Removing Spills and Spots from Your Area Rug
Spills and spots on natural fiber rugs need immediate attention. A liquid spill left untreated will act as a magnet to any dirt particles that are in the rug, causing dirt to rise to the surface. This dirt may cause a dark stain. To prevent this from happening, try to keep the rugs as soil-free as possible with regular vacuuming. When a spill occurs, even if it is only water, it is important that it be removed immediately by blotting or pat-drying the area with a clean, absorbent white cloth. Never rub the area of the spill. Rubbing can work the liquid deeper into the fibers, making the spill more likely to stain the carpet. It can also spread the liquid to a larger area of the rug. To remove spots caused by solid substances, first remove any remaining material. Scrape it up with the dull side of a butter knife or spoon, always working from the outside of the spot toward the center. For information on cleaning specific spots and spills please see below for a list of recommended cleaning solutions.
Recommended Cleaning Solutions
Use the mixtures and combinations described below according to the spill description chart at right. Always place the solutions in a spray bottle and mist them lightly onto the soiled spot.
Detergent Solution
Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with one cup of lukewarm water.
Solvent Solution
Use Host Spot Remover or any comsumer-brand dry cleaning solvent.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1/4 cup water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix one tablespoon clear household ammonia with 1/2 cup water.
- Use Host Dry Cleaner For Carpets.
- Apply solvent then blot, detergent then blot, water then blot.
- Apply detergent then blot, ammonia then blot, detergent then blot, water then blot.
- Apply detergent then blot, vinegar then blot, detergent then blot, water then blot.
- Apply detergent then blot, ammonia then blot, vinegar then blot, detergent then blot, water then blot.
- Apply detergent then blot, ammonia then blot, water then blot, solvent then blot.
- Freeze with ice cube then shatter with blunt object and vacuum out chips, apply solvent then blot. (For wax paper, place paper towel or paper bag over wax, iron with warm, not hot, iron to absorb.
- Apply cool water then blot, ammonia then blot, detergent then blot, water then blot.
- Apply acetone polish remover (not oily) then blot; repeat.
How to Clean Specific Spots and Spills
Blood
Butter
Candy
Catsup
Chewing Gum
Chocolate
Coffee
Crayon
Egg
Feces
Food Color
Fruit Juices
Furniture Polish
Furniture Polish with Stain
Glue / Model Cement
Glue-White
Gravy
Hair Spray
Hand Lotion
Ice Cream
Ink-Ballpoint
Ink-Marker
A
A or B
A or E
A or C
A or G
A or E
A or D
B and A
A or C
A or C
C and A
A or E
A or B
A or C
I
C and A
A or E
A or B
A or B
A or B
A or E
A or B
Mascara
Mayonnaise
Merthiolate
Milk
Nail Polish
Oil-Cooking
Oil-Furniture
Paint-Latex
Paint-Oil Base
Rust
Shoe Polish (Liquid)
Shoe Polish (Paste)
Soft Drinks
Tar
Tea
Urine
Watercolors
Wax Candle-Color
Wax Candle-White
Wine
A or B
A or C
A and E
A and E
I and A
A or B
A or B
A or F
A or B
A
A or B
A or B
A or E
A and B
A or D
A or E
A or F
G
G
A or E
