer. Avoid excess heat if a hair dryer is used. Once the area is dry, brush pile lightly with a brush to restore texture.
You never know when a spill will occur. To expedite the clean-up, please consider keeping the following items in a small kit for this purpose.
- Clean white cloth
- A soft bristle brush, like a clothes brush
- Mild detergent, it must not contain bleach or alkali
- White vinegar
- Dry cleaning fluid
- Weak ammonia
- Clean sponge
- Alcohol
- Glycerin
Use the following Stain Removal Index and Procedures Guide as a cross reference.
| Staining Agent | Procedure # | Staining Agent | Procedure # |
| Acid | 4 | Lacquer | 2 |
| Alcoholic Beverage | 1 | Lard | 4 |
| Ammonia or Alkali | 1 | Lipstick | 1 |
| Beer | 5 | Machine Oil | 2 |
| Berries | 5 | Mayonnaise | 2 |
| Bleach | 4 | Mercurochrome | 5 |
| Blood | 2 | Merthiolate | 5 |
| Butter | 1 | Metal Polish | 1 |
| Candy | 2 | Milk | 1 |
| Carbon Black | 2 | Mixed Drinks | 5 |
| Catsup | 1 | Mud | 1 |
| Charcoal | 1 | Mustard | 5 |
| Coffee | 2 | Perfume | 1 |
| Cosmetics | 3 | Salad Dressing | 2 |
| Crayon | 3 | Sauce | 1 |
| Creme de menthe | 5 | Shortening | 1 |
| Dye, Blue or Black | 2 | Soft Drink | 2 |
| Dye, Red | 2 | Soy Sauce | 5 |
| Egg | 2 | Starch | 2 |
| Excrement | 5 | Tar | 2 |
| Fish Slime | 5 | Tea | 5 |
| Fruit Juice | 1 | Toothpaste | 1 |
| Fruit Juice | 5 | Urine | 5 |
| Furniture Polish | 5 | Varnish | 2 |
| Gravy | 1 | Vaseline | 2 |
| Hair Oil | 2 | Vomit | 2 |
| Hair Spray | 2 | Washable Ink | 1 |
| Hand Lotion | 2 | Wine | 5 |
| Ice Cream | 2 |
Procedures Guide, One through Five
| Procedure #1 | Procedure #2 | Procedure #3 | Procedure #4 | Procedure #5 |
| Use Detergent/Blot | Use Cleaning Fluid/Blot | Use Detergent/Blot | Use Detergent/Blot | Use Detergent/Blot |
| Use Vinegar/Blot | Use Detergent/Blot | Use Vinegar/Blot | Use Ammonia/Blot | Use Ammonia/Blot |
| Use Detergent/Blot | Use Water/Blot | Use Ammonia/Blot | Use Detergent/Blot | Use Vinegar/Blot |
| Use Water/Blot | Use Ammonia/Blot | Use Detergent/Blot | Use Water/Blot | Use Detergent/Blot |
| Use Detergent/Blot | Use Water/Blot | Use Water/Blot | ||
| Use Water/Blot |
Procedure to Remove Wax
Put a blotter or white paper bag over the spot. Place a medium hot iron over the blotter/paper. Wait a few minutes for the wax to heat and be absorbed into the paper/blotter. Repeat if necessary. Move the iron constantly and do not let it stay in one place or over-heat the rug fabric.
Procedure to Remove Ink
Saturate the spot with hair spray. Allow it to dry. Brush lightly with a solution of detergent, water and vinegar as in procedure #1.
Procedure to Remove Glue
Saturate the spot with a cloth soaked in vinegar or alcohol. Then use procedure #1.
Procedure to Remove Chewing Gum
Press ice cubes against the spot. Wait until the gum becomes brittle and breaks off in pieces. Use spot remover to assist in getting the last traces of the gum. Then use Procedure #2.
