Spot Cleaning Area Rugs

The steps for cleaning stains from your area rug can vary greatly depending on the type of stain. For the best chance of success in removing a stain find the type of stain in the chart below and follow the appropriate steps from the Type of Treatment list. The cleaning agents in the type of treatment list are at the end of the article. No method of cleaning guarantees that the stain will come out, but these steps should give you your best shot. If the stain persists after following the instructions below, consult a carpet cleaning professional specializing in area rugs.

Type of Treatment

1. Add cold water and blot
2. Detergent solution created from mixing one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm (not hot) water or WoolClean Dry Spot Remover #1*
3. Methylated mineral spirits, turpentine, or WoolClean Dry Spot Remover #2*
4. Chill with aerosol freezing agent or ice cubes in a plastic bag. Pick or scrape off gum.
5. Warm water
6. Clean nail polish remover (preferably acetone)
7. Isopropyl alcohol
8. Rust remover
9. Absorbent powder (e.g., salt, talc or WoolClean Absorb-ItTM*)
10. Absorbent cleaner (Host®, Capture®, or Dri-Matic®)

Cleaning Agents for Spot Removal

Detergent Solution

•  Mix one teaspoon of clear dish washing liquid or detergent powder (containing no bleaches or strong alkalies) with a cup of warm (not hot) water. This solution must be well rinsed with clear water. WoolClean Spot Remover #1 is part of the WoolClean Spot Removal Kit.*

•  Absorbent Cleaners Host®, Capture®, or Dri-Matic®

Ammonia Solution

•  Mix one tablespoon clear ammonia (3% solution) with one half cup water. This solution must be neutralized with vinegar solution.

Vinegar Solution

•  Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water

Solvent

•  A dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores) such as Carbona®, Energine®, or K2R® (chemically known as 1.1.1 Tricloroethane preferred).

Absorbent Cleaners

•  Host®, Capture®, and Dri-Matic®

Spot Cleaning Area Rugs is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

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