If you have a rug stain, you need to act quickly: First, scoop or sop up as much of the spill as you can. Use a spoon or spatula to scoop up solids; blot up liquids with a clean, white, absorbent cloth, or white paper towels. Keep the spill from spreading by working from the edges toward the center of the spot.

After you have taken up as much of the stain as you can, evaluate if you want to proceed on your own, or call on Grillo, with our experience and skill, to remove the stain. If you proceed on your own, review the guidelines below, and then follow our Stain Removal Chart [PDF 64k].  Or, for a free copy of "What I Can Tell You About Caring for Your Oriental Rugs," by George Grillo, please contact us.

• It is very important that the solutions be applied in the order given, and that no application be omitted.
• We strongly advise that you not use a commercial carpet stain removal product. Consumers Guide has reported that using the common household cleaners and steps we recommend is every bit as effective as commercial carpet stain removal products. Our experience has actually shown us that these commercial products can cause irreversible damage to your rug.
• Also, pre-test each solution on an inconspicuous area of the rug. Put a few drops of the solution on each color in the rug and, using your white paper towels or clean, white, absorbent cloth, hold it against each color for about ten seconds. If the dye has bled into your cloth, stop right there. Your rug needs professional attention.
• Using your cloth, apply small amounts of the appropriate solution, in order given, to the stained area until the stain is removed. Don't rub vigorously!
• Be sure not to over-wet the rug. Blot frequently, and continue applying solution and blotting until your cloth is no longer picking up the staining liquid. Note that some stains respond slowly, so you'll need to be patient.
• Finally, blot up any remaining moisture or cleaning solution by pressing or patting the area with the absorbent cloth, then allowing it to air-dry. You can use a hair dryer, but be sure not to hold it too close to the stain.
• Be sure to brush the nap of the rug lightly in the proper direction so that it will dry that way.