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Vacuuming can remove the solid particulates on the surface of the rug, but it will not remove the fine grit that settles at the base of the rug or the oils that stick to the rug fibers. The source of the dirt can come from anywhere: air born dust that contain oils from cooking, dilute sulfuric acid from fireplace burning, pet dander, dead skin cells, salt and soil tracked in from outside and food spills can all combine and bond with the rug fibers.

Over time, these can oxidize and form a resin that will begin to yellow and eventually weaken the carpet fiber. And the fine grit acts like sandpaper to scratch and abrade the fibers.

So what can you do to protect your investment and insure that your rug remains beautiful for years to come. Stein has a few simple suggestions to help keep your rugs in top shape.

1. Get your rugs professionally cleaned at least once a year. Make sure that the company you choose specializes in rug cleaning. Carpet cleaners that only steam clean your rugs will not be able to offer as deep a cleaning as those that thoroughly soak your rugs and shampoo them.
2. Use a firm pad underneath the rug to minimize unnecessary wear and provide additional cushion.
3. When vacuuming – raise the beater bar to the highest level and clean at a 90* angle to prevent fringe from getting caught.
4. Turn your rugs periodically to prevent uneven traffic patterns.
5. When cleaning spills, make sure to blot – never rub the area which can cause fibers to become distorted. Once the stain is removed, make sure the area is rinsed thoroughly to remove any soapy residue which can attract dirt and blot until dry.
6. If your pet has an accident, Stein recommends soaking rugs in an enzyme tank to help break down the urine and completely flush it out. It will also minimize the chance that your pet will seek out that spot in the future.
7. If you start to see some wear, addressing it early can save from a much larger repair down the road. Kashian Bros offers a full range of repairs including reweaving holes, new fringe or overcasting, hand serging, and tinting worn areas.
8. If you plan on storing your rugs for any length of time, clean them thoroughly, wrap them in paper (not plastic, where mold will grow) – Tyvek paper is the best, keep them elevated in a dry climate controlled environment and lastly – spray them with moth proofing to prevent damage.

Kashian Bros offers free pick up and delivery or discounts on drop offs. To schedule a cleaning, call us at 847 251 1200 or click here to submit our contact form.

Kashian Bros has been cleaning, restoring and selling fine domestic and oriental rugs since 1910. The company cleans rugs at its state-of-the-art cleaning plant in Evanston and services the communities of the North Shore.

Greasy, Oil-Based Stains

Greasy, oil based stains include chocolate, butter, spaghetti, crayons, oil, oil paint, gum, grease, gravy, mayonnaise, make up, and peanut butter.

Chill with aerosol freezing agent or ice cubes in a plastic bag. Remove as much of the solid material as possible before cleaning.

For these stains, use mineral spirits. If cleaning a lighter color rug, you can use a citric solvent to avoid browning.

Candle Wax

Use an absorbent paper and heat with an iron.

Ink (Felt Tip) & Nail Polish

Use clear nail polish remover, preferably acetone.

Rust

Use Rust Out Spray

> See our related article: Removing Water-Based Carpet Stains.

Water-based stains include fruit juice, alcohol, baby formula, graphite, cologne, cola, vomit and soil spots. They can be difficult to completely remove from your carpet. Below are instructions for effectively removing water-based stains from your carpet.

Removing water-based stains from your carpet

1. Use a spoon or dull knife to remove solids.

2. For liquid spills, blot with a white towel. For large stains, work from the outside to center to prevent spreading

3. Mix a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of hand dishwashing detergent with 1 cup warm water – not hot water….no bleaches or strong alkalies.

Step 1

4. Apply directly to white cloth. Dampen the carpet fibers in stained area with a cloth. Avoid saturating the carpet.

5. Wipe gently, turn the cloth frequently. Never rub, scrub or brush – this may damage the carpet fibers. If necessary, use your fingertips to work the solution into the base of the stain.

6. Wet the stained carpet fibers with clear, luke warm water to rinse.

7. Cover the spot with absorbent white towel and apply pressure.

8. Repeat rinsing and blotting until all traces of the detergent have been removed.

9. When stain is gone, place absorbent white towel over the area cleaned and weigh the towel down with a color fast object

10. Change the towel until the carpet dries

Step 2

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of non-bleaching, non-sudsing household ammonia (3% solution) with 1 cup of lukewarm water.

2. Apply ammonia solution, rinse and blot as described above. Note: This solution must be neutralized with vinegar solution below.

Do not use for coffee / tea / urine – skip to step 3.

Step 3

1. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water.

2. Apply vinegar solution, rinse and blot

> See our related post: How To Remove Carpet Stains – Greasy, Oil-based Stains, Ink & Nail Polish, Candle Wax, and Rust.