Spot Removal
Following is a general spot removal procedure. If you know what caused the spot, begin at the appropriate step, otherwise begin removal with Step 1.
Supplies to Have on Hand
- White paper towels or white terry towels
- Dish washing detergent or mild laundry detergent that contains no lanolin or bleach
- Household ammonia
- White vinegar
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Brick or heavy book wrapped in plastic to be used as weight
Step 1. Unknown and Greasy Spots
- Remove solid materials with a spoon and dull knife.
- Blot spill with clean, white towel. Press down to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Apply detergent solution (1 teaspoon mild non-bleaching laundry detergent with two cups water).
- Blot stain with white cloth or paper towel.
- Wet the stained carpet fibers with clear lukewarm water to rinse.
- Cover the area with towels and apply pressure to blot.
- Repeat above until all traces of detergent are removed.
- Place white towels over area with weight, such as a brick, to absorb excess moisture.
- hange towels and repeat until carpet is dry.
If stain remains, proceed to Step 2. For coffee or tea stains proceed to Step 3.
Step 2. If Stain Persists
(Do not use on coffee or tea stains. For these stains proceed to Step 3)
- Mix 1 teaspoon non-bleaching, non-sudsing household ammonia with 1 cup warm water.
- Apply ammonia solution, rinse and blot as instructed in Step 1.
- Do not dry with paper towels. Proceed to Step 3 to neutralize the ammonia.
Step 3. For Coffee and Tea
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in spray bottle.
- Apply vinegar solution, rinse and blot.
Specialized Stain Treatments
| To Remove Steps | To Remove Steps | To Remove Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt 1,3 | Drink Mix 2 | Oil 1,3 |
| Ballpoint 1,3 | Egg 3 | Paint 1,3 |
| Beer 3 | Excrement 3 | Play Dough 1,3 |
| Blood 3 | Fruit Juice 2,3 | Rust 3 |
| Candle | Grease 1,3 | Shoe Polish 1,3 |
| Catsup 3 | Gum | Soft Drinks 3 |
| Cheese 3 | Hand Lotion 1,3 | Soy Sauce 3 |
| Chocolate 3 | Ice Cream 1,3 | Tea 3 |
| Coffee 3 | Ink 1,3 | Urine 3 |
| Cola 3 | Make-up 1,3 | Vomit 3 |
| Cough Syrup 3 | Mixed Drink 3 | White Glue 3 |
| Crayon 1 | Mud 3 | Wine 3 |
| Dirt 3 | Nail Polish 3 |
Stains That Cannot Be Removed
Some spills contain chemicals that discolor or even damage carpet fibers or dye. If you have doubts about what caused the spot or how to remove it, contact a professional carpet cleaner.
