Stain First Aid

Safe, simple steps to stabilize any stain until you can get professional help.

Spills happen. Pets happen. Life happens.

Kashian Bros Stain First Aid gives you safe, do-no-harm actions you can do right away to stop the damage and prevent things from getting worse.
Visit our Stain Library here>

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Do these steps for any stain type.

  • Blot gently with a clean white towel
  • Work from the outside in
  • Never rub or scrub
  • Place dry white towel over stain with weight to allow the stain to wick up into the towel
  • Don’t make a bad problem worse. The wrong stain remover can make it worse. 

What stain type are you looking for?

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🐾 Stain First Aid by Type

Simple steps for each stain type. Why are these steps different for each stain? Because the chemical composition of the stain requires a different type of treatment.

Stain First Aid by Type

🐾 Pet Stains

Do This First:

  • Blot up as much of the accident as possible with a clean, white, absorbent towel.
  • Press gently, lift, and adjust the towel as needed.
  • Start at the outer edge and work toward the center.
  • Do not rub back and forth.
 

Then Do This:

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent + 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 1 liter of warm water.
  • Lightly spray the area until damp (not soaked).
  • Allow the solution to work for 10–15 minutes.
  • Blot with a clean, dry white towel.
 

After That:

  • Place a dry white towel over the area.
  • Add a weight on top.
  • Leave for 2-3 hours to allow moisture to wick into the towel.
 

If the Stain Remains:

  • Spray a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution lightly on the area and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
  • Multiple applications may be needed.
 

Need Help:

“We have two dogs, and whenever there’s an accident, we take the rug straight to Kashian Bros. They always take care of it beautifully.”

Mary, Lake Forest

Stain First Aid by Type

🍷 Wine, Coffee, Juice, Tea

Do This First:

  • Blot gently with a clean white towel.
  • Press gently and avoid rubbing.
  • Adjust towel and continue blotting from outer edge inward.
 

Then Do This:

  • Pour a small amount of club soda onto the stain.
  • Blot with a clean white towel.
  • You should see color transfer to the towel.
  • Continue until no more color transfers.
 

After That:

  • Cover the area with a dry white towel.
  • Add a weight.
  • Leave for 2-3 hours to allow moisture to wick into the towel.
 

Need Help:

“Amazing carpet cleaning. Had two rugs cleaned. With a very furry dog and a vomit- (sorry 😉) prone cat, I was thinking there might not be much life left in my favorite rug. When I got it back, it looked like a new rug. Couldn’t be more thrilled!” 

Carol, Wilmette

Stain First Aid by Type

Stain First Aid 1Mud, Soil, Dirt

Do This First:

  • Allow the soil or mud to dry completely before beginning.
  • Do not apply water.
  • Do not rub.
 

Then Do This:

  • Once dry, gently brush the dried soil in one direction to remove as much as possible.
  • Then vacuum the area to reach soil deeper in the fibers.
  • Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a clean towel lightly dampened with warm water.
  • Dab the area with the towel as needed.
 


After That:

  • Gently blot with towel rinsed in clear water.
  • Blot with a dry white towel to absorb excess moisture.
  • Allow carpet to air dry.
 

Need Help:

“Always call Kashian Bros for your carpet cleaning needs. They do a wonderful job on my white carpets, never leave them too soggy, and are a pleasure to work with. Have used them for years and you will too!”

Amelie, Wilmette

Stain First Aid by Type

blood stain Blood or Grass

Do This First:

  • Blot gently with a clean white towel.
  • Lift and adjust the towel as needed.
  • Avoid rubbing or scrubbing.
 

Then Do This:

  • Use an “enzyme-based” cleaner, such as Tide or Persil, and avoid bleach.
  • Apply the detergent directly to the stain.
  • Dab with a damp towel to gently work the solution into the fibers.
  • Let sit for 15 minutes.
 

After That:

  • Blot with towel rinsed in cold water.
  • Blot again with a dry white towel.
  • Place another dry towel on top, add a weight, and leave for a few hours.
 

Need Help:

“My rugs were brought to me today and they are absolutely beautiful.”

June, Kenilworth

Stain First Aid by Type

oil Grease, Oils, Salad Dressing

Do This First:

  • Blot gently with a clean white towel.
  • Avoid rubbing.
  • Do not pour liquid directly on the carpet.
 

Then Do This:

  • Apply mineral spirits, such as paint thinner, to a clean white towel. Do not put spirits directly on the carpet.
  • Dab the carpet until the grease stops transferring to the towel.
  • Rinse off mineral spirits by blotting with a lightly damp towel containing hot water mixed with a small amount of dish soap.
  • Dab with another clean towel as needed.
  • Repeat until the carpet feels and looks clean, not greasy.
 

After That:

  • Place a dry white towel over the area.
  • Add a weight.
  • Let it sit for a few hours to wick up moisture.
 

Need Help:

“When I got it back, it looked like a new rug. Couldn’t be more thrilled!”

Jennifer, Wilmette

Stain First Aid by Type

✂️ Damage: Burns, Pulled Loops, Wear, Moths

Do This First:

  • Avoid adding moisture
 

Then Do This:

  • Burns: If only the tips are damaged, carefully trim just the very top of the fibers.
    • If deeper, a patch may be needed using carpet from an inconspicuous area.
  • Pulled Loop: Trim the loose fiber and save it.
    • A repair person may be able to reweave the area.
  • Wear: Wear may be from soil and flattened fibers.
    • A deep cleaning often restores appearance.
  • Moth Damage: Moths prefer dark, undisturbed wool/silk areas.
    • Signs include bare spots, web-like casings, sand-like residue.
    • Only a professional moth-freezing chamber fully eradicates larvae.


After That:

  • Contact a professional who can advise whether cleaning, repair, or moth freezing treatment is needed.
 

Need Help:

“Fantastic job with the rug repair. As you know, I am a seamstress, and I CANNOT FIND THE SEAMS! Kashian Bros is the best.”

Nancy, Wilmette

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