CARPET CLEANING TIPS

AKA Carpet Care and Cleaning Tips    

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Spot and Spill Removal

Protect your carpet--step by-step

No carpet is stain proof, but since many are stain resistant, you have time to act. Look below to see if the specific spill you're trying to remove is listed. If so, you'll see instructions to help. If not, use the following general guidelines:

1. Remove as much of food spills as possible by scraping gently with a spoon or a dull knife.

2. Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by blotting repeatedly with white paper or white 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.

3. Remove the stain using one of the cleaning items from the checklist below.

4. Rinse the cleaned area with water to remove detergent residue that may become sticky and cause rapid re-soiling.

5. Absorb any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weighing them down with a heavy object. This step is necessary even when the carpet doesn't seem particularly damp.

Water Soluble Stains (i.e., Cola Drinks, Excrement)

Absorb as much as possible with white towels. Blot the stained area with white towels dampened with cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the towels. If any of the stain remains, use the detergent solution listed above. Spray lightly onto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels, working from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading. Rinse thoroughly by spraying with clean water, and then blot or extract. Do not use too much detergent because the residue will contribute to rapid re-soiling.

Oil-Based Stains (i.e., Crayons, Grease, Food)

Blot as much as possible with white paper towels. Apply the special oil and grease spot remover (listed above) to a paper towel and repeat blotting. Protective gloves should be worn, as the solvent will quickly remove oils from the skin and could result in irritation. Do not pour or spray directly on the carpet pile, as damage to the backing or adhesive underneath could result; use the towels to transport the solvent to the carpet. Repeat as often as necessary.

Provide adequate ventilation. Do not use flammable solvents.

If necessary, continue to blot the stained area with white towels dampened with cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the towels.

Then use the detergent solution. Spray lightly onto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels, working from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading.

Rinse thoroughly by spraying with clean water, and then blot or extract. Do not use too much detergent because the residue will contribute to rapid re-soiling.

CLEANING CHECKLIST - What do you use to clean the spill? Be prepared with the following items. You should use the following items for handling spills on your carpet. It's important to use only the items listed, because many other household cleaners contain chemicals that may permanently damage your carpet:

•  White cloths or white paper towels
• Detergent solution - Mix mild liquid detergent with water (no more than 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.
• Vinegar solution - Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water.
•  Ammonia solution - Mix 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 - Use spot removers designed specifically for grease, oil, or tar, such as Carbona or Energine.
•  Bleach - Solution-dyed fibers can withstand bleach, but do you know if your carpet is solution-dyed? Difficult stains on carpets made from polypropylene or other solution-dyed fibers may be removed with a mild bleach solution (one part chlorine bleach to five parts water). But be careful.