Basic Spotting
We all have spills on our carpet from time to time. Some carpet stains don't need a professional carpet cleaning but still need to be cleaned correctly to make sure the stain is completely removed ... and that the carpet is not damaged.
Check out these tips for easy spot cleaning:
- Using white absorbent cloth or paper towels, blot up or scoop up as much of the spill as possible. Never rub. Rubbing can alter the texture of the carpet.
- Apply (without over wetting) clean, warm (not hot) water to stained area on your carpet. Blot up firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. Repeat until there is no stain or no further transfer of stain onto the paper towel or cloth.
- If stain remains on carpet, apply (without over wetting) a solution of warm water and mild non-bleach liquid laundry detergent (1 teaspoon to 1 quart water). Clear mild dishwashing liquid, without additives like hand softeners or scents, is also OK. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- IMPORTANT STEP: Blot up the detergent. Then apply clear warm water (without over wetting). Blot up water. Once again apply clear warm water. Blot up water. Repeat until all detergent is removed. Detergent residue will actually make your carpet get stained quicker and easier because it leaves the residue holds on to dirt and grime that gets on your carpet later.
- Absorb remaining moisture with layers of white paper towels weighted down overnight with a non-staining glass or ceramic object.
- When completely dry, vacuum or brush the pile to restore texture. After drying, if the stain reappears, it may be because some of the stain remained deep in the pile and is "wicking" up to the surface. If so, repeat steps 3 to 6. If the stain remains, give us a call.
Complex Spotting
Have a stain that is going to take more than the basic steps to clean? If you can identify the stain's source, you can use the stain-removal guide below to attempt removing the stain yourself.
Identify the source of the stain. Check the list below for stain type and its corresponding letter(s). Follow the lettered instructions under "Complex Spotting." All numbers relate tot he steps under "Basic Spotting." Regardless of source, immediately clean up as much stain as possible. (Note: If these procedures do not work for you, consult a carpet care professional.)
Index:
| Asphalt |
A |
|
Graphite |
H |
|
Paint |
A |
| Blood** |
B |
|
Grease, Auto |
A |
|
Petroleum Jelly |
A |
| Butter |
A |
|
Grease, Food |
A |
|
Rust |
C |
| Candle Wax |
E |
|
Hair Oil |
A |
|
Shoe Polish |
A |
| Carbon, Black |
G |
|
Hand Lotion |
A |
|
Shortening |
A |
| Chalk |
H |
|
Ice Cream |
B |
|
Soot* |
G |
| Charcoal |
H |
|
Ink* |
A |
|
Tar |
A |
| Chewing Gum |
E |
|
Lipstick |
A |
|
Tea* |
D |
| Chocolate |
D |
|
Makeup |
A |
|
Toilet Cleaner |
G |
| Coffee* |
D |
|
Mayonnaise |
D |
|
Toothpaste |
B |
| Cough Syrup |
D |
|
Mercurochrome |
D |
|
Unknown |
A, D |
| Crayon |
A |
|
Milk |
D |
|
Urine / Feces |
C |
| Dirt |
H |
|
Mixed Drinks (Liqueurs) |
D |
|
Vomit* |
G |
| Glue, Hobby |
A |
|
Mud |
D |
|
Wine, White |
D |
| Glue, White |
B |
|
Nail Polish |
F |
|
|
|
*May require professional cleaning
** All ingredients must be cold
Instructions:
|
A. Follow 1, then apply dry cleaning solvent (available at a hardware store or the cleaning aisle of your supermarket). Follow instructions and precautions on container. (WARNING! Overuse of solvents may lead to carpet de-lamination.) Then follow 2-6.
B. Follow 1-3. Then apply solution of clear, white, non-sudsy ammonia (2 tbs. to 1 qt. water), blot with clean white cloth or paper towels. Repeat 3. Then 4-6.
C. Follow 1-4. Then apply solution of white vinegar (2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water). Blot with clean white cloth or paper towels. Repeat 3. Then 4-6.
D. Follow 1-3. Then apply solution of white vinegar (2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water) and blot. Next apply solution to clear, white, non-sudsy ammonia (2 tablespoons to 1 quart water) and blot. Repeat 3. Then 4-6.
E. Freeze area with ice cubes. Shatter solid mass with blunt instrument. Vacuum up pieces. Follow 3-6.
F. Test nail polish remover on a section of carpet (somewhere that is not easily seen) to determine whether the nail polish remover adversely affects the carpet's color. If the carpet's color is unaffected, apply remover and blot. Repeat if necessary.
G. Follow 1-4. If stain remains, apply dry-cleaning solvent (follow instructions and precautions on container). Repeat 3 & 4. Then 5 & 6.
H. Vacuum thoroughly. If needed, follow 1-6.
Call Courtesy Care if you encounter a difficult spot. We are just a phone call away and have lots of experience in removing tough spots and stains. Pet stains, in particular, often require special treatment.
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