Expert: Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs - 7/16/2006

Question
I have quite a few set in stains spilled coffee or coke plus pet stains. Is there an over the counter product you would recommend. Or do you have your own home recipe. I have had people come and clean carpet and stains resurface. Help!!
thanks,
roberta

Answer
Hello Roberta,

Thanks so much for your question.  Hopefully, I can be of assistance.  First, it may help to give you a little stain tutorial.  There are basically two types of stains: 1) the dirt and grease-based stains 2) the dye-based stains which would include things such as coffee, urine, red wine, coke, etc.  One product will not get out both.  To get out soil and grease stains, I like Spot Shot.  To get out dye-based stains, most of the products are mediocre, and really their effectiveness depends on the stubborness of the stain, the original color of the carpet and the amount of elbow grease you use.  I have had some luck with a Woolite product that specifically says it is for liquid stains, and I have had customers that really like the Resolve "Professional" products from Home Depot, Lowes, etc.- make sure the packaging mentions that it can get out coffee or red wine stains.  

I'm assuming that you have wall-to-wall carpeting - don't do the following for an Oriental rug.  First you need to flush out the stain, especially the pet stains, as there may still be some enzymes left in the carpet.  Use lots of water and lots of white rags, over and over.  Then, when you think you've gotten all of the coffee or urine out of the rug and only the stain is remaining, you can use a product to remove the stain.  Follow the directions on the packaging.  Sometimes, removal of the older, dye-based stains is next to impossible, just to warn you.  It is possible that the carpet cleaners have already done everything that can be done.  You may be a little more determined and have more elbow grease than your carpet cleaners, so you might be a little more successful.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Good luck,
Katie
ruglady@jahannandsons.com