Expert: Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs - 7/5/2010

Question
My dog and cat are having a pooping contest on a small 2x3 wool hand knotted rug.  The poop just sits on top of the rug and hasn't permeated down to the knots.  How can I eliminate the odor that they smell but I can't.  Is there a product I can spray on?

Answer
Hi Martha,

I'm sorry to hear about your rug!  Unfortunately, there really isn't a good enough product on the market that I can recommend.  When it comes to pet odors, you really have to have the rug soaked (not just cleaned) in order to remove all residue and smells.  Not all rug shops will do this, but if you call around (and if you're in the DC-metro area, you call us), you will be able to find a place.  It should not be that much of an expensive for a 2x3 rug.

Rug soaking is a process where the rug is literally dropped into a vat of water and soaked for an extended period of time to make sure that all of urine is out of the rug.  It is a simple process, and it works, however, it isn't something that a lot of people opt to try because you do run the risk of color running with your rugs when you use this method.  Sometimes you're lucky and nothing happens, but you can't tell until after it is done.  If the rug odors get to a point where you can't live with them, then this is definitely worth a shot.  

I hope this information is helpful!  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
Katie

Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs
4210 Howard Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895
301.530.6660