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Spot Removal Guide
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The BEST remedy for any stain is treatment by a trained professional! These tips are only meant to provide general advice until we can get there! |
With today’s stain-resistant, carpet treating spots and stains have never been easier. With proper patience and prompt attention, most common household spills can be removed.
What your carpet is made of will give you clues about which cleaning solution will work best. Natural fibers absorb more moisture than man made fibers, therefore, drying takes much longer and the risk of tracking soiling is greater. Check the pH of any cleansing solution before you apply it! Wool requires a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Man made fibers can withstand more alkaline solutions, which cut grease and suspend soil faster. Check your carpet manufacturers recommendations if you are unsure of what to use. |
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Avoid the use of over the counter carpet spot removers! These cleansers typically leave a residue that may lead to re-soiling. And depending on the color and type of fibers in your carpet, these cleansers can do irreversible damage to your carpeting. |
First things first...
Act quickly! Many spills can be removed when immediate action is taken, The longer you wait, the higher the probability that a spill will become a permanent stain. No carpet is completely stain proof. So to knock out spots, give them our one-two punch!
Step One: Absorb the spill
Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels. |
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Use of colored or printed materials to absorb may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet!
Start at the outside of the spot and continue toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Blot until barely damp. Semi-solids like food spills may need scooping with a spoon. Solid dried bits can be vacuumed up. |
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DO NOT SCRUB! As tempting as this may be, scrubbing can damage the carpet because fraying and texture change of the carpet is likely to happen. Best to use a soft white cloth to blot the spot. |
Step two: Treat the spot or stain
Use a CRI Seal of Approval carpet cleaner. Check out www.carpet-rug.org for a list of Seal of Approval spot removers and cleaning solutions. Make sure to ass one of these cleansers to your shopping list before a spill arises. Though these have been lab tested, make sure you have spot tested any cleanser in an inconspicuous area of your carpet.
Follow the products directions carefully. Generally speaking, you will apply a small amount of the cleanser to a white cloth and work in gently, from edges to the center. Again, blot, don’t scrub. You may need to do this several times to remove the spot.
What if you don’t have one of these CRI- approved carpet cleansers handy? Try some of our home-made remedies listed below.
Things to remember...
- Don’t over clean! Overzealous people can get themselves into trouble by scrubbing or moving to fast.
- Properly mix solutions so you don’t create too strong a concentration. In truth, more isn’t better.
- Use the right about of water and try not to keep the carpet damp for too long.
- Use the right solution for the stain.
- Follow manufacturers directions on the CRI- approved cleanser needed for your stain.
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Simple Home Remedies for Stain Removal
Again, these remedies are only meant to provide a quick reference, and they are no replacement for a professional carpet cleaning.
Please call us at 518-785-6700 if you have any questions!
Solutions Needed:
- Cold Water (Yes, believe it or not, this is all you need!)
- Detergent Solution: Mix one tablespoon of clear dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm (not hot) water
- Ammonia Solution: Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% Solution) with 1/2 cup of water
- Solvent: A dry cleaning solvent (available at most hardware stores)
- Vinegar solution: Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water
- Warm (not hot) water
- Absorbent Powder (i.e. - salt, talc)
Listed below are some common household stains. Please treat the stains with the solutions in the corresponding order indicated. And as always, use a clean white cloth and blot, blot. blot!
- Alcoholic Beverages - 1,2
- Blood - 1,2
- Chocolate - 2,3,5
- Coffee - 1,2,4
- Colas & Soft Drinks - 6,2
- Fruit Juice - 1,2
- Lipstick - 4,2
- Urine (Fresh) - 1,2
- Urine (Old) - 2,3,5
- Wine - 7,1,2
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