Problem rug?
A cleaner posted this rug asking for step by step help in cleaning. In looking at it, even though it is a photo (which cannot tell me much) – I know, those dyes are a problem.
My first suggestion – a Dye Test!
Couple ways to do this. Some in the industry say to do what is called a “24-hour dye test” – you get a damp towel, heat it up in the microwave, you press it alongside the rug on the top (weighted with something) – and in 24 hours look to see whether anything has wicked.
Hmmmm. I do not know anyone in an actual rug plant that does this. It takes too long. It could potentially create a migration problem on the front (if it’s too damp). It’s just plain silly.
Here’s a quicker way to test (by the way, I like to test the front AND back side, just in case there are foundation threads – warps or wefts – that might bleed on you).
Heat up some water. (I use my electric tea kettle.) Bend the rug so the fibers spread out, and use an eye dropper to get one small area wet (careful, too much and you may create a problem … if it’s a rug that makes you nervous, test first on the back – if it bleeds, no need to test the front.)
Where was I? Oh yeah… here:
1) Heat water up.
2) Eyedropper of water into folded and opened fibers on front.
3) Press white cotton towel hard to affected area for 20 seconds.
4) No color? Good. Move ahead to test other areas.
5) Some color? Okay. This is about one of every four you test, so be sure you use a dye stabilizing agent during cleaning (I like vinegar aka acetic acid).
6) LOTS of color? Stop, drop, and roll. Actually, test it with a dry towel and see if the rug dry crocks onto the towel – if it does – you need to consider NOT washing this rug.
That it the quick overview. I have a video on dye testing that I’m going to figure out how to post so you can see what I’m writing about.
This is the one step I see most cleaners skip over … and it ends up being the main reason why many of them have become “rug owners” of some bled rugs.
Happy cleaning!
Lisa
Good idea Lisa. I wil use this!