How to Clean Water Damage on an Oriental Carpet

There are very few beautiful carpets that are parallel to the beauty found in oriental carpets, therefore they should be protected. When water or any other liquid is spilled on these carpets, you'll need to remove it immediately to preserve the surface. Damage caused by water can result in weakening of the pile or a rotted foundation.

What You'll Need:

• Paper towels


• 1/4 cup white vinegar


• 1/2 tsp. liquid dishwashing detergent


• Soft cloth


• Lanolin

1. Lay paper towels over the area where the liquid was spilled. Step or press down on the paper towels to remove as much of the liquid as possible.


2. Mix together 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 tsp of the dishwashing detergent and 2 cups of water at room temperature. Mix the contents together to ensure they are mixed well.


3. Dip a small clean cloth into the solution and begin blotting the solution on the stain. Ensure that you don't rub to avoid damaging the carpet fiber and pile. Continue this process until most of the water stain has been removed.


4. Using another damp soft cloth, begin blotting the treated area to remove any soap residue that remains on the oriental carpet.


5. Position a towel over the top of the area that you just treated. Lightly press or step on the towel to remove any excess moisture.


6. Use your fingers to rub the pile, this will help to loosen the fibers and make the pile less stiff once dry.


7. Spread a very small amount of lanolin on a rag and dab it onto the carpet if the pile or fibers still remain stiff after attempting to loosen them with your fingers.