Stain Removal

Rug Cleaning

Every day accidents happen, but it doesn’t mean that your rug’s appearance has to suffer. Here are 6 easy steps to ensure your rug doesn’t pay the price of mishaps.



  • Act Fast
  • BLOT — NEVER RUB
  • Clean stain – Edge to Center
  • Do Not SOAK
  • Pat and Fan Dry
  • Brush Pile


You have to move fast when spills happen, which means you should keep a little box containing the following close at hand at all times: dry cleaning fluid, club soda, cotton cloths, white vinegar, mild dishwashing detergent (containing no alkalis or bleaches), alcohol, 3% hydrogen peroxide, clothes brush, household ammonia, salt and nail polish remover (acetone).


Scoop or scrape off solid stains with a spoon or blunt knife. Blot up excess spills with paper towels. Don’t rub, as this will spread the stain. You want the opposite of the ripple effect, working the stain from the edge to the center.


This will hopefully contain the stain and not affect the rest of the rug. Always apply antidote with a clean cloth. Do not soak the stain with cleaning solution. The less moisture the better. Then pat excess moisture with paper towels and dry with a fan or hand blow dryer, preferably on a low heat setting. Finally, to restore the pile, brush it with a soft brush. On old and stubborn stains, repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.

Special Stains:


Chewing Gum – Press ice cubes against spot until it becomes brittle and breaks off. Use spot remover to vanish last traces. Saturate the spot with a cloth soaked in vinegar or alcohol.


Candle Wax – Place a brown paper bag over the spot. Place a hot iron over the paper bag. Move iron constantly. Wait a few minutes until the wax is absorbed. Repeat if necessary.


Ink from ballpoint pen – Saturate the spot with hairspray. Allow to dry. Blot lightly with vinegar solution.

Make sure to blot after every step!

Key to Cleaning Methods


Method A: Detergent–Vinegar–Detergent–Water

Method B: Cleaning Fluids–Detergent–Water–Ammonia–Detergent–Water

Method C: Detergent–Vinegar–Ammonia–Detergent–Water

Method D: Detergent–Ammonia–Detergent–Water

Method E: Detergent–Water

Method F: Detergent–Ammonia–Vinegar–Detergent

Method G: Salt–Water–Detergent–Water


Detergent Solution: 1 tsp dishwashing liquid + 1 cup water

Ammonia Solution: 1 oz ammonia + 1 cup water

Vinegar Solution: 1 part vinegar + 2 parts water

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