Safe way to clean rug!!!

**adalynn** · 07-05-2010, 12:09 PM

I have a huge stain of chili on my rug, that I don't know how to tackle safely. It's a area rug like carpet, I guess that is the best way to describe it. I would prefer not to use chemicals on it. Thanks for any help!

**ladykemma2** · 07-06-2010, 07:12 AM

need a degreaser like dilute dawn dishwashing liquid. i'm afraid that nothing will remove the redness (carotene).

**adalynn** · 07-06-2010, 08:57 AM

I can't believe this!!! My neighbor throws scrap food out her back door, I try my hardest to watch my dog, but he slips off to her yard sometimes. Well...she cooked a LARGE pot of chili, which she threw the scraps out & ...well I came home to a wonderful surprise, not only on my area rug for living room, but also on carpet DS room. I just replaced the carpet in his room not even 2 yrs ago. Now it is ruined.

**Josephhgoins** · 07-06-2010, 02:09 PM

BTW, Bleach will not work. Mom used to clean our entire house with it growing up with no problems. I remember helping her shampoo the carpets with it.

I managed to get a few drops of red food coloring on mine about a foot apart of each other. I then took a rag and rubbed in circles to get rid of it. Finally gave up and put a rag with bleach on each spot.

Guess what I got? 2 white spots with a red center on a beige carpet. Looks just like I had boobs dyed into my carpet.

**militlady** · 07-08-2010, 04:23 AM

I got this off a website about how to clean anything.

Tools & Chemicals:
Dish washing or fine fabric detergent, white terry towels, white vinegar, warm water, measuring cup, spoon, vacuum.

Technique:

Work on removing the stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the stain is left on the carpet the greater the chances are of the stain setting.
In every case remove all excess wet or dry material before attempting to clean. Blot wet materials using a white terry towel (check helpful hints for a detailed description of blotting). Vacuum excess dry materials or gently scrape up materials with a spoon.
Mix 1/2 tsp. of dish washing soap or fine fabric detergent into 1 (8 oz.)cup of warm water.
Apply a small amount, blot or tamp and repeat until the stain is removed. Be patient. Complete removal may reqiure repeating the same step several times. Tamp down on the carpet, do not scrub as this may disort the texture of the pile.
Cover the stain with the towel and press down repeatedly to absorb the stain material and detergent.
Once the stain is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry white terry towel until all moisture is removed. Repeat this process several times to remove cleaning solution residue. (Residue can attract soils).
If the spot or stain turns brownish when dry, mix 1 part white vinegar and two parts water. Apply a small amount and blot. Repeat only once.
Precautions:
Never use a stronger concentration than is recommended. Never laundry detergent or automatic dish washing detergents because they may destroy or dye some fibers.

**gottadance** · 07-11-2010, 11:24 PM

Have you tried soda water? I had red wine spilled on my carpet and the soda water just completely removed it. I did it immediately after the spill, though.