Expert: Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs - 10/21/2008

Question
Have you ever been successful in removing an Enfamil (thick, liquid food supplement) stain from a Persian rug? The stain is 13-15 years old. At some point in the past ten years or so, an oriental rug cleaner said it would be impossible to remove. Is that your experience? I live in the DC area and could bring the rug in for a consultation. Thanks! Catherine

Answer
Hi Catherine,

Thank you for your question.  We use different stain removal processes for different types of stains.  In some cases the stain isn't an actual stain but rather a redying of the rug.  This is generally the case with coffee, tea and red wine.  I would assume if you've been told this stain will never come out that it is probably a dye-based stain.  It won't come out with regular spot cleaning and washing, but the stained part of the rug can be stripped of color and then redyed to match the rest of the rug.  

What color is the stain, and what color is your rug?  Do you know what products have been used on it thus far?  (This is an important question, as some products can set dye-based stains and make it too difficult for us to remove the color.)

If you're in the area, give us a call and stop by.  After 15 years, I cannot make any guarantees that we could get that stain out, but you never know.  We give free verbal appraisals on rugs so even if we can't help you with the stain, you would at least get some information out of the trip.

All the best,
Katie
301-530-6660