Making Rug Cleaning Solutions For The 3 Most Common Types Of Rug Stains

Finding a stain on your rug is never a fun moment. Most stains are not easy to get rid of and if it is not treated correctly you can actually end up permanently damaging your rug.

Nonetheless, rug stains do happen whether we like it or not so we have decided to put together this quick guide on how to get rid of the 3 most common types of rug stains by using household products to make your own rug cleaning solution.

Before using any of the cleaning solutions below, make sure to spot test them on a small inconspicuous area of the rug to test for colorfastness and to make sure the fibers of the rug are not damaged.

How to get rid of pet stains from your rug

• Carefully pick up any remaining solid pieces trying not to smudge any of it into the rug
• Blot areas of the rug that are wet with a dry towel until the area is dry. Don’t push too hard or you might push the stain deeper into the fibers of the rug. (If the pet stain has already dried, dampen the area lightly prior to applying the cleaning solution)
• Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part cold water and spray it over the stain. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes. (To mask the strong scent of vinegar, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture prior to spraying it on the rug)
• Blot the area with a dry towel until it is completely dried.
• If necessary, repeat this process until you are satisfied with the results.

How to get rid of red wine stains from your rug

• If the stain is fresh and there is still some wine that did not get absorbed by the rug, blot the area of the wine spill with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible
• Apply a small amount of club soda to the rug stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. (The right amount depends on the size of the stain so try to cover the entire stain in club soda but don’t overdo it)
• Blot the area dry removing as much of the club soda as possible. The carbonation and sodium in the soda should help release the bond between the wine and the rug fibers
• Mix two cups of lukewarm water with one tablespoon of dish washing detergent and apply it to the stain by slowly blotting it onto the rug with a clean sponge or cloth. Continue doing this until the stain is completely gone.
• If you are having a hard time removing the stain, add a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to the water-detergent mix

How to get rid of grease stains on your rug

• Blot the area until any excess liquid is removed from the surface of the rug
• Cover the stained area in a thin layer of cornstarch and let it sit for at least one hour. The cornstarch will absorb most of the oils allowing them to easily be removed
• Vacuum the stain to remove as much of the cornstarch as possible
• Apply a grease fighting dish detergent to the stain by gently scrubbing it into the rug with a soft bristled brush or sponge and let it sit for 10 minutes
• Apply a small amount of water to the stain and blot it dry right away to remove the dish detergent from the rug
• Let the rug dry thoroughly

What is your favorite method for cleaning rug stains?

These are tried and tested solutions for cleaning stains from a rug using everyday household products. If you have any further home made rug cleaning solutions for these common types of rug stains, please share them with us so others can benefit as well.