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Spot Cleaning Tips for Rug Owners

Did you know that spots, if treated improperly, are more likely to become permanent stains?

The best method to safely remove spots from your rug is to have it professionally cleaned by a reputable company (like us) that has special equipment and training in the proper method to clean your rugs. This is not always practical, but this spotting guide will assist you in removing small, everyday household spills while minimizing the risk of permanent damage to your rug.

Most over-the-counter spotters are designed as a one-size-fits-all solution and are inappropriate to use on many rugs. They contain concentrations of detergents, enzymes, and bleaches that can damage your rug and set what could have been a removable spot additional discoloration of your rug. Therefore, we DO NOT recommend using multi-purpose over-the-counter spotters on your rug. Instead, we recommend you use our safe and neutral pH, HomePro Spotter. Finally, the longer a spill remains on your rug the more likely it is to stain, so the best time to attempt to remove any spills is immediately after they occur.

  1. Blot up spills immediately. It is important to remove as much of the excess material as quickly as possible. Using a clean, white towel press down on the stain, working from the outside of the spill to the middle. Blot, don’t rub, scrub or brush because rough treatment will damage the fibers.
  2. Remove any solids with a plastic spoon or credit card.
  3. Pre-test any spotting solution in an inconspicuous area. Test both home-made and commercial cleaning formulas on an unseen place, like the back of your rug. If dye from your rug comes off, or if the rug changes color in that area, you should NOT use this solution. WARNING: using the improper cleaning solutions can set spots and cause discoloration that may not be visible until the rug is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
  4. Don’t over-wet. Use small amounts of liquids. Over-wetting can cause the stain to spread.
  5. Less is more. Use cleaning solutions sparingly. Excessive use of strong chemicals can damage your rug and compound the problem.
  6. Use patience. Some spots respond very slowly. It’s better to take a little time when treating a spot than have to look at bad results for years.
  7. Rinse out any chemicals. If you used a cleaning solution, be sure to blot it up and follow up by blotting with a damp cloth. Leaving soap in your rug can cause the spot to reappear due to rapid re-soiling.
  8. DRY THE SPOT THOROUGHLY. Prolonged moisture can cause mildew and damage to your rug. Check back after a half day to make sure that the area is dry. If not, place a fan blowing directly on the spot until dry. If the rug has not dried in two days, call us.
  9. When in doubt, contact Hansen Steam Way for assistance. If a spot does not respond to your treatment, contact your professionals for their expert advice.

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