Spot Removal Steps

Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resistant treatment so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. Longer delay equals higher probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels.

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs do not use that solution, choose another.

Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot absorbing as much as possible and repeat if necessary.

Continue using the cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.

After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a folded white towel so that it is at least 1/2 inch thick to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Do not peek! Leave this in place for 24 hours as it will soak remaining residue from the spot and any wicking will be pulled into the towel rather than the top of the carpet.

Avoid use of any harsh chemicals, strong cleaners or store bought “Spotters”. There is always some risk in spot removal of damaging the textile, irreversibly altering the stained color, or otherwise setting the stain. This is especially true if using strong chemicals, improper products or procedures. Most store bought spotters, even ones for carpet spot cleaning, contain optical brighteners. The use of these products often damage carpet, negate warranty, and usually permanently set stains. Your best option is to use the spot cleaner we leave at your home, for free after we clean your carpets, Home Pro Spotter.

Specific Spot Treatments:

Red Dye (Kool Aid, drink dyes, medicine dyes):

Certainly one of the most challenging spots a homeowner can attempt to remove. Immediately soak as much of the liquid out of the carpet using a white towel, and then apply an ice cold glass of water to the spot (with ice cubes). The Ice cold water keeps the dye from setting and gives you a few more minutes to work on the spot. Blot the cold water out or extract using a wet vacuum. Now use Pet Spotter Plus or Home Pro Spotter, If not available use Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dish-washing detergent per one (1) cup of cold water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dish-washing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Blood:

Wet blood: Blot it up until no transfer is noted and then use Pet Spotter Plus or Home Pro Spotter. For a home remedy you can use an Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

Dry blood: First remove as much as possible with a spoon or similar object flaking off excess. Vacuum area thoroughly and then use Pet Spotter Plus or Home Pro Spotter. For a home remedy you can use an Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

Ink:

Usually ink can be removed quite well if found prior to complete drying using aerosolized hairspray. Occasionally aerosolized Hairspray will remove dried ink as well. The key to ink removal using hairspray is patience and work from the edges to the center. Simply spray a small amount of hair spray on the spot and absorb it with a clean white towel. Continue with this process until there is no more color transfer.

Nail Polish:

Is best removed with nail polish remover but be aware that the nail polish remover will damage the carpet backing if over saturation occurs! Because of this you want to apply the remover to a clean white towel and then remove the polish from the carpet with the towel. Be patient and work from the edge to the middle with several small applications of remover and repeated blotting always using a clean area of the towel. After removing the nail polish you will need to remove the nail polish remover with Pet Spotter Plus or Home Pro Spotter. If they are not available you can use a Detergent Solution: Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dish-washing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dish-washing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Urine:

If wet soak with white towel or paper towels until no more moisture can be removed. Then clean with Pet Spotter Plus as directed. If Pet spotter plus is not available Home Pro Spotter can be substituted, or use a mixture of (1 part) white vinegar to (2 parts) water. This can be strengthened to 50% white Vinegar to 50% water if desired.

Fecal matter (Poop):

Remove as much solid mater as possible. If dry- scrape with a dull knife or similar object to cause flaking and then vacuum the spot. If wet- remove with a towel, picking up from the edges to the middle, being careful not to spread the spot. Then clean with Pet Spotter Plus as directed. If Pet spotter plus is not available Home Pro Spotter can be substituted, or use a mixture of (1 part) white vinegar to (2 parts) water. This can be strengthened to 50% white Vinegar to 50% water if desired.