Providing immediate attention
to a spill, animal waste, or stain is the single most important technique
one should apply in effectively removing an unwanted mess. As a first
step, remove as much liquid residue as possible by blotting with a white
absorbent cloth, tissue or paper towel. DO NOT RUB HARD OR USE A BRUSHING
ACTION, as this may fray carpet fibers and/or distort the appearance of
the area in which you're working. Hold absorbent material against spot for
a period long enough in which the stain can transfer (note: this may take
several minutes). Vacuum away powder and other dry spills. If necessary,
with a spatula, gently scrape away solid residue.
After removing as much residue as possible, spotting can be continued with
one or more of the following solutions:
- Plain Water
- A solution of one
teaspoon neutral detergent (such as Dreft, Vel, Trend or Ivory Liquid)
to one cup water.
- One tablespoon of
regular household ammonia to one cup water. *Carefully test an
inconspicuous area to be sure there is no color loss.
- A dry cleaning fluid
such as Carbona, Energize, K-2, Thoro, or Renuzit.
- One tablespoon of WHITE
vinegar to one cup of water.
Apply a small amount of the desired cleaning solution and gently
agitate the soiled area while blotting with absorbent cloth. Continue
agitating and blotting, applying small amounts of cleaning solution,
as needed and only if you notice you are making progress in removing
the spot. If you are not able to completely remove the unwanted spot
with the first suggested cleaning solution, continue with the second
and successive suggested cleaning solutions.
Remember again, never to rub the soiled area as this can spread the
spot and distort the carpet fiber. Take note not to overuse any
cleaning solution as you can easily wet the carpet backing. Overusing
dry cleaning fluid can be especially harmful, as it can easily damage
carpet backing.
Note that many spots and stains may take extra time to be removed,
therefore patience in removing a spot is encouraged. Other spots and
stains such as Kool Aid, wine, punch, and soda may be permanent. See
our advanced techniques for additional advice.
Be sure to follow the safety precautions printed on all solutions
especially dry cleaning fluids. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or
carbon tetrachloride.
If a dry cleaning fluid was the only cleaning solution used to treat
the spot, allow carpet to dry naturally - don't add water to rinse.
If a detergent or ammonia were used, rinse the spot with plain water.
Once rinsed, cover the area with one half inch (1/2") of white
cotton or plain paper towel and weigh down overnight to absorb the
cleaning solution and any residue which may still be in the carpet.
Generally, after drying, most of the spot should have come out
(perhaps you'll see a shadow of spot). After the carpet has dried,
repeat the process if necessary. After repeating solution treatment
and drying process, if spot (or shadow) remains, it is advisable to
use a dry cleaning fluid (if you have not done so up until this
point).
If you have a cleaning professional or toll free "800"
number with your warranteed carpet, and spot still remains, now might
be the time to call for professional spotting, extraction and
cleaning. If you are in the Denver metro area, Call Doc's of Denver
Steam Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning at 303-771-4632.
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Doc's
Stain Search:
Search
for a specific spot or spill treatment above; it is advisable, before
applying any treatment or technique, you begin by familiarizing yourself
with the beginning spotting information at left. Browse our General
Spotting Chart.
If unable to remove spot,
try Advanced Spotting Tips. If you have doubts about what may have caused the
stain and/or how to remove it, contact Doc's for a professional spotting,
extraction and cleaning for best result. 303-771-4632 or email: info@docsofdenver.com.
Tip!
The
detergent, ammonia, and vinegar solutions (mentioned left) can be mixed in
advance and stored in spray bottles so that they'll be at your immediate
disposal. Spray bottles provide an easy way to apply the solution without
soaking your carpet.
Quick
Links:
General
Spotting Chart
Advanced
Spotting Chart
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