Even with the utmost care practiced around your Persian or Oriental rugs, spills can happen. After all, carpets are underfoot, and just about everything eventually lands on them.
When a spill occurs, the most important thing to remember is to act quickly. When something falls on a rug, the surface is first affected, then any liquids can be absorbed by the fibres. This absorption of liquids, coupled with the time to allow it to set, is what makes stains so difficult to remove. (Immediate action can even prevent a timely and pricey trip to a professional carpet cleaner.)
Here’s what you should do when an accident occurs:
1. Blot the affected area with a clean and absorbent cloth (Shammy cloths are good).
2. Sponge the area with a gentle solution, preferably a diluted detergent that has been recommended by the rug manufacturer or dealer. For some stains, namely alcohol, detergent is not necessary. Don’t scrub, since it can wear away the fibres.
3. Remove the detergent by blotting with a clean sponge/cloth soaked in clean warm water.
4. Blot again, this time with a dry absorbent cloth to remove the water. End this step by brushing the pile in the most natural direction.
5. Lay seven sheets of absorbent paper towel on top of the cleaned area and place a heavy book on top. Leave for some time (about an hour or so for a light stain and more if the area was heavily soaked). This helps to absorb the water that may be trapped deeper within the pile.
If the stain has not disappeared following these steps, you can repeat the process or contact a professional carpet cleaner to deal with the problem. Although the rugs at Mond’art can be treated with a product that helps to repel liquids, making it easier to clean up stains, spills should still be dealt with in a timely fashion – just in case.
We’ve warned you about 