Help! There’s a Stain in My Oriental Persian Carpet!

Okay, so you can probably tell from the length of this answer, it’s delicate, complicated work that demands patience and care, sooooo if you’ve managed to get something icky on your Persian rug, it would probably be best to just give Stone Surface Specialists a call right off the bat and have us take care of it for you – 801 856 0164.

If you are determined to forge ahead courageously before caving and handing it over to our expert hands, here are some tips and suggestions for removing stains……

What is it made from?

Most oriental rugs are made from wool, but some particularly finicky specimens are made from silk. Which probably sounded great at the time (who wouldn’t want to walk on silky silk??) But (and it’s a Big But), silk is incredibly tricky to clean and really should be cleaned with expertise and solvents. I wouldn’t suggest touching a stained silk rug with a bargepole – this would be the time to immediately call us, no exceptions.

Read the Instructions

It’s always a good idea to read the instructions. And yes, I know – the fact that I’ve included a section instructing you to read the instructions is slightly ironic, but if we’re being honest here, we know both of us probably think we know it all already and are more likely to use the instruction booklet as a coaster.

Anyway, I digress – the point is, unless they’re in Turkish, start by reading the instructions and then always use the gentlest cleaning method you can. This is not a time for elbow grease; it’s a time for soft talking and gentle coaxing of your sensitive little doormat. After all, rugs have feelings too.

Damage Control

Okay, so, silk aside, you’re standing at the ready with your rubber gloves and trusty bucket. At least, mentally you stand ready, with metaphorical gloves and bucket.

1. All spills should be dealt with immediately.
2. Carefully remove any debris or material. Be sure to lift it up, not brush it off.
3. Absorb whatever liquid is spilled on the rug with a clean white absorbent cloth.
4. Use a gentle blotting motion to remove as much as you can.
5. Avoid scrubbing at all costs – it’ll just grind the stain further into the rug.

Absorbing a Stain using Talcum Powder

1. Sprinkle plain talcum powder on the stained area.
2. Let the talcum powder rest on the rug until dry.
3. Vacuum up.
4. If the stain remains, move to the next cleaning solution.

Dissolve the Stain with Plain Water

1. Fill a spray bottle with plain warm water (or use a deep cleaner like I mentioned above).
2. Lightly mist the area.
3. Start at the outer edges of the stain (working inward) and gently blot with a clean white cloth.
4. Never rub the fabric as it can damage the rug fibers.
5. Repeat if necessary.
6. If stain remains, move to the next cleaning solution.

Degrease the Stain with a Mild Detergent

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of mild, clear dishwashing liquid (like Dawn) to 4 cups of warm water.
2. Fill a spray bottle or use a deep cleaner like I mentioned above with the cleaning solution.
3. Mist solution over area.
4. Start at the outer edges of the stain and work your way toward the center using a dampened cloth to gently blot the stain.
5. Repeat until stain is gone. Make sure to either rinse your cloth often or use as many clean cloths as necessary.
6. Rinse the area by misting with water and blotting to remove as much soap residue as possible.
7. Allow the rug to dry thoroughly.
8. If stain remains, move to the next cleaning solution.

Deodorize and Degrease the Stain using Vinegar, Detergent and Water

Make a spot cleaning solution with vinegar to remove the stain. Plain white vinegar is a mild acid and natural deodorizer. Vinegar works well to remove coffee stains and vomit stains. Make sure to rinse the stain completely with cold water to remove all traces of remaining vinegar from the carpet fibers.

Test this solution in an inconspicuous place first. Most Oriental rug dyes today are acid-fast and benefit from vinegar and water cleaning solutions. Acidic vinegar helps to bond the dye in the wool in the rug, which helps prevent the colors from running.

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent
• 2 cups tepid water

Use the same cleaning process steps I have listed above for degreasing the stain with Dawn dishwashing detergent.

Removing Large Stains and Spills

If the spill was rather large, you can take the rug out side and use a garden hose to rinse the stain outside before using the cleaning solutions to work on the stains. Use a fan to help completely dry the area when the stain has been removed. Place it beside the rug allowing air-flow over the damp area.

If any or all of the above fail, or you just lost your nerve after the paragraph on reading the instructions, give the experts at Stone Surface Specialists a call at 801 856 0164. We’ll have your nerves soothed and rug restored before you can say ‘I told you not to drink Coke in the sitting room!’