So, you had a bad experience with natural fiber rugs and decided to replace them with synthetics. Next thing you know, out with the wool and in with the polyester! Sounds great, throw the wool rugs out and all my problems are solved! I hear this all the time. But, the question is, what problem are you trying to solve by purchasing a synthetic rug? Many claim synthetic rugs are easier to clean and remove stains. Is this true? Not necessarily, but guess it depends on who you ask! As a professional carpet cleaner, the answer is maybe! But, all because the rug is a synthetic, does not mean it’s easier to clean. This is a complete misconception from a stain removal perspective. Where does this stuff come from? Believe me, synthetic fibers are not all that great, especially synthetics manufactured from solvent bases. But, then again, it depends on who you ask! Well, look no further, I am going to give you the straight scoop on stain removal from a synthetic fiber.

One of the most common stains we see on rugs is red wine. Area rugs are typically placed in the living and dining areas for decorative purposes because it looks nice. These areas are commonly used to entertain friends and family for a special occasion (hints: red wine spills). In a prior post, we discussed how to remove red wine from a natural fiber such as wool. Why do I mention this? Well, the difference between synthetic and natural fibers is not that different, but it depends on how you look at it!

You see, “any” and “all” fibers can be stained! Whether it’s a synthetic or natural fiber doesn’t really matter from a staining perspective. From a stain removal perspective, it DOES MATTER! What type of stain your trying to remove matters as well (example: synthetic or organic dye). A synthetic dye such as red #10 can stain both synthetic and natural fibers. An organic dye such as red wine can stain both synthetic and natural fibers as well. The point is as stated above, both synthetic and natural fiber both stain just the same, but the stain removal process (can be) quite different! I know it sounds confusing, but there are many variables to consider when removing red wine from both types of fibers.

Moving on, how do you remove “red wine” from a synthetic fiber? The good news is that a synthetic fiber is more forgiving than a natural one…this is a good thing! By forgiving, a synthetic fiber can take more abuse to remove the stain, whereas natural fibers are more delicate! Also, heat can be applied to a synthetic fiber, but NOT to wool! Listed below, are the instructions for removing red wine from a synthetic fiber such as polyester, nylon, or olefin-based textiles.

RED WINE STAIN REMOVAL FROM A SYNTHETIC FIBER

  1. Blot red wine with a (white) terry cloth. Keep blotting until no longer visible.
  2. Fill measuring cup with 5oz. of cold water.
  3. Pour 1 cap of Ammonia, 2 caps of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cap of white vinegar (cap needs to be about ½ deep and the size of a quarter).
  4. Mix solution thoroughly with a plastic straw (dispose of straw).
  5. Heat a clothes iron to (medium heat – cotton) for 5 minutes.
  6. Using a spray bottle, hold nozzle 1 inch above stain and spray (let sit 2-3 minutes).
  7. Submerge white terry cloth in cold water (only wring out 50% of water) towel should still be well saturated.
  8. Place saturated terry cloth on red wine stain. Then place iron on top of terry cloth for 20 seconds and remove! The hot iron will create steam and activate the solution, therefore removing the red wine. You may need to repeat this process several times until desires results are achieved.
  9. Once desired results are achieved, rinse area with 2-3 oz. of cold water and blot until dry. You may need to blot several times until dry.

***DO NOT LEAVE IRON ON TERRY CLOTH FOR MORE THAN 20 SECONDS OR CARPET/RUG CAN BURN! PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT NO CHILDREN OR PETS ARE AROUND DURING THIS PROCESS AND BE CAREFUL!