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Stain Removal

    Stain Removal Guide

    Keeping your carpets free from stains will always be a challenge. We have compiled a list of the most common types of stains below. Click on a stain below to view cleaning instructions.

    Acne medicine

    *Note – Most of these stains are difficult to completely remove from a carpet. Many will leave residue behind, which may not be visible. Over time this residue will collect soil and the spot will reappear. So the stain may require several follow-up cleanings before it is finally removed.

    1) Scoop up and blot as much of the spill as possible.
    2) Prepare suggested cleaning solutions below, beginning with the first one listed.
    3) Pretest the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of carpet to ensure it does not discolor or damage the carpet.
    4) Apply the cleaning solution to the stain area. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center.
    5) Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the spill for at least five minutes.
    6) Blot with a clean white cloth until no more stain transfers to the cloth. Do not rub the stain area or you might damage the carpet fibers.
    7) Rinse with cold water.
    8) If you can still see the stain, repeat the above process until either the stain is removed or the stain no longer transfers to the cloth.
    9) If the stain remains, try the next solution on the list and follow the same protocol above.
    10) If the stain persists after trying each of the solutions, contact a professional cleaner.
    11) Once the stain is removed, place layers of white paper towel on the site to absorb any moisture. Weight down the towels with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. You can let them sit overnight.
    12) When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the texture.

    Solutions
    Dry Cleaning Fluid
    – or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store. Buy non-flammable if possible.

    Detergent Solution
    – Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.

    Ammonia Solution
    – Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups warm water.

    Vinegar Solution
    – Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.

     

    ALCOHOL

    *Note – Most of these stains are difficult to completely remove from a carpet. Many will leave residue behind, which may not be visible. Over time this residue will collect soil and the spot will reappear. So the stain may require several follow-up cleanings before it is finally removed.

    1) Scoop up and blot as much of the spill as possible.
    2) Prepare suggested cleaning solutions below, beginning with the first one listed.
    3) Pretest the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of carpet to ensure it does not discolor or damage the carpet.
    4) Apply the cleaning solution to the stain area. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center.
    5) Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the spill for at least five minutes.
    6) Blot with a clean white cloth until no more stain transfers to the cloth. Do not rub the stain area or you might damage the carpet fibers.
    7) Rinse with cold water.
    8) If you can still see the stain, repeat the above process until either the stain is removed or the stain no longer transfers to the cloth.
    9) If the stain remains, try the next solution on the list and follow the same protocol above.
    10) If the stain persists after trying each of the solutions, contact a professional cleaner.
    11) Once the stain is removed, place layers of white paper towel on the site to absorb any moisture. Weight down the towels with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. You can let them sit overnight.
    12) When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the texture.


    Solutions

    Detergent Solution
    – Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.

    Ammonia Solution
    – Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups warm water.

    Vinegar Solution
    – Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.

    ASPHALT

    *Note – Most of these stains are difficult to completely remove from a carpet. Many can leave residue behind, which may not be visible. Over time this residue will collect soil and the spot will reappear. So the stain may require several follow-up cleanings before it is finally removed.

    1) Scoop up and blot as much of the spill as possible.
    2) Prepare suggested cleaning solutions below, beginning with the first one listed.
    3) Pretest the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of carpet to ensure it does not discolor or damage the carpet.
    4) Apply the cleaning solution to the stain area. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center.
    5) Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the spill for at least five minutes.
    6) Blot with a clean white cloth until no more stain transfers to the cloth. Do not rub the stain area or you might damage the carpet fibers.
    7) Rinse with cold water.
    8) If you can still see the stain, repeat the above process until either the stain is removed or the stain no longer transfers to the cloth.
    9) If the stain remains, try the next solution on the list and follow the same protocol above.
    10) If the stain persists after trying each of the solutions, contact a professional cleaner.
    11) Once the stain is removed, place layers of white paper towel on the site to absorb any moisture. Weight down the towels with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. You can let them sit overnight.
    12) When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the texture.


    Solutions
    Dry Cleaning Fluid
    – or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store. Buy non-flammable if possible.

    Detergent Solution
    – Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.

    BEER

    *Note – Most of these stains are difficult to completely remove from a carpet. Many will leave residue behind, which may not be visible. Over time this residue will collect soil and the spot will reappear. So the stain may require several follow-up cleanings before it is finally removed.

    1) Scoop up or blot as much of the spill as possible. Vacuum area thoroughly for dusts or dry spills.
    2) Prepare the suggested cleaning solution below.
    3) Pretest the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of carpet to ensure it does not discolor or damage the carpet.
    4) Apply the cleaning solution to the stain area. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center.
    5) Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the spill for at least five minutes. 6) Blot with a clean white cloth until no more stain transfers to the cloth. Do not rub the stain area or you might damage the carpet fibers.
    7) Rinse with cold water.
    8) If you can still see the stain, repeat the above process until either the stain is removed or the stain no longer transfers to the cloth.
    9) If the stain still persists, contact a professional cleaner.
    10) Once the stain is removed, place layers of white paper towel on the site to absorb any moisture. Weight down the towels with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. You can let them sit overnight.
    11) When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the texture.


    Solutions

    Detergent Solution
    – Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.

    Based on 581 reviews
    Carol Gifford
    Carol Gifford
    May 11, 2023
    I hired Smart Carpet to install laminate flooring and carpeting at a 2 family property that I am putting up for sale. They did a fantastic job and were able to complete it, including the stairs, in one day. Bill Hicks was “the man” who made it all come together. Thanks for the great job. My first time using them and I would not hesitate to use them again.
    Kate Assaraf
    Kate Assaraf
    May 9, 2023
    I’ve used Smart Carpet for 3 major flooring projects in my home and each time there was a huge transformation. Our first floor used to have 3 different levels and it seemed like an impossible task to create one uniform level—but Adam from Smart Carpet gave us a quote and a few weeks later our floor was so beautiful and level we couldn’t believe it. Our upstairs project was a similar situation where the previous owner cobbled together all sorts of flooring. Smart Carpet not only recommended beautiful flooring that would resist warping and creaking as a result of changes in temperature in our home, but also came to repair a small chip immediately that happened from one of my children. The latest project was a complete makeover of my basement flooring—which transformed my entire basement; and carpeting the stairs for the safety of my kids. Adam knew we were on a budget for this project and did not try to pressure us to go with something more expensive. We’ve run out of floors to upgrade but if we ever move, I’d call Smart Carpet first to take care of the new house! 🙂
    Frank Mowatt
    Frank Mowatt
    May 9, 2023
    Carpet came out beautiful. Couldn’t be happier with the install and experience. Our representative Craig was a pleasure to work with and very knowledgeable.
    Rick Hedeman
    Rick Hedeman
    May 9, 2023
    Excellent service. Excellent installation. On time. Professional. Clean. Delivered carpet and laminate exactly as promised with no surprises. Nice finished work. Job well done!
    Daniel Kernkraut
    Daniel Kernkraut
    May 9, 2023
    Louie was great to work with.
    Marty
    Marty
    May 8, 2023
    I want to thank Zack for helping my mother purchase carpet for her home. He was extremely patient, and the guys that did the install were great as-well. Would highly recommend using Smart Carpet.
    Bela Dahya
    Bela Dahya
    May 6, 2023
    Matt is amazing, he didn’t try to sell anything just for the sake of it, he took his time and explained all options we could have. He recommended what was best for us and not for his sale/commission. I would highly recommend Smart Carpet and Matt.
    Linda Van Horn
    Linda Van Horn
    May 6, 2023
    Very efficient and clean
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