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 with a clean cloth. Do not rub, as this could spread the stain.
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, as you might damage the carpet fibers.
7) Rinse with the area with cold water then blot dry with a clean cloth.
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 with a clean cloth. Do not rub, as this could spread the stain.
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, as you might damage the carpet fibers.
7) Rinse with the area with cold water then blot dry with a clean cloth.
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 with a clean cloth. Do not rub, as this could spread the stain.
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, as you might damage the carpet fibers.
7) Rinse with the area with cold water then blot dry with a clean cloth.
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, as you might damage the carpet fibers.
7) Rinse the area with cold water then blot dry with a clean cloth.
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.
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