[davep]

G'day, i have some Plant soil stains on a biege wool carpet to tackle..  any tips please?   

[John Kelly]

When you say plant soil, I take it there is a circular stain underneath where a plant pot has been standing. If this is the case the Wool is probably damaged by Mould & Fungi. This is caused when the plant pot saucer isn't fully glazed and the moisture seeps through into the carpet.
If this is the case when it is sometimes possible to achieve a slight visual improvement but usually impossible to rectify totally. Just clean it as normal and try a little rust remover.
Check the pile carefully as sometimes it is totally shot and disappears up the wand leaving a bald patch.

[davep]

Your right, the pile is flat as a pancake..  Ta john 

[Stephen "Dusty" Roberts]

Dave

The foundation is likely weakened by dry rot if it has a jute or cotton foundation. Roll the rug very carefully in the affected area with your ear close to the rug. If you hear a cracking sound the rug is very weak and will likely come adrift in your cleaning process. It that case you will need to give your client a price to repair it and if it is a good hand knot you can hire an expert for this (there are several I know of around the UK including Olney.


http://www.olneyrugs.com/page.asp?id=12


 If the rug is a less valuable rug you can likely re-inforce the backing with some jute and latex and just patch it.

For really good advice on how to repair this just post up the pics or email them to me.

Dusty

[John Kelly]

It's a carpet not a rug!

[Jason Hedges]

Nice one John, blunt but true!

Thanks for the call on Friday, got problem sorted today and processed order this evening.

Good helpfull advice from Dusty though if had've been a rug

DaveP:

Stains from plant pots are a nightmare especially on wool. Wool is mega absorbant and just loves taking in dyes and stains and not letting them go.

Soil differs from area to area and mixed with plant food / fertiliser and water turns it into an unknown beast. Added to the fact the plant pot or container may not be glazed and the area will be constantly damp and dark which will promote rot, weakening the already delicate wool fibres making cleaning even more difficult.

I've had some joy using plain water rinse first to remove contamination then m/s. Be carefull and keep solution and vac pressures as low as possible to reduce the possibility of ripping fibres clean out.

All the best,
Jason.

[Ian Rochester]

I generally get these in January after people have put away their christmas decorations and find a big ring underneath where the tree was standing!

Nearly always ends up being an insurance job.

[Stephen "Dusty" Roberts]

LOL>..oops

Tackle = tackless in north america.