Carpet stain removal can be simple or tedious depending upon the spot and how long it has been on the carpet. At times multiple applications of the spot removal solution, or a second solution is required . Listed below is a general spot removal procedure. If the origin of the spot is unknown , begin with step 1. If the origin of the spot is known begin at the appropriate step. Do not use a circular motion to remove a spot as this destroys texture. To prevent the spot from returning , the final step should always be to rinse with clear water, blot dry and put a white cotton terry cloth towel over the damp area. Put a book, or other heavy object on the towel to keep the towel in contact with the carpet surface . This will allow any stain wicking up from the backing to go into the towels rather than remain on the carpet surface. Allow to dry, take away the heavy object and towels and brush up the carpet.
**Be certain to try , on an inconspicuous area of your carpet any solutions you plan to use as it may affect color or texture. Do not continue if color in the test area marks off on a white paper towel .
Some products to have available to remove spots:
. Paper towels (white) or white terry towels .
. Powdered laundry detergent without bleach
. Sprayer for applying detergents and special solutions such as white vinegar or Household ammonia solutions.
. Household ammonia , vinegar and isopropyl alcohol.
. Dull knife and a spoon.
. Heavy item such as a brick.
General Procedure:
Unknown and greasy spots.
Step 1: Remove as much of the foreign material as you can by blotting with a white towel or scraping with a spoon . Apply rubbing alcohol or a dry cleaning solvent to a clean white paper towel . If the spot extends deep into the fibers use a blotting motion until the spot is no longer present or no color is transferred to the cotton swab. Do not allow the solvent to penetrate into the backing, as this will damage the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface only, rub in one direction at a time. Never use a circular action to remove a spot as this may destroy the pile. Stop if spot is removed. If not, go to step 3.
Water based spots.
Step 2: Blot up as much of the spill as is possible. A wet/dry vacuum is useful if a large amount of liquid was spilled. If spot has dried, saturate the tufts in the area with tap water (do not over wet ). Allow to remain for around 1 minute and blot. If the spot is being removed using water, repeat until the spot is completely removed . Blot dry and apply the paper towels and heavy book . If the stain is not completely removed go to step 3.
Step 3: Remove as much of the material as possible by blotting with a white towel . Apply a small quantity a detergent* solution to the stain. Use a blotting action to work the detergent solution into the carpet . If stain is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a paper towel until the stain is no longer visible. Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture, spray lightly with water , do not blot this time; apply stack of paper towels and brick and allow to dry. If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for one (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is spot free. Light will cause hydrogen peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary . Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with a brick or heavy object .
*To prepare a detergent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of Non Bleach Tide (or similar) powdered laundry detergent, with 1 quart of water, or use approved carpet spot removers available.
Some spots need specialized treatments .
A. Blood, catsup, cheese, chocolate, cough syrup, mixed drinks, soft drinks, soy sauce, starch, toothpaste, watercolor and white glue.
For large spills use a Shop-Vac to extract the bulk of the spill. If just a small amount was spilled blot with a towel to remove as much of the stain as possible then neutralize with a solution of 1 tablespoon of clear Household ammonia to 1/2 cup of water . Saturate spot using spray bottle. Don't saturate the carpet backing. Blot with a paper towel to soak up excess moisture. Once neutralized, begin with step 3 of the general procedure . All solutions for removing blood must be cool .
B. Beer, coffee, perfume, tea and wine.
For large spills use a ShopVac to suck up the majority of the spill. If just a small amount was spilled, blot with a white towel to remove as much of the spot as possible, then neutralize with a solution of 1/3 cup of white vinegar , 2/3 cup of tap water . Saturate , using a sprayer bottle and blot to remove excess solution. After the area has been neutralized, go to step 3 of instructions .
C. Egg, excrement, urine, and vomit.
Remove as much of the spot as possible with a spoon . Blot up as much of the spot as possible, then neutralize the area by spraying the affected area with an ammonia solution. Make sure to remove all protein matter. Blot to remove excess moisture and go to step 3 of the general procedure .
D. Wax.
Spread brown paper (such as grocery bag, making sure there is no ink on the area you will be using) over the area and iron with the setting on "warm." . The wax will be transferred to the paper or towel. You will need to replace the paper as it absorbs up the wax. Remove any traces with rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning fluid. Don't use an iron on Olefin . Olefin is a fairly raw oil base byproduct and it is easy to melt or distort with heat .
E. Gum .
Freeze the gum using an ice cube . Break up the frozen gum with a knife handle and vacuum. Some citrus based products such as De-Solv-It? by Orange-Sol have been shown to break down the gum so that it can be removed .
F. Mud.
Allow mud to dry completely. Break up the dried mud with the handle of a knife or a spoon and vacuum. Go to step 3 of the general procedure .
G. Rust.
Saturate spot with lemon juice , using a spray bottle, and allow to remain for 5 minutes. Go to step 3 of general procedure to remove the lemon juice. Most rust removers contain a very strong acid and are not suggested for use by homeowners.
H. Nail Polish.
Remove as much of the nail polish as possible using a spoon or dull knife . Apply a non-oily nail polish remover to a clean white cloth and agitate (in only one direction at a time) or blot the spot. Continue until spot is removed. Do not allow nail polish remover to reach the latex backing . Go to step 3 to remove the nail polish remover .
