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of or from?

Which is correct, and why, in the following examples?

The rug is free of stains.
The rug is free from stains.

Thanks for the help! I LOVE THIS SITE.

Re: of or from?

free of : when we buy a new car, we expect it to be free OF any defect.

free from : 'from' indicates separation, a removal of something that was there.
So - a shirt that has had red wine spilt on it comes back from the dry-cleaners free from the red staining.

After a medicated shampoo bath, we hope that a dog will now be free from fleas.