Before pet stain removal
We all know that accidents happen – and though it’s not fun to discuss accidental (or even worse, intentional) pet urination, vomit, and feces on your Oriental rug, the truth is that it’s a common issue that many Oriental rug owners face.
These ”accidents” if not treated immediately and/or professionally, can result in lingering stains and odors within the fibers of your Oriental rug.
Although all Oriantal rugs ( most of which are made from wool or cotton/wool blend) are vulnerable to permanent damage from pet stains, Oriental rugs which include silk fibers are especially at risk when it comes to damage from pet accidents.
Contacting your local rug cleaning professionals is the best move. You should drop-off your rug or schedule a pickup as soon as it happens.
Pet Stain Removal After
Immediate steps to take to prevent permanent rug damage:
- Blot liquids, don’t rub.
- Use a clean white cotton cloth or plain paper towel.
- Then rinse the spot with cold water and continue to blot until it is dry.
- Don’t scrub because it could damage the surface and set in the stain.
- For solid spills, use a spoon to remove before beginning the process above.
- For dried spills, vacuum first then begin process.
- Another solution is to combine half white vinegar and half water. Take this solution and work it down in the troubled areas with a soft brush or your fingers so it penetrates through the rug fibers. Once this is done, blot the area with a paper tower. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia. If you own a wet/dry vacuum, you are encouraged to use it.
After the are is dry or almost dry, sprinkle a good handful of baking soda on the area. Mix half a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap and slowly pour the mixture over the baking soda. You can also use a spray bottle for the hydrogen peroxide and dish washing solution.
Once the area is completely dry, vacuum up the baking soda. You can help with the drying process by using a fan or heater. Be sure to remove all the baking soda. You may have to use a hard bristled brush to loosen up any traces of baking soda. That is all, after completing those steps; you should notice that the odor and stain are gone or at least less prominent.
Remember: Professional ofsite rug washing is highly recommended. We do not recommend hiring a comercial wall-to-wall carpet cleaning company to attempt solving pet problems on your handmade wool rugs.
Why? Many reasons. Most importantly:
Permanent Stains – Urine stains on Oriental rugs are mostly permanent, particularly if it is an old stain; or a stain that has been worken on before (fixed stain). Sometimes trying hard to remove the stain will leave a discoloration spot which is even more nociceable that the stain itself.
The whole rug need to be washed after the incident in order to remove the odor so it will not be used by the pet again.
Color-Running and Discoloration– Due to many different types of dyes used in rugs, all will have tendency to run after exposure to pet urine. Color-runs also depend on fiber content of rugs too. Colors in an artificial silk rug will bleed even with minimum exposure on the firs incident.
Dry Rot = Worst Case Scenario: Repeated wetting can cause the foundation of the rug to rot and become rigged or stiffness and can cracks or breaks when it is folded.
Store Bought Sprays and Solutions
Store bought sprays and solutions should be carefully analyzed before used. Keep in mind that spray chemicals will remain in the rug once applied.
These chemicals will change the chemistry (pH) of the rug dyes.
Professional Oriental rug cleaners have time-trusted and efficient cleaning methods ( similar to dry cleaners) which remove dangerous stains without further damaging your rug.
Make sure you take your Oriental rug to a trusted and certified Oriental rug cleaner. Since pet stains are a common issue among many Oriental rug owners, most professional rug cleners should be able to easily remove the stain.
If pet urination continues to be a problem and you can’t afford professional cleaning regularly, a less-preferred option could be investing in a professional cleaning system yourself.
On the other hand, if you have made the decision to replace your urine- contaminated carpet with a new one, it is important to make sure it stays that way by adressing the urine that passed through your rug, more than likely contaminating the pad and floor beneath.
A few steps will ensure your carpet will main odor-free ( unless there is another pet accident). These steps must be comleted before the new pad and carpet are installed:
First, replace the affected pad. The affected part of the pad beneath the carpet need to be replaced.
Second, clean and seal the floor. Before a professional carpet installer lays down your new pad and carpet, the urea crystals that are residing in the fine scratches of your floor ( of floor finish) need to be addressed.
Clean the area with eight oz of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water and allow the floor to dry for 36-38 hours.
Next, seal in the crystals that may still lay within the wood or cracks of the floor by applying a floor sealant (shellac or polyurethane).
Allow your floor to dry for another 36-48 hours before installation of the new pad and carpet in your home or business.