Carpet & Upholstery
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning can be tricky business sometimes, So use these methods at your own risk, while most spots and spills can be cleaned up with a mild detergent, there are some which require more attention and stronger spotters. Always!!! Pretest any and all spotters in an inconspicuous area of your carpet, and if you are using a spot remover that you have purchased, make sure you follow all the directions on the label, they are there for a reason.
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. Never use a circular motion to remove a spot as this destroys texture. To prevent wick up, 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 brick, or suitable weight object on the towel to keep the towel in contact with the carpet. This allows any stain wicking up from the backing to go into the towels rather than remain on the carpet surface. Allow to dry, remove the brick and towels and brush up the pile.
Some products to have on hand to remove spots:
Unknown and Greasy Products
Step 1: Remove as much of the foreign material as possible by blotting with a white towel or scraping with a dull knife. Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol or a dry cleaning solvent to a clean white cloth or a cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile use a blotting motion until the spot has disappeared or no until no more color has transferred to the cloth. (NOTE: DO NOT ALLOW THE SOLVENT OR ALCOHOL TO PENETRATE INTO THE BACKING OF THE CARPET AS THIS MAY BREAK DOWN THE LATEX ADHESIVES HOLDING THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BACKINGS TOGETHER). If spot has not been removed move onto step 3.
Water Based Spots
Step 2: Blot up as much of the spill as possible. A wet/dry vacuum is useful if a large quantity of liquid was spilled. If spot has dried, saturate the tufts in the affected area with tap water (NOTE: DO NOT OVERWET). Allow tap water to remain on tufts for 1 minute and blot. Continue until the spot has been removed or until there is no transfer of substance to towel. Blot dry with clean towel. If spot has not been removed move onto step 3.
Step 3: If you have been unable to remove the spots in steps 1 & 2 then proceed with this step. Apply a small quantity of detergent solution* to the spot. Using a blotting motion to work it into the affected area. Continue using this method until you no longer see transfer to your white cloths. Rinse extremely well with tap water in a spray bottle (NOTE: DO NOT SATURATE THE BACKING) and place dry towels on the area and use a brick or something that is heavy onto the towels, which will help speed drying of the area.
*to make a detergent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of non bleach tide or similar product with 1 quart of water.
Blood, Catsup, Cheese, Chocolate, Cough Syrup, Mixed Drinks, Soft Drinks, Soy Sauce, Starch, Toothpaste, Watercolor and White Glue:
For large spills use a wet/dry vacuum to extract the bulk of the spill, if just a small amount was spilled use a white towel to remove as much of the spot as possible. Then neutralize the spot with a solution of 1 Tablespoon of clear household ammonia to 1/2 cup of water, saturate spot using spray bottle. (NOTE: DO NOT WET THE BACKING OF CARPET) Blot with a white towel to remove excess moisture. After neutralizing, begin with step 3 of General procedures above. All solutions for removing blood must be cool.
Beer, Coffee, Perfume, Tea and Wine:
For large spills use a wet/dry vacuum to extract the bulk of the spill, if just a small amount was spilled use 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 water. Saturate spot using a spray bottle (NOTE: DO NOT WET THE BACKING OF CARPET) and blot to remove excess moisture. After neutralizing, begin with step 3 of General procedure above. If you happen to spill Red Wine you may use White wine to remove the spill.
Egg, Excrement, Urine, Vomit:
Remove as much of the spot as possible by using a spoon or dull knife, Neutralize the area by spraying with an ammonia solution of 1 Tablespoon of clear household ammonia to 1/2 cup of water, saturate with a spray bottle (NOTE: DO NOT WET THE BACKING OF CARPET). Care should be taken to remove all protein matter. Blot to remove excess moisture and go to step 3 of General procedures
Candle Wax, or other types of wax:
Spread a white terry cloth towel over the area and use a steam iron with the setting on “warm”. The wax will be absorbed into the towel, as it absorbs up the wax. Remove any traces with alcohol or dry cleaning fluid. DO NOT put iron directly on carpet as it will melt the carpet fibers. DO NOT use on a carpet that is made with Olefin/Polypropylene These fibers are a raw oil base byproduct and will very easily melt and distort the fibers.
Chewing Gum:
Freeze the gum with an ice cube. Shatter the frozen gum with a knife handle or spoon and vacuum. Some citrus based products have demonstrated their effectiveness at breaking down the stickiness of the chewing gum, so that it can be removed.
Mud:
Allow mud to dry completely. Shatter the dried mud with the handle of a knife or spoon, Vacuum and go to step 3 of General Procedures.
Rust:
Use a product called Wink rust remover, you can purchase this product at your local retailer that carries laundry products, It is safe on carpets and clothing.
Nail Polish:
Remove as much of the nail polish as possible using a spoon or a dull knife. Apply a non oily nail polish remover to a clean white towel and blot the area, Continue until spot is removed. (NOTE: DO NOT ALLOW THE NAIL POLISH REMOVER TO SATURATE THE BACKING OF THE CARPET , AS THIS WILL BREAK DOWN THE LATEX ADHESIVES HOLDING THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BACKING TOGETHER). Once spot has been removed or mostly removed go to step 3 in General Procedures.
If you are still unable to remove the spots, then it is time to call a professional to take care of the spots. Just-Rite Services has many more products available to us, that we have been trained to use properly, to remove spots. Give us a call and we can help you restore that carpet to its original appearance.
Spots and stains that are unable to be removed:
Acid toilet bowl cleaners, acne medication, alkaline drain cleaners, chlorinated bleaches, hair dyes, iodine, insecticides, mustard with turmeric, plant fertilizers and spots of this nature cannot be removed as they have permanently altered the carpet’s color. If this has happened and you have color loss, you may be able to have the carpet re-dyed, or if you have left over pieces from when it was originally installed, or a piece of matching carpet from a closet, you could have those areas cut out, and replaced.