Hand-knotted Carpet Cleaning Tutorial
Even though high-quality hand-knotted carpets are functional and easy to take care of, accidents do happen. What are you to do if your carpet is in crisis and needs emergency spot cleaning? Continue reading to learn a standard protocol of what you should do after your next carpet accident.
- Take a deep breath!
Having any type of accident on your hand-knotted carpet can be stressful, especially when emotions come into play after a stain on a prized family heirloom. It is important to remember that accidents happen and that these pieces are produced to be used. So, take a deep breath, and follow the next steps!
2. Identify the stain.
The next best step is to identify the stain. Whether you just witnessed a spill or just discovered an old mark, distinguishing the spot will help determine how to proceed. If your stain is DRY and caused by DAILY USE, see Step 3. If the marking is WET or DRY and caused by FOOD, BEVERAGES, OR PETS, see step 4.
3. If your stain is DRIED and caused by DAILY USE
Stains caused by daily use are caused by dirty shoes and pressure applied to the pile. This can make the pile look matted and have greyish markings over common walking paths. We suggest a thorough vacuuming, from the back then to the top of the carpet. Vibrations from the vacuum will knock the dirt loose from the carpet’s foundation and move towards the top of the carpet’s pile. Once flipped, your vacuum has a better chance of sucking up the stain. You may also want to consider vacuuming these high traffic areas more frequently to prevent those wear stains from occurring on a frequent basis.
4. If your stain is WET, or DRIED, CAUSED BY FOOD, BEVERAGES, OR PETS…
If your stain is wet, we suggest that you start by blotting the stain out with a paper towel or clean cloth. If it cannot be resolved with blotting, thoroughly rinse out the spot where your spill or stain is. Especially with wet stains from coffee, wine, soda, or mud, removing these stains will be much easier if they remain damp. Once thoroughly rinsed, elevate the spot, and prop a fan directly at the area to dry it. Thoroughly dry for at least 12 hours or until the stained area is dry. If the stain is still apparent, move on to step 5.
5. Wet or Dried stains Pt. 2
After thorough rinsing, if the stain is still apparent, for the next step we suggest carefully utilizing Dawn dish soap. With a small bowl, add cold water with a few drops of dish soap, and mix until the water becomes frothy. Use the soapy bubbles and apply them to the stained area with a clean scrubbing implement, such as a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush. Once applied and scrubbed, rinse the spot thoroughly, removing ALL the soap from the pile. Repeat this process until the stain is gone. When completed, elevate the stained area, and prop a fan nearby until the carpet is completely dry. If the spot is still apparent, move on to step 6.
6. Ask for help!
If you feel as if the stain is too much for you to handle, it is appropriate to ask for help! Reach out to a professional carpet cleaning service and schedule a carpet cleaning right away. Some cleaning services only clean wall-to-wall carpeting, they or do not take the proper care with handmade rugs and may even damage your carpet. Make sure to do some research to ensure that they can serve high-quality, hand-made carpets. Otherwise, feel free to reach out to Orley Shabahang via our website, telephone, or email. We are capable of servicing customers across the country and globe with their carpet cleaning needs. Our cleaning team utilizes the best organic soaps and conditioners, combined with a true hand washing process.