PUIRI Rug Care Spill & Emergency Tips

Read below for our helpful Rug Care Spill & Emergency Tips or use the convenient download button to print and save a copy for quick reference. Rug Disclaimer There are many types of rugs and many types of care issues. These are general recommendations provided to help in most scenarios involving natural fiber rugs. Please contact us (or your professional rug cleaner in your area if you are not in our service area) with photos of your rug for specific advice if needed. IMPORTANT: If your rug is made from viscose, rayon, bamboo silk, banana silk, Tencel®, or any other type of artificial silk (regenerated cellulose) – these fibers are derived from wood pulp (paper) and even slight moisture can cause permanent damage. Please contact us or your trusted rug cleaner BEFORE attempting any cleanup using moisture. If you are in a rush, pack the area with cornstarch. It will be messy but can help absorb the spill faster than these delicate fibers. [Download PDF Tips] RUG CARE MUST HAVES (Best to use DISTILLED or filtered water whenever spot treating.) • White cotton towels • White vinegar + cool water (50/50) • Small bowls + light-colored sponge • Cornstarch • Soft brush (not too stiff) • Pet Owners: PureAyre or Nature’s Miracle • Seltzer water • Hair dryer RUG CARE MUST NEVER DO: Do NOT steam clean NATURAL FIBER (wool/silk/cotton) rugs in the home. • Risks: Color loss, discoloration, permanent yellowing, fiber damage, dye bleeding. Do NOT use the following on oriental and area rugs (wool/silk/cotton/viscose): • Folex • Resolve • OxyClean • Simple Green • Woolite • Baking Soda • Chlorine Bleach RUG CARE “FUGITIVE” DYE TEST To determine if your rug dyes are colorfast: 1. Run HOT WATER from the faucet and dampen a white TOWEL. 2. Wring out excess water so it’s damp but not dripping. 3. Bend open an area of the rug with “suspect” colors. 4. Press the damp towel firmly INSIDE the fibers (not just surface tips) for 10-15 seconds. 5. Remove the towel and check for any color transfer. o If there is color transfer, the dyes are not colorfast. FOOD & DRINK SPILLS (Dyes are COLORFAST) 1. SPOON up solids or VACUUM dry pieces. 2. If stain remains, dampen the spill area with cool distilled water or seltzer water. For greasy/oily stains, use sudsy water (dishwashing soap). 3. BLOT with a cotton towel (do not rub) until the spill stops transferring. 4. Place a folded towel UNDER and OVER the spill area to sandwich it. Stand on the sandwich to wick out moisture. 5. Groom the pile gently with the soft brush. 6. Place a fresh dry towel over the area and add WEIGHT. Let sit untouched for 24 hours to allow any remaining liquid to wick into the towel. 7. Prop the area up afterwards for complete drying, which may take a day or two. (Dyes are FUGITIVE) Follow the same steps as above, but substitute vinegar + water for cool water. If excessive color movement occurs, STOP and pack the area with cornstarch to absorb moisture. Cover with a towel and weight it down. After 24 hours, break up the powder and vacuum with an upholstery attachment. PET ACCIDENTS 1. Pick up solids. For stains or urine, dampen the area with vinegar + water. o If urine has soaked through, professional washing is necessary to remove it fully. 2. BLOT with a cotton towel until yellow stops transferring. 3. Sandwich the area with towels above and below. Stand on the area to wick out moisture. 4. Place a new dry towel on top with WEIGHT for 24 hours. If dye bleed is a concern, pack cornstarch over the area before covering. 5. If odor persists, MIST the area lightly with an enzyme spray or deodorizer. Do not pour directly on the rug. 6. Prop the area for complete drying over several days. Note: Fresh pet puddles can re-dye fibers yellow if not handled immediately. Old stains (7+ days) can cause alkaline damage, color loss, and eventually dry rot. Quick action is key. APPLY FIBER PROTECTOR Applying fiber protector helps repel soil and spills, making cleanup easier and reducing permanent staining. It also helps release soil during vacuuming and can extend cleaning intervals. MORE PET TIPS • Sprinkle white pepper in areas pets like to mark to deter them. • Use kitchen yellow gloves to wipe fur from furniture and rugs easily. • Use inexpensive synthetic rugs to protect valuable rugs during training periods. Dispose of them when no longer needed. • Use rug pads to reduce wear, prevent sliding, and protect floors from accidents. VACUUMING Vacuum weekly with: • Upholstery attachment or canister vacuum, running WITH the pile’s grain. • Upright vacuum (beater bar setting high). Run side-to-side to avoid fringe damage. WASH RECOMMENDATIONS • Normal use: Clean every two years. • High-traffic areas: Clean annually. • Low-traffic/no pets: Clean every three years. CONTACT PUIRI FOR PROFESSIONAL CARE At PUIRI, we specialize in keeping your rugs looking their best with expert cleaning and care. Whether it’s a spill emergency or routine maintenance, we’re here to help. Contact us today for personalized advice and professional service! [Get an Estimate]