We recommend professional cleaning and restoration as the safest and most prudent choice in remedying spills, stains and accidents. However, if at the time it is not practical to seek professional aid and after reviewing our guide you feel comfortable and confident, you may wish to try your hand at restoration.
- Attend to accidents promptly.
- Blot or scoop area with an absorbent [white] cotton towel, paper towel or spoon and remove as much as possible.
- Test a small inconspicuous area first.
- Use cool water; warm water when directed; never hot water.
- Use the least amount of liquid, don’t saturate; place a towel on reverse side.
- Blot, don’t rub back and forth; no brushing or scrubbing.
- Work from outside edges of spot inward to the center.
- Use recommended solutions in moderation.
Remember this is not a substitute for professional Oriental Rug Cleaning. For more rug maintenance and care tips click on Oriental Rug Care Guide.
How to Treat, Reduce or Remove Common Spills, Stains and Spots
Use the following materials in the order as listed:
Adhesive
nail polish remover, rinse warm water
Beer
dishwashing liquid, vinegar
Blood
cool water & blot, detergent, ammonia, detergent, rust remover, hydrogen peroxide
Candle wax
freeze with ice, crack & remove pieces, hot iron w/absorbent towel to remove residue
Catsup
detergent, ammonia, detergent, hydrogen peroxide
Chewing gum
freeze with ice, crack & remove pieces
Chocolate
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, detergent
Coffee
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, detergent
Crayon
repeat [oil remover, alcohol], dishwashing liquid
Egg
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, repeat [cool water rinse], detergent
Fruit jelly
dishwashing liquid, vinegar, detergent
Furniture dye
alcohol, oil remover, alcohol, dishwashing liquid
Glue-water base
water rinse, detergent
Gravy
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar, detergent
Grease
repeat [oil remover], dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar
Ice cream
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar, detergent, alcohol
Ink-ballpoint
alcohol, oil remover, rust remover [if necessary]
Ink-India
alcohol, oil remover, dishwashing liquid, ammonia
Lipstick
oil remover, alcohol, dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar
Marker pen
alcohol, oil remover, dishwashing liquid, ammonia
Mildew
detergent, ammonia
Milk
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, detergent, alcohol
Mud
allow to dry, vacuum, dishwashing liquid, ammonia, oil remover
Mustard
dishwashing liquid, vinegar, detergent, rust remover
Nail polish
nail polish remover, alcohol, oil remover, ammonia, vinegar
Oil
repeat [alcohol, oil remover], dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar
Paint-water base
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, oil remover
Rust
rust remover, water rinse
Soft drink
detergent, ammonia, vinegar
Soot [smoke]
alcohol, dishwashing liquid, ammonia
Shoe polish
repeat [alcohol, oil remover]
Tar
repeat [alcohol, oil remover]
Toothpaste
dishwashing liquid, vinegar, ammonia
Urine
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar, water rinse, rust remover, hydrogen peroxide
Wine
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, water rinse