Stains, indents and dirt—oh my! The trio of unavoidable dilemmas that every rug owner faces. But fear not! We’ve tapped the experts at Patterson Flynn Martin for all their tips and tricks on how to avert even the worst of carpet crises.
The Best Defense is a Good Offense
Avoid uneven fading and wear by rotating your rug every three months or so, and always use a pad underneath to prolong the life of the fibers.
Also ask about stain and Scotchguard™ treatments (PFM offers them on all rugs), which keep your rug looking like new as soon as it’s installed in your home.
Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk
Oops, clumsy Aunt Mildred did it again! As soon as a spill happens:
- Scoop up as much as possible with a knife or spoon.
- Gently blot the area with a clean white cloth to remove excess moisture. Whatever you do, try not to rub!
- Apply warm water and again dab with the cloth until it comes up spotless.
If the stain remains:
- Mix 1/4 tsp liquid dishwashing soap and 1 cup warm water.
- Using a clean cloth, apply the solution to the stained area and let it soak for about five minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and blot to remove excess moisture.
- Repeat until solution is rinsed.
- Absorb any remaining moisture with layers of white paper towels weighted with a non-staining glass or ceramic object.
- When the carpet is dry, vacuum or brush the piles to restore texture.
Start with the gentlest cleaning agents and only introduce stronger solutions (dry cleaning solvent or ammonia) if the spot persists. When in doubt, call in a pro to determine the best course of action!
Indents Be Gone!
Repair impressions caused by furniture by letting an ice cube melt into the dent overnight. When it’s fully melted, blot the area dry and then fluff the fibers with your fingers or a carpet brush. Before bringing out the cubes, however, remember to protect your floor by placing a thick towel under the rug to prevent moisture from soaking through.
Make It a Clean Sweep
Weekly vacuum sessions (or bi-weekly if it’s a heavily trafficked area like an entry or mudroom!) will remove soil and dirt particles before they become embedded into the pile. For the safest option, stick to models that use suction (i.e. canister), rather than models with a rotating brush bar (i.e. upright). If you don’t have a suction vacuum, use a clean broom to gently sweep loose dirt off the rug.
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