Spot Cleaning Your Carpet

No one likes it when there is a spill on the floor, but with the help of the CRI, it can be cleaned before becoming a permanent part of the carpet. The information listed below will prepare you to properly deal with spills and keep your carpet clean for years to come.

Spot Removal Steps
Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels.

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.

Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.

Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently. Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.

After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time.

For more detailed information on a specific spill, please search on "Difficult to Remove Stains" in our web site.

Spot and stain removal guide 3 RECIPES YOU CAN USE TO REMOVE ALMOST EVERY SPOT AND STAIN FROM YOUR CARPET

TYPE OF STAIN
Oily foodstuffs, including coffee, mustard, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine, vomit, urine, excrement.

TO CLEAN
Mix one tablespoon of mild carpet detergent, 1/3 cup of white vinegar and 2/3 cup water. (or you may substitute carpet detergent for a Mix of one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a clear liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION!) Remove excess materials by absorbing liquids and scraping semi-solids. Apply solutions. Blot the carpet and gently brush the pile. Apply many layers of toweling over the affected area. Weigh down. Leave until dry.

TYPE OF STAIN
Starches, sugars and foodstuffs, such as egg, milk, blood, candy, ice cream, chocolate, sugar stains, salad dressing.

TO CLEAN
Mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of ammonia, and one tablespoon of mild carpet detergent. Remove excess materials, absorbing liquids and scraping semi-solids. Apply the solution. Blot the carpet and gently brush the pile. Apply many layers of toweling over affected area. Weigh down. Leave until dry. When dry, brush the pile gently.

TYPE OF STAIN
Heavy grease and oil, including gum, oil, tar, inks, wax, butter grease, household cement.

TO CLEAN
Remove excess material. Apply a non-flammable dry-cleaning solvent. Blot dry. Brush the pile gently. WARNING! Pre-test all cleaning agents in an inconspicuous area to make sure they are colorfast. Do not attempt to remove these stains- Lipstick, rouge, nail polish, rust, dried mustard, furniture stains, candle wax. These stains require special reagents or techniques to be used by professional carpet cleaners only. NOTE Many carpet owners put agents and compounds on their carpeting in hopes that they will remove spots and stains. Often, these agents become more of a problem than the original spot. if the spot doesn't come out using the suggestions above, don't risk damaging your carpet. Call a professional carpet cleaner.