Springtime Pollen Stain Removal

Spring is one of our favorite seasons. It’s the perfect temperature balance and there’s something special about the way people on the street’s hearts seem to lift as the flowers blossom. However, spring pollen is no joke- and besides the allergies it causes, pollen can actually cause a pretty harsh stain on carpets and rugs. Here’s a guide to how to remove pollen stains- as prepared by the carpet and rug cleaning specialists at Aladdin Oriental Rug.

What you will need

• Vacuum that’s either handheld or has an upholstery attachment

• Sticky tape

• Toothbrush

• Cleaning Solvent

• A soft, clean, absorbent white cloth

Removal Process for Pollen Stains on Carpets and Rugs

The replicative DNA of plants, pollen is full of proteins that can leave yellow stains on carpeting and rugs, especially white rugs. Here’s how to remove these stains:

1. First shake the carpet or rug if possible to remove as much of the pollen as possible.

2. Vacuum lightly over the rug to take the particles away. Don’t put pressure or rub the particles in. We recommend using a handheld vacuum so you can suck up the pollen without pressing on it.

3. Use the sticky part of tape to lift off all remaining pollen particles. Do this gently, and lift the pollen away.

4. Use a clean white cloth and blot the stain with a dry cleaning solvent from the outside edges of the stain to the middle of it.

5. Continue blotting until all the solvent has been absorbed.

6. Repeat step 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.

7. If the stain doesn’t go away, try to gently work the cleaning solution in using a clean old toothbrush.

8. Make sure to absorb any remaining moisture with a clean absorbent towel.

9. Let air dry.

Extra Tips

• Never use ammonia on carpets or rugs, as it will set the stain in place.

• Don’t use water to clean the stain, as it will push the stain further into the rug and set it in.

• If you have flowers, we recommend cutting off the anthers, the anatomy of the flower holding pollen, as soon as it opens.

Sun Fading

It’s possible that if you place the carpet or rug in direct sunlight for a few hours that the stain might quickly fade away if it’s already light. Be careful not to sun bleach your carpet or rug though.