subject: Carpet Spot Removal [print this page] If you have a spill on your carpet it is important to know how to properly deal with it. Most of today's carpets have good stain resistance but there is no such thing as stain proof. Here are some pointers for dealing with spills.
First, you must act quickly. The stain resistant properties of your carpet buy you time, but the longer the offending material is in contact with the carpet, the better the chance it will leave a permanent stain.
Second, always blot liquids - do not scrub the area. Scrubbing often only drives the liquid deeper into the pile and can damage the carpet fibers themselves. Blotting should be done with a dry, white absorbent cloth. Terry cloth is often best. White paper towel can be used if necessary. Continue to blot the area with new cloths until it is as completely dry as possible.
Third, apply a spot removal agent. There are many options for this but some can cause damage. Many carpet cleaning products sold at stores must be used carefully and can discolor the carpet or leave behind residue that will attract dirt. Your best bet is to get a spotting agent from your carpet cleaning professional. Apply a small amount of your spotter to a white cloth and gently blot it into the carpet. Work from the edges in toward the center so the spill doesn't spread. Continue to apply and blot up the spotter until there is no more transfer of the spill onto the cloth.
Fourth, rinse the entire area with cold water. Simply fill a glass with water and wet the area you cleaned. Then blot this area with towels until all of the liquid is removed. If you need to, stand on the towels to absorb the water that might be in the carpet pad.
Fifth, be patient. It can often take 15 minutes or more to complete the process. When you have absorbed as much as possible it is helpful to keep the air moving. Turn on a ceiling fan or place a portable fan in the room so that the air circulates over the carpet.
By following these steps, although time consuming, you will extend the beauty and usefulness of your carpet for many years.
