We recommend professional cleaning and restoration as the safest and most prudent choice in remedying spills, stains and accidents. However, if at the time it is not practical to seek professional aid and after reviewing our guide you feel comfortable and confident, you may wish to try your hand at restoration.

  • Attend to accidents promptly.
  • Blot or scoop area with an absorbent [white] cotton towel, paper towel or spoon and remove as much as possible.
  • Test a small inconspicuous area first.
  • Use cool water; warm water when directed; never hot water.
  • Use the least amount of liquid, don’t saturate; place a towel on reverse side.
  • Blot, don’t rub back and forth; no brushing or scrubbing.
  • Work from outside edges of spot inward to the center.
  • Use recommended solutions in moderation.
when we say…use…this way…
o dishwashing liquidnon-chlorine dye-free dishwashing liquid1/2 tsp in 1/2 cup cool water rapidly mixed to suds; use suds and least liquid; leave for 5 minutes; rinse several times with cool water
o detergentnon-chlorine laundry enzyme detergent1/2 tsp in 1/2 cup cool water rapidly mixed to suds; use suds and least liquid; leave for 5 minutes; rinse several times with cool water
o oil removerpaint, oil and grease remover such as AFTA’s Goof Off [best] or DW-40 [ok] 8 minutes; apply alcohol and blot
o alcoholhousehold rubbing alcoholblot immediately
o water rinseroom temperature water; blot
o nail polish removerdye-free1 minute; blot
o rust removeravailable at hardware stores or market1 minute; blot
o hydrogen peroxide, 3%available at drug stores2 minutes; water rinse, blot dry
o ammoniahousehold solution2 tablespoons per cup; 1 minute; blot
o vinegarwhite, 3% solution1/3 added to 2/3 water; 1 minute; blot

Remember this is not a substitute for professional Oriental Rug Cleaning For more rug maintenance and care tips click on Oriental Rug Care Guide.

How to Treat, Reduce or Remove Common Spills, Stains and Spots

Use the following materials in the order as listed:

Adhesive
nail polish remover, rinse warm water

Beer
dishwashing liquid, vinegar

Blood
cool water & blot, detergent, ammonia, detergent, rust remover, hydrogen peroxide

Candle wax
freeze with ice, crack & remove pieces, hot iron w/absorbent towel to remove residue

Catsup
detergent, ammonia, detergent, hydrogen peroxide

Chewing gum
freeze with ice, crack & remove pieces

Chocolate
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, detergent

Coffee
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, detergent

Crayon
repeat [oil remover, alcohol], dishwashing liquid

Egg
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, repeat [cool water rinse], detergent

Fruit jelly
dishwashing liquid, vinegar, detergent

Furniture dye
alcohol, oil remover, alcohol, dishwashing liquid

Glue-water base
water rinse, detergent

Gravy
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar, detergent

Grease
repeat [oil remover], dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar

Ice cream
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar, detergent, alcohol

Ink-ballpoint
alcohol, oil remover, rust remover [if necessary]

Ink-India
alcohol, oil remover, dishwashing liquid, ammonia

Lipstick
oil remover, alcohol, dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar

Marker pen
alcohol, oil remover, dishwashing liquid, ammonia

Mildew
detergent, ammonia

Milk
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, detergent, alcohol

Mud
allow to dry, vacuum, dishwashing liquid, ammonia, oil remover

Mustard
dishwashing liquid, vinegar, detergent, rust remover

Nail polish
nail polish remover, alcohol, oil remover, ammonia, vinegar

Oil
repeat [alcohol, oil remover], dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar

Paint-water base
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, oil remover

Rust
rust remover, water rinse

Soft drink
detergent, ammonia, vinegar

Soot [smoke]
alcohol, dishwashing liquid, ammonia

Shoe polish
repeat [alcohol, oil remover]

Tar
repeat [alcohol, oil remover]

Toothpaste
dishwashing liquid, vinegar, ammonia

Urine
dishwashing liquid, ammonia, vinegar, water rinse, rust remover, hydrogen peroxide

Wine
detergent, ammonia, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, water rinse