carpet and stain removal

A good checklist to handle stains & spills

A good checklist to handle spills should include the following items. Do not use any household cleaners other than those listed, since many household products contain chemicals that may permanently damage your carpet.

A solution of a mild liquid detergent (no more than 1/4 teaspoon of detergent to 32 ounces of water). A clear, non-bleach liquid dishwashing detergent such as Dawn, Joy, or clear Ivory is recommended. Do not use detergents that are cloudy or creamy because they may leave a sticky residue.

A solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water.

White cloths or white paper towels.

An ammonia solution of one tablespoon of ammonia to one cup of water. Do not use on wool or wool-blend carpets.

Non-oily nail polish remover.

Chewing gum remover (freeze or solid type).

Spot remover specifically for grease, oil, or tar, such as Carbona or Energine.

NOTE: Difficult stains on carpets made from solution-dyed fibers such as polypropylene (olefin) may be removed with a mild bleach solution (one part chlorine bleach to five parts water).

WARNING: Do not use bleach solution unless you are absolutely certain your carpet is solution dyed. Carpet dyed by other systems will be damaged.

General Cleaning Instructions:

Prompt attention to spots and spills is essential. No carpet is stain proof, although many are stain resistant, which allows time to act.

Remove as much of food spills as possible by scraping gently with a spoon or dull knife.
Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by blotting repeatedly with white paper or cloth towels.
Always blot; never rub or scrub abrasively, as a fuzzy area may result. When blotting, work from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the spill.
Always follow up with water to remove detergent residue that may become sticky and cause rapid re-soiling.
Draw out any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weigh them down with a heavy object that will not transfer color, such as a plastic jug of water. NOTE: Wool fibers absorb more water than synthetic fibers without feeling damp, so it is important to remove all excess moisture.

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