Oriental Rug Cleaning: Pet Accidents and Chewing Gum

Preserving Beauty: A Natural Approach to Restoring Oriental Rugs Affected by Pet Accidents and Chewing Gum

Our valuable rugs are not just an investment; they’ve become integral in enhancing your home’s comfort and aesthetics. Safeguarding their allure necessitates expert rug care – an essential step to cherish what they bring to your space.


Dog lying on a rugOriental rug owners are proud of their purchases, and rightly so. These rugs are true works of art, deserving to be showcased as the masterpieces they are. The challenge lies in the fact that, despite their artistic value, many owners still wish to enjoy the practicality of these rugs. Hence, they proudly display them by adorning their floors, embracing their intended use. However, accidents are an unavoidable reality, no matter how diligently one tries. If you happen to be a proud owner of such an exquisite rug and find yourself faced with an unforeseen mishap, especially one that demands immediate attention, like a pet accident or a sticky chewing gum situation, fret not. This is precisely where the importance of professional rug cleaning comes into play. In the following sections, we will delve into some valuable tips to effectively address these common issues and ensure your cherished rug retains its beauty and splendour.

 

Chewing Gum 

Chewing gum is the type of item that seems like it may never come out. However, there is a way to remove it from your oriental rug without causing further damage. Put some ice in a baggie and place the baggie on top of the chewing gum that is in the carpet. Wait for the ice to harden the gum and then break the gum into pieces using a hammer, or other hard instrument. Scrape the remaining gum off the rug’s fibre, apply a dry cleaning solution, rinse, and then blot dry. 

Pet Accidents 

As with any spill, the sooner you are able to attend to a pet accident the better it will be for your oriental rug. When it comes to Oriental rug cleaning, the process is similar to that of any other type of rug in that you would dab up the surface liquid with a dry rag, but since pet urine contains acids it can be detrimental to the wool and dye of an oriental rug. So, instead of using traditional rug cleaners, follow up the use of the dry cloth with a mild ammonia solution. The ratio used should be 3 parts water and 1 part mild ammonia. After cleaning the affected area of the Oriental rug, dry it quickly using a fan or a hair dryer.

Amy Jensen
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About Amy Jensen

Amy is part of the Rug Wash Specialist online content team. As a bit of a clean freak, she loves a good tip to make it easier to keep a clean home.
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