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Cleaning area rug?

11 years ago

I have a 6' round area rug that is, unfortunately, has many dog urine stains from my recently deceased precious Border Collie. He was 16 years and 8 months old when he died in his sleep. I cannot afford to take this rug anywhere to be cleaned professionally. It is too large for the tub. So I am thinking of scrubbing the back of this wool rug with carpet cleaner in the house with some plastic underneath to protect the vinyl floor. Any other ideas? Thanks!

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Comments (11)

Vertise
11 years ago
Can you take it out to the driveway to wash it down thoroughly with soap and water, using a soft brush and hose rinse? Before using any other products, use an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle.

Fortunately, dog urine doesn't smell like a cat's does and an older pet's urine is usually more dilute.
EG3d
Original Author
11 years ago
Unfortunately, I live in an apartment now and I do not have a driveway. But I do have a patio which I could clear off temporarily and use the hose there to clean off the rug. Thank you.
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Patti-This WORKS! 16 0z Hydrogen Peroxide 1 Teaspoon dishwashing liquid 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda Mix together and soak area, leave on till completely dry if a white residue appears it can be vacuumed or brushed away. Just mix it up and pour it on the areas where the cat sprayed. Vala-The reason you can't get the smell out of your carpet is because the urine has soaked into the padding.If you don't get the padding clean the smell will still be there.If you will use the formula above and saturate the carpet all the way to the padding,the odor will come out.When I had a cat that peed on my carpet,I had it professionally cleaned and the odor didn't come out because steam cleaners and other commercial cleaners don't saturate the pad.You have to get to the pad with the cleaning solution.I found this formula,used it and it worked.Try it!
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I don't have any very expensive ones. I take a Hoover Steam Cleaner/Shampooer over the synthetic ones once or twice a year. Any spills or cat throw up (because they can't move over two feet to do it on the other floor...) we'll scrub up as soon as we find it. I normally use the Rug Dr. cleaner. I use it on the wool silk rug too with no issues. That rug surprisingly is wearing like iron. As a general observation I know a lot of people (including myself) think that wall to wall carpet is dirty and gross. I have it but try not to think too hard about germs and when shoes are worn in the house. Even though it's starting to look worn there are no stains so I feel it looks fairly 'clean' but I see what comes out of the shampoo water. Even though I vacuum regularly it's brown and filled with some cat hair and dirt. I don't know what I'd do it I had a large quality oriental. I do know of a local antique rug place and I believe I saw on their sign they do repairs and cleanings. I'd probably take mine outside to air out and use a rug beater. I might occasionally take it to have 'professionally' cleaned but what do they really do? If it's chemicals do I really want that on my rug? We come into contact with chemicals all the time though. Off the top of my head, I use makeup everyday and don't give a second thought as to what's it in as long as it's performing to my expectations. Sun and fresh air do amazing things though.
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golddust
11 years ago
I inherited several valuable wool area rugs. I wash them myself with Orvis. Vacuum the heck out of it, then soak with a hose and scrub with a soft bristled broom. Keep doing that until its clean.

Orvis is recommended by the textile preservation people. It can be found at any feed store where they have horse supplies. Orvis conditions the rugs. Drip dry.

I wash my rugs on my deck.
EG3d
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks. Is Orvis expensive? There are actually a few horse supplies stores not far from here. Although I live in a large city this area of town has horse property and was rural up to say 15 years ago. Thanks again.
gsciencechick
11 years ago
Try Stanley Steemer. It may be more affordable than you think, plus they will come to you.

I need to call them to do our rugs!
golddust
11 years ago
It's Orvus. Sorry. Yes it can be a bit pricy but you can buy a small bottle. It's great stuff.
yayagal
11 years ago
Try ammonia and water on a small spot and see if you get results. I got hair dye off my rug with 1/4 ammonia to 3/4 water.
mitchdesj
11 years ago
I've had orientals professionally cleaned because of dog urine and the smell really stayed embedded, not at first when it came back but over time it stank urine, not as strongly but it still did, that smell sure is strongÃ¢ÂÂ¦..

you'll be better off soaking it thoroughly, maybe at a friend's driveway, with the above product.
Let us know of your results.
Vertise
11 years ago
Be sure to use an enzyme treatment before any other products. Otherwise, it might not work. This is stated on the bottle.
EG3d
Original Author
11 years ago
Ammonia would smell like cat urine. Would not vinegar work better?
golddust
11 years ago
I'm telling you. Forget everything but Orvus if you love your rug. I have wool rugs from the late 1800's. Orvus will take care of all problems if you use enough water and saturate it.

Trust me. I have area rugs valued at $10,000. This is what I do to protect my investment.

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