Hand cleaning of Oriental rugs

Simple stains and minor dirt spots can easily be cleaned by yourself. Of course, you need to know how – best with our tips below.

However, heavy soiling (e.g., large wine stains) or cleaning the entire carpet should be handled by a professional. An original hand-knotted Oriental rug is often color-sensitive and requires the experience and methods of experts to shine in its freshly knotted color intensity after a more intensive wash.

This point is especially important for particularly high-quality rugs dyed with plant-based colors. If the cleaning is done incorrectly, the Oriental rug may lose its colors, and the valuable wool or silk may be irreparably damaged.

• Be gentle – proceed with care:
  If liquid is spilled, never rub! Instead, gently blot with a clean, absorbent cloth and lukewarm water. This way, colors and fibers remain intact.
• Choose the right cleaning product:
  Only use pH-neutral, mild cleaning agents without aggressive chemicals.
  Tip: Always test in an inconspicuous area before use – this ensures that the colors remain stable.
• Moisture instead of wetness:
  An Oriental rug should never be completely soaked. Instead, lightly dampen and ideally clean in the direction of the fibers with a soft brush. Then carefully remove all residues.
• Dry gently:
  Drying devices, hair dryers, or direct sunlight can damage the rug. The best method is to air dry slowly – ideally from both sides.
• For stubborn stains, let the professionals handle it:
  Red wine, oil, ink, or wax are cases for experts. Leave such cleanings to trained professionals – such as the specialized team at Nain Trading.

• Too much water:
  When the carpet becomes soaked, it loses its protective lanolin layer. The wool can become brittle and lose elasticity.
• No heat sources:
  Heat sources like space heaters or radiant heaters cause stress in the fabric and can leave irreparable damage. Patience is the best care when drying.
• No reckless DIY attempts on problem stains:
  Large stains or spots from grease or ink should only be treated by professionals. Well-intentioned DIY attempts often lead to even greater damage.

1. Immediate action: Blot fresh stains immediately with paper towels or a cotton cloth.
2. Use home remedies: A splash of vinegar in sparkling mineral water can help dissolve dyes. Apply gently and dab – never rub.
3. Aftercare: Lightly wipe with clear, lukewarm water and blot dry.

1. Bind the grease: Gently blot with paper towels. Then apply baking soda or baby powder to the area and let it sit for a few hours.
2. Remove residues: Carefully vacuum and follow up with a soft cloth.

1. Use alcohol strategically: Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and gently dab it on the stain. Always use a fresh cloth to avoid smearing any color.
   Note: Test on an inconspicuous area first.

1. Absorb liquid: Quickly blot with an absorbent cloth.
2. Neutralize odors: Clean with lukewarm water and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Wipe with fresh water and pat dry.

Now we come to the actual cleaning. Remember: The carpet should only be lightly dampened and should never be dripping with water.

Excessive water could wash out the oils from the carpet, which are responsible for its softness and dirt-repelling properties. Without this oil, the carpet can appear dull and lifeless.

Apply the previously tested cleaning solution in a straight line on the dampened carpet. After the solution has been absorbed, brush it out in the same direction and make sure to completely remove the cleaning solution. Rinse the brush constantly with fresh water.

Once all the remaining foam is removed, rinse the carpet thoroughly with plenty of water. Then, use the back of a scrubber to extract as much moisture as possible from the carpet.

After all the dirty spots have been cleaned and the excess water has been removed, you should apply grease to the still slightly damp carpet.

This step is extremely important to replace the lost fat and restore the carpet's natural shine and resilience. Lanolin or wool grease solutions are particularly well-suited for this purpose.

After applying the grease, the carpet must be thoroughly dried. Structures that allow for ventilation on both sides, such as a stair railing or an old slatted frame, are suitable for this.

It is important that the carpet is well-ventilated from all sides so that both the front and back can dry evenly. A brief soaking with water is generally harmless, as long as the exposure time is not too long.

For minor mishaps in everyday life – we recommend our Nain Trading Stain Remover , which you can exclusively order with the purchase of a carpet.

This cleaner is based on natural active ingredients and is free from solvents or synthetic chemicals. It is odorless, gentle on fibers, and suitable for nearly all natural and synthetic fiber carpets – whether hand-knotted or machine-made (except for sisal carpets).

Application is incredibly simple: spray the stain, let it dry, and vacuum up the resulting crystals – done. The liquid encapsulates the dirt and forms small crystals after drying, which can be easily removed. This way, you have a reliable, safe, and quick solution for everyday stain problems at hand.

Contents: 250 ml | Only available with carpet purchase