How to Quickly Remove a Stain on Your Rug

Regardless of how well you protect your rug, there’s always a chance you’ll experience spills and stains. It’s important to know how to respond when you find a stain and when to call a cleaning professional.

DIY Stain Treatment 

The process of treating stains in a rug is very similar to treating stains in your carpet. Whatever the source of the stain, you can be prepared to handle it.

Act Quickly

When an accident happens, act as soon as possible to remove the spill and prevent stains from becoming deeply set in. Your first instinct may be to rub at the spill with a towel, but that can drive it further into the fibers and make the stain worse. Blot the area rather than rubbing it to absorb as much moisture as possible.

Vacuum 

Vacuuming your rug loosens trapped dust and dirt and, in the case of spills, removes some of the excess moisture. You should vacuum after you have blotted the spill and before using a cleaning solution.

Clean the Spill

Whether the spill is fresh or the stain is set in, you can use a homemade cleaning solution to try and remove it. For a homemade cleaning solution option, try mixing one cup of white vinegar with one to two cups of water. Be careful not to accidentally damage your rug. It’s important to consider the type of fiber your rug contains when choosing a cleaning solution and test it on a small portion of the rug before applying it to a noticeable area.

Calling a Professional 

It’s not always a good idea to try to remove stains on your own. If you own a delicate, expensive rug, it’s best not to risk doing more damage by trying to clean it. You may also need help treating deep, set-in stains, as these can be difficult to remove without the proper materials and expertise.

While you may be able to remedy a spill in the moment, your rug will eventually need a professional cleaning to fully get the stains and spills out of the fibers. Even contaminants that you can’t see could decrease your rug’s lifespan. Professional cleaning also ensures that excess moisture, which can cause mold and odors, is properly removed.