TL;DR
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Rug stains are impossible to avoid completely, no matter how careful you are. But removing them the right way is essential to prevent damaging your rugs, especially premium ones.
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Follow these basic rules when removing stains: Act immediately, don’t rub, test cleaning solutions before using, avoid excess water, and apply mild products only.
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Rugs commonly stain due to food and drinks, pet accidents, mud and dirt, and oil and grease. Different hacks are necessary in each scenario.
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Stain removal techniques might vary based on the rug material too, like wool, viscose, jute, blended, and synthetic.
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Consider type of stain and rug material before adopting a cleaning method.
How to Remove Stain from Rugs and Maintain Clean Interiors
Did you host a fun party at home last night and someone spilled their cocktail on the living room rug? Or maybe your kids stepped on the bedroom rug with muddy feet after playing in the yard? No matter what, every Australian homeowner wonders how to remove stain from rugs at some point or the other.
However, not using the proper tools or adopting incorrect hacks can damage the best rugs. For instance, when you buy our premium, handcrafted rugs or carpets online, we advise you to avail professional cleaning services every 1 to 3 years to preserve their durability, functionality, and aesthetics.
Still, it’s a good idea to deal with stains promptly to minimize their impact. So, this guide explores how to get stains out of rugs easily by including basic tips, common stains, and solutions for different fibres.
What Are the Basic Rules for Removing Stains?
If you have zero experience in this area and worrying how to remove stain from rugs, note these basic cleaning rules:
Act without Delay
Don’t let stains sit and dry, especially in high-pile rugs, as removal can be an issue later. The moment anything is spilled, use a paper towel or clean cloth to gently blot the area.
Avoid Rubbing
Rubbing a stain pushes it deeper into rug fibres. And the rug’s texture gets damaged. So, follow an outward to inward motion when gently blotting the stain.
Test Cleaning Solutions before Use
Not every cleaning solution is apt for every fibre or dye type. So, test it on a small section that’s not easily visible before treating the actual stain.
Don’t Use Excess Water
Using excess water while cleaning stains can cause dyes to bleed, damage fibres, or trigger odours and mould growth.
Use Mild Products
Steer clear of bleach and harsh chemicals at all times. Otherwise, rugs can end up permanently damaged. Just a mild solution prepared with dish soap is usually enough.
How to Remove Common Stains?
Whether the culprit is a drink, dirt, pet accident, or grease, knowing how to remove stains from a rug effectively is the key to a clean, fresh, and beautiful home. So, here’s what to do in different scenarios:
Drink and Food
Rug stains from juices, wines, sauces, and coffee need immediate blotting. Then whip up a mild dish soap solution in lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth in it and gently dab the stain. Use a dry towel to blot again and absorb moisture. Lastly, let the area dry naturally and completely. For stubborn stains, prepare the cleaning solution by diluting a little white vinegar with water.
Pet Accidents
Pet accidents don’t just leave behind stains, but also smells. So, get rid of excess liquid without delay and use paper towels for blotting. Then use a mild soap solution on the stain or consider an enzymatic cleaner (pet-safe). Blot again and ensure the rug isn’t soaked. Once the stain dries, sprinkle some baking soda on it to absorb odours and wait for some time before vacuuming.
Dirt and Mud
Rugs tend to suffer mud stains when you walk over them after a day of outdoor adventure, especially if it’s pouring. But never try to clean mud when it’s wet, as the stain will only spread. Instead, allow the mud to dry entirely. Then remove the loose dirt by vacuuming. To eliminate remaining debris, use a soft brush. If necessary, use a mild soap solution to spot clean.
Oil and Grease
Greasy foods or cooking oils lead to tricky stains. So, carefully blot the extra oil first and then sprinkle corn starch or baking soda on the stain. Leave it that way for several hours, so the grease is absorbed well. Vacuum afterwards and if you still feel the need, dab with a soap solution lightly.
How to Get Rid of Rug Stains Depending on the Material?
Different rug materials usually need different treatments, so mind the following:
Wool
Soft, luxurious, durable, and naturally insulating, wool rugs are widely used in modern Australian homes. They are highly absorbent though and react poorly with harsh chemicals. So, use lukewarm or cold water only for spot-cleaning. Avoid scrubbing the stain or using bleach or alkaline cleaners. After cleaning, wool rugs should be dried quickly too.
Jute
Homeowners in Down Under love natural jute rugs owing to their coastal vibes and natural texture. But jute being a plant fibre, quickly soaks up moisture, which can make stain-removal tricky. So, try to use jute rugs in dry areas, blot spills promptly, and avoid using any excess water. Frequent vacuuming is also recommended, so dirt can’t remain trapped for long.
Viscose
While viscose rugs make a luxe statement, their fibres are delicate and become significantly weak when wet. So, avoid soaking the rug and use a completely dry cloth to blot stains carefully. Do not steam clean or scrub the stain.
Synthetic
When it comes to cleaning ease and maintenance, synthetic rugs have a higher score than others. So, it’s no wonder they are popular in busy households. Generally, a mild solution of soap and water should do the trick for stains. However, to prevent build-up of dirt, vacuum regularly.
Blends
In case of blended rugs, identify the weakest fibre and choose the cleaning method accordingly. Gentle spot-cleaning should work usually, but avoid excess moisture. Test cleaning products before application.
Correct Stain Removal Can Keep Your Rugs as Good as New
Now that you know how to get stains out of rugs, keeping interiors clean, cosy, and inviting should be easier than before. Just consider the stain type and rug material before getting started. And to prevent stains, vacuum often, rotate rugs, avoid shoes indoors, and keep food and drinks at a safe distance.
At The Rug Trader, we also suggest extra care for our artisanal rugs that are weaved traditionally and available in soothing neutral hues. So, unless the stain is really minor, seek professional help. It’s also essential if the stain has set, covers a big area, or has strong odours. To discuss anything else on your mind, contact us. We are open to chats via +61 0 39 2451008 or hello@therugtrader.com.au too.
FAQs
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Can I wash my stained rug?
Never wash stained rugs as it can damage the fibres, texture, and even distort the shape. Dyes might bleed too. Rather, hire professionals as they have the right tools, solutions, and expertise.
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What kind of rug should I get to avoid colour bleeding while cleaning stains?
Consider our undyed natural woollen rugs like Dribble, Charm, Jhoomer, and Ray. But avoid using excess water while spot-cleaning since wool is highly absorbent.
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Can jute rugs stain easily in the kitchen?
Jute absorbs moisture fast and food, drink, and oil spills are common in the kitchen. So, ideally, use jute rugs in dry areas like the study or bedroom maybe.
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How do I keep indoor rugs free from mud stains during the rainy season?
To prevent mud stains or dirt streaks on indoor rugs, avoid bringing shoes inside or dry your feet at the entryway. If they still get stained, let the mud dry and then vacuum to eliminate loose dirt. Any remnants can be removed with a soft brush.
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What colour rug should I buy to mask stains easily?
Grey, beige, and brown are some shades that effectively conceal a variety of stains.
