How to Remove Area Rug Stains at Home

When trying to remove a rug stain, avoid using harsh chemicals intended for carpet stain removal. Many of the formulas you find at your local grocery store are intended for synthetic carpet fibers rather than wool, silk or other specialty rug fibers. If you are a novice at rug care, we recommend you not experiment with valuable rugs. If you do, be prepared for possible rug damage, including color bleeds and rug fiber damage. You may also set the stain and make it permanent.

How to Remove Pet Urine, Ink, and Food Spills From Area Rugs

For the following stains, try a dilute solution of water and a neutral detergent (used to wash baby clothes), such as Dreft. Use the directions below.

• Pet Urine and Vomit
• Egg
• Milk
• Ice Cream
• Beer
• Juice
• Soft Drinks and Cola
• Tea
• Coffee
• Red and White Wine
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Tomato Sauce
• Gravy
• Water Colors
• Washable and Permanent Ink

Contain the damage as much as possible by blotting the stain using clean white cotton towels and working from the perimeter of the stain to the center. Make sure to blot gently rather than rub the area, to avoid forcing the stain deeper into the pile. When you absorb most of the spill, make a solution of 32 oz (a quart) warm water with a teaspoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon of a neutral detergent that is mild and is neither acidic nor alkaline (pH of 7.0). Using a sponge, apply small amounts of the solution to the stain. Once the stain has been removed, apply cold water to the spot and gently blot with a clean white towel.

How to Remove Plaster and Clay From Area Rugs

For removing plaster and clay stains, vacuum the debris off the rug. Then proceed to gently clean the area with the water, vinegar and neutral detergent solution as outlined above. Keep in mind that you may still need to call your rug cleaners if the stain remains.

How to Remove Lipstick, Gum, Candle Wax, Tar, and Motor Oil Stains From Area Rugs

Use Guardsman or any other dry cleaning fluid according to the directions on the container. This method is usually effective with grease and oil soluble stains. With candle wax in particular, steam clean the area before using the dry cleaning fluid. Candle wax is best removed by professionals.

How to Remove Crayon Stains From Area Rugs

For wool and acrylic area rugs, crayon stains and smears can be removed with a paint remover that does not contain oil. Follow up treatment with cold water blotting. To remove crayons from nylon, polyester and olefin rugs, you can use either a dry cleaning fluid according to manufacturer directions or an oil free paint remover.

How to Remove Iron Rust Stains From Area Rugs

Excessive humidity rusts iron furniture, which stain the rugs they are placed on. To remove the rust, vacuum the affected area and then apply rust remover. Gently blot the area with cold water.