Spot Cleaning Guide for Carpet
Accidents happen! Your best defense is preparation. Learn how to handle spotting accidents before they happen. You can print out our Quick Reference Guide below! "Formats are (Word .docx) or (Adobe .pdf)" let us know if you need another format. We recommend keeping it near your cleaning supplies. If that is under your kitchen sink, affix the guide to the inside of the door.
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What is Blotting?
To Blot: Use a cotton or white absorbent paper towel.
Start with a clean towel or paper towel and begin by gently hand patting the spot. Slowly apply more pressure with each patting until you must stand on it to blot out more residues. Repeat with a clean towel until no more residue transfers to the towel.
To Blot: Use a cotton or white absorbent paper towel.
Start with a clean towel or paper towel and begin by gently hand patting the spot. Slowly apply more pressure with each patting until you must stand on it to blot out more residues. Repeat with a clean towel until no more residue transfers to the towel.
Definitions
Spot = material added/coating/dried into your existing carpet.
Stain = an alteration of carpet fiber coloring which directly changes the dyed color. (seek professional help)
Spot = material added/coating/dried into your existing carpet.
Stain = an alteration of carpet fiber coloring which directly changes the dyed color. (seek professional help)
1st Step: Identification
Determining what caused the spot increases your chances of removal. (Information is power)
Is the spot any specific shape?
Spills rarely form geometric shapes. Therefore, if the spot is clearly geometric (circle, triangle, square, etc.) proceed with caution. These spots may actually be stains and are usually caused by staining agents or paints used on furniture or other objects. To remove these stains you will need to contact a certified professional carpet cleaner.
Is the spot crusty, stiff or sticky?
In all likelihood the spot is removable. Please note that some spots such as Rust can feel crusty. Seek professional help to remove rust.
Is the spot lighter than the rest of your other carpet?
This is usually an indication of bleaching from a spilled cleaning solution or some other cause. You will need to seek a certified professional carpet cleaner re-dye that spot.
Determining what caused the spot increases your chances of removal. (Information is power)
Is the spot any specific shape?
Spills rarely form geometric shapes. Therefore, if the spot is clearly geometric (circle, triangle, square, etc.) proceed with caution. These spots may actually be stains and are usually caused by staining agents or paints used on furniture or other objects. To remove these stains you will need to contact a certified professional carpet cleaner.
Is the spot crusty, stiff or sticky?
In all likelihood the spot is removable. Please note that some spots such as Rust can feel crusty. Seek professional help to remove rust.
Is the spot lighter than the rest of your other carpet?
This is usually an indication of bleaching from a spilled cleaning solution or some other cause. You will need to seek a certified professional carpet cleaner re-dye that spot.
2nd Step: Remove as much as possible.
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Fresh Spills:
Gently hand blot up as much as possible with absorbent paper or cotton towel. Eventually stand on towel till no more residue transfers to the towel. It is important to blot rather than scrub. Gooey or thick spills first use a spatula or spoon to remove as much as possible. We recommend scooping and scraping toward the center to prevent spreading. |
Dried Spills:
Return the spot to its prior condition/consistency by carefully pouring a small amount of room temperature water or carbonated water on the spot. Then gently work it into the spot to re-liquefy it. After it is liquefied treat it like a fresh spill. |
3rd Step: After blotting stops working
Pour a small amount of room temperature water on the spot and repeat blotting once more. Be careful to only add a small amount to prevent spreading.
4th Step: But the spot is still there. Understanding the types of spot helps
For unknown spills scroll down
Before applying any products/cleaners, of any type, test it in an inconspicuous place in the corner of your closet. If discoloration occurs, do not use!
Oil based spots: Use a dry cleaning solvent such as Energine or Carbona. Most large grocery stores stock these. (see solution application step 5)
Water Based Spots: Combine 1/2 teaspoon of dish washing soap, 1/3 cup of vinegar, to 2/3 cup of warm water. (see solution application step 5)
Protein Based Spots: Mix 1 cup of cool water, 1/2 teaspoon of household ammonia and 2-4 drops of mild dish washing detergent.(see solution application step 5)
Unknown spills:
First treat the spot as a oil based stain, followed with step 3.
Still not clean? Treat it as a water based spill second, followed with step 3.
Still not clean? Treat it as a protein spill lastly, followed with step 3.
Step 5: Applying the solution
Step 6: Just in case. Good practices after cleaning a spot.
Step 7: If there is any color remaining, it may be necessary to speak to a professional carpet cleaner who can use more specific and more potent products to attempt removal.
Pour a small amount of room temperature water on the spot and repeat blotting once more. Be careful to only add a small amount to prevent spreading.
4th Step: But the spot is still there. Understanding the types of spot helps
For unknown spills scroll down
Before applying any products/cleaners, of any type, test it in an inconspicuous place in the corner of your closet. If discoloration occurs, do not use!
Oil based spots: Use a dry cleaning solvent such as Energine or Carbona. Most large grocery stores stock these. (see solution application step 5)
- Greasy foods
- Grease
- Oil
- Tar
- Butter
Water Based Spots: Combine 1/2 teaspoon of dish washing soap, 1/3 cup of vinegar, to 2/3 cup of warm water. (see solution application step 5)
- Juice
- Icy pops
- Soda drinks
- Foods or drinks high in sugar or starch
Protein Based Spots: Mix 1 cup of cool water, 1/2 teaspoon of household ammonia and 2-4 drops of mild dish washing detergent.(see solution application step 5)
- Poop
- Egg
- Milk
- Urine
- Chocolate
Unknown spills:
First treat the spot as a oil based stain, followed with step 3.
Still not clean? Treat it as a water based spill second, followed with step 3.
Still not clean? Treat it as a protein spill lastly, followed with step 3.
Step 5: Applying the solution
- Use a spoon to apply the mixed solution.
- Slowly work the cleaning solution in "From the outside edges towards the center"
- Do not rub vigorously! No brush or scrub pad! (This may cause permanent distortions in the carpet fibers)
- Finally, repeat step 3
Step 6: Just in case. Good practices after cleaning a spot.
- Rinse the spot with room temperature to ensure all of your cleaning solution is removed. Be sure to repeat step 3 afterwards.
- Another just in case solution, is to prevent what we call wicking. To prevent wicking of the spot, place a 1/2 inch of paper towels folded several times over, on the area you treated. Then place something heavy and waterproof on top of the paper towel. Shoot for 10 lbs. of weight. Let this sit for 12-24 hours. This technique absorbs any residual material which may migrates up from the backing of the carpet if it was missed.
- You can also put a fan on the area at anytime.
Step 7: If there is any color remaining, it may be necessary to speak to a professional carpet cleaner who can use more specific and more potent products to attempt removal.
