WARNING: CalClean claims no responsibility for any possible damage to carpet and upholstery fibers, structure or texture resulting from the use of these suggested solutions and or methods.We hereby specifically disclaim any and all liability, expressed or implied, from the use of the methods given in the Spotting Guide. User of this Spotting Guide acknowledges full responsibility for any damages or problems caused by the use of the above methods.
Acetone
Acetone is the main ingredient in many non-oily fingernail polishes and removers.
It evaporates very quickly and is highly flammable. Acetone dissolves acetate
fibers.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water; wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot
with a white towel. Because acetone is such a strong solvent if it penetrated
into the backing of the carpet, the carpet may buckle up and come unglued. A professional
may be required to re-glue the carpet or replace the damaged area.
Acne Medicine
Most acne medicines and many other medications contain Benzyl Peroxide, which
gradually forms hydrogen peroxide and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpet.
Wipe out with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®
on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with
a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup
of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia
per cup of water wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups
of water wipe out with warm water with a white towel dry the spot with a white
towel.
Alcohol
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Asphalt / Driveway Sealer / Parking Lot Sealer / Creosote
If not removed when fresh, yellow stains from asphalt off parking lots and driveway
are nearly impossible to completely remove without delaminating the carpet. This
yellowing is particularly obvious with blue and gray carpet.
For small areas, wipe out with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona®
or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you
will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half
inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a
flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Ball Point Pen Ink
Absorb all ink on surface with dry white paper towels. Wipe out with an acetone-based
nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet
or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing
together. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe
out with warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white
paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and
remove the next day.
Beer
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. If it’s a large quantity, apply
a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down
with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Wipe out with a solution of
1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water.
Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons
of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white
vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Apply
a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down
with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Berry Stain
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. If large quantity has spilled, apply
a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down
with a flat heavy object and remove the next day before attempting removal. Wipe
out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out
with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe
out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with
warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels
to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the
next day. At your own risk, you can apply household peroxide to the stain and
allow to dry overnight— this may bleach out the carpet!
BHT Yellowing
BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene) is a preservative used in rebond pad (and bread).
With stain-resistant nylon carpet sometimes BHT turns the carpet yellow especially
under throw rugs under low-lying furniture and in closets. Apply a solution of
10% citric acid (1 pound per gallon). Citric acid is available at some drugstores.
Leave overnight. Vacuum.
Bleach
Permanent color damage will occur except on most solution-dyed fibers. Bleach
dissolves wool!
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. To neutralize the bleach with an
anti-chlor make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover
or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the
solution directly onto the affected area and work in. Note: while rare, this
solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Wipe out with warm water with
a white towel. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Blood
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons
of household ammonia per cup of water.
If not fully removed apply household hydrogen peroxide (the 3% drugstore variety)
to the stain and wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Note: Sometimes
the Hydrogen Peroxide will bleach out the carpet fibers. Apply a one-half inch
layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat
heavy object and remove the next day.
Browning / Jute Stain
A carpet or rug, particularly wool, will sometimes gain a brown tint on the
tips if cleaned with an overly strong high PH detergent. This will sometimes
occur particularly on wool if the carpet is left wet too long after cleaning,
spill, flood, etc. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups
of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Butter
Scrape up residue. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®
on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with
a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup
of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia
per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups
of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Salt Snow Melting Compound
If dry thoroughly vacuum first. If wet, dry the spot with a white absorbent
towel. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water.
Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent
towel.
Carbon Black / Fingerprint Dust / Dry Photocopier Toner / Soot
It is EXTREMELY important that you NOT get this type of material wet initially!
Vacuum thoroughly until you see no more then vacuum some more! Be sure to clean
off the vacuum cleaner brush when done! Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such
as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet
or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing
together. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish
washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white
towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Carbon Paper
Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white
towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue
holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with a solution
of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water.
Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent
towel. Note: Some carbon paper inks are more readily removed with Alcohol than
with dry cleaning fluid
Chalk
Chalk is calcium carbonate. Carpenter’s chalk is simply chalk with a pigment
dye added for visibility, but is usually impossible to remove. First thoroughly
vacuum. Chalk is readily soluble in mild acid. Wipe out with a solution of 1
cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. If any stain from carpenter’s chalk
is left, wipe out with alcohol.
Chewing Gum
Place several ice cubes in a plastic bag and press against the chewing gum
so that it gets brittle and can be pulled or broken off. Small bits can be cut
out.
For any remaining gum, wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona®
or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you
will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Scrape up residue. Re-clean with the dry cleaning fluid.
Chocolate / Crème de Menthe
Scrape off excess and absorb. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out
with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Dry the spot with
a white absorbent towel.
Clay / Red Clay
Thoroughly vacuum. If from a flower pot, wipe out with a solution of 1 cup
of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Coffee / Tea
Use a professional spotter. Follow directions on bottle.
Cola Drink / Soft Drink
A soft drink spill is usually deep into the backing and wicking with attendant
resoiling can be a major problem. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out
with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with
warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Apply
a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down
with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Cough Medicine or Syrup / Vitamins (Liquid) / Children’s Medicine
Wipe out with alcohol until totally removed. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4
of a cup of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out
with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight
down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Crayon
For upholstery stains, press transparent tape against the crayon marks to remove
them. Scrape loose crayon off and pick up large pieces. Vacuum thoroughly without
brush agitation. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®
on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Any remaining
color can usually be removed by wiping out with alcohol.
Crepe Paper Dye / Felt Pad Dye
Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household
ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the
spot with a white absorbent towel.
Dandruff Shampoo
Frequently contains sulfur compounds which may turn the fibers permanently
brown. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Duco® Cement
Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white
towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue
holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with a solution
of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water.
Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Egg (Raw)
Immediately scrape off all excess. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out
with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with
warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels
to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the
next day.
Ether
Caution - Ether is extremely flammable and will severely damage the integrity
of the carpet backing. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Towel used
will be very flammable until it has dried.
Fabric Softener
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out
with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per
cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out with
a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch
layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat
heavy object and remove the next day.
Fats
Remove with a blunt knife. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona®
or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you
will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half
inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a
flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Food Coloring / Kool-Aid® / Popsicle
For dry food dyes such as some Easter egg dye powders, THOROUGHLY vacuum before
proceeding with any wet techniques. Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out with a solution
of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water.
Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup
of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected
area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Fruit Juice
Wipe out up the surplus spillage. Then wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon
maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out
with warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper
towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove
the next day.
Furniture Polish
If liquid, wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®
on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with
a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup
of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half
inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a
flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Furniture Stain
If liquid, dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. If down in the backing,
it is highly unlikely that you will get all of the stain out. The fibers will
probably be permanently stained. If dry, wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such
as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet
or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing
together. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white
paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and
remove the next day.
Gentian Violet
Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid
hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with
a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Glue
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum
of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm
water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to
the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next
day.
Grape Juice
If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected
area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. If any
stain remains wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia
per cup of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half
inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a
flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Gravy
Scrape up residue. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®
on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with
a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup
of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe out with a solution
of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution
of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Dry the spot with a white absorbent
towel.
Grease (vehicle)
Scrape up residue. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or
Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you
will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Hair Dye
Hair dye is one of the most severe stains there is for carpet and can seldom
be thoroughly removed! Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4
of a cup of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe
out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out
with warm water with a white towel. Replacement of the stained section may
even be necessary.
Ice Cream
Scrape up residue.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons
of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of
white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Ink (India)
Wipe out with an acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not
dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding
the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4
of a cup of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe
out with warm water with a white towel.
Ink (Permanent) / Felt Tip Markers
Wipe out with an acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not
dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding
the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4
of a cup of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe
out with warm water with a white towel.
Ink (Washable)
If a heavy spill, scrape up residue. Dry the spot with a white absorbent
towel. Wipe out with alcohol.
Wipe out with an acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel.
Insecticides
Most insecticides permanently stain bleach or discolor carpet fibers with
little chance of restoring the carpet to the original color.
Vacuum thoroughly. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or
Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will
destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons
of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of
white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Iodine / Betadine®
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with alcohol.
Fuel Oil / Gasoline / Kerosene
If heavily spilled on upholstery or into the backing and pad of a carpet,
elimination of the odor is very difficult. Pad or filler material will have
to be replaced. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected
area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid
such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on
the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary
backing together. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid hand dish
washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white
towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer
of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy
object and remove the next day.
Ketchup / Catsup
Scrape up residue. Apply a damp white towel to the affected area and weight
down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Scrape up unabsorbed
residue. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish
washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup
of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white
towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Lacquer / Linseed Oil
If wet, absorb with dry white towels. Scrape up any dried material. Wipe
out with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Wipe out with a dry cleaning
fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly
on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary
backing together. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid
hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution
of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with warm
water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Lipstick
Scrape up residue. Remove all loose material. Wipe out with an acetone-based
nail polish remover. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or
Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will
destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white
vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry
the spot with a white absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white
paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object
and remove the next day.
Mascara
Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white
towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with a solution
of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm
water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Merthiolate
Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household
ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot
with a white absorbent towel.
Mildew
If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), spray bleach
onto the mildewed area & leave 1 hour; Wipe out with water; dry Wipe out
with white towels. Caution: Do not get on any other surfaces!
If not 100% solution dyed olefin, Wipe out with a solution of 1/4 of a cup
of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with
a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out
with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Note: Black mildew on fabric indicates probable severe irreversible damage.
Be extremely careful - the fabric is probably very weak!
Milk
If souring has occurred, professional treatment or removal of the affected
section of the pad will be necessary.
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with warm water with
a white towel. If heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels
to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the
next day.
Mucilage / Mucous
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4
of a cup of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe
out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.
Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Mustard
Because it contains a disperse dye, mustard is very difficult to totally
remove.
If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), scrape up residue,
spray bleach onto the stained area leave 1 hour wipe out with water, dry wipe
out with white towels. Caution: Do not get on any other surfaces!
For other surfaces scrape off loose material. Wipe out with a solution of
1/4 of a cup of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe
out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out
with warm water with a white towel.
Nail Polish
Wipe out with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Wipe out with a dry cleaning
fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly
on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary
backing together. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid hand dish
washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white
towel. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup
of water.
• Caution: Amyl Acetate, Acetone and most nail polish removers are highly flammable
and dissolve acetate fibers.
Oil (Petroleum)
Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white
towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with a solution
of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm
water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup
of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a
white absorbent towel.
Orange Drink
If a heavy spill leave a weighted moist towel on the spot overnight. Wipe
out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the
spot with a white absorbent towel.
Paint (Latex)
If wet and on surface, wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Wipe
out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household
ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the
affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next
day.
Paint (Oil Based) / Varnish
If wet, Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. If dry, scrape up residue.
Wipe out with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Wipe out with a dry cleaning
fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly
on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary
backing together. Wipe out with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid hand dish
washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons
of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white
towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer
of white paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy
object and remove the next day.
Phenol (1%)
Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of
liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm
water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Potting Soil
Let dry completely before treating. Dry vacuum until all soil is removed.
Soil may contain fertilizers and insecticides which often leave permanent stains.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white
paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object
and remove the next day.
Rubber Cement
Scrape up residue. Wipe out with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Wipe
out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel.
Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding
the primary and secondary backing together. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon
maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out
with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Rust
Vacuum up loose rust. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Apply a of white towel saturated with white vinegar to
the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next
day. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white
absorbent towel.
Shoe Polish (Liquid)
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with an acetone-based
nail polish remover. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or
Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will
destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2 tablespoons
of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white
towel.
Shoe Polish (Wax or Paste)
Scrape up residue. Wipe out with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Wipe
out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel.
Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding
the primary and secondary backing together.
Soil Filtration Lines
These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard around furnace
vents etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited
on the fibers as the air moves under walls closed doors etc. It is extremely
difficult if not nearly impossible to thoroughly remove soil filtration lines
from very light carpet.
Very thoroughly vacuum. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona®
or Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you
will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Urine
Scrape up residue. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with
a white absorbent towel saturated with white vinegar. Apply a white towel saturated
with white vinegar to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object
and remove the next day.
Severe cases will require pad replacement cleaning and deodorizing the backing
cleaning and deodorizing and sealing the underlayment.
Note: On wool, urine frequently bleaches out the dyes especially if not immediately
treated.
Vomit
Vomit is strongly acidic and can severely stain carpet and upholstery.
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with warm water with
a white towel. Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand
dish washing detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 2
tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe out with a solution
of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water. Dry the spot with a white absorbent
towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area
and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Water Colors
Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel. Wipe out with alcohol. Wipe out
with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water. Wipe
out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing detergent
per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per
2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel.
Wax (Candle / Paraffin)
On nylon carpet only place a white towel on the area. Heat an iron to medium
and set on the towel for thirty seconds. Move the towel as needed. Caution:
This procedure can damage the carpet if not done very cautiously.
If unable to use the above hot iron technique wipe out with an acetone-based
nail polish remover. Wipe out with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or
Energine® on a white towel. Do not dispense directly on the carpet or you will
destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Wipe out with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid hand dish washing
detergent per cup of warm water. Wipe out with a solution of 1 cup of white
vinegar per 2 cups of water. Wipe out with warm water with a white towel. Dry
the spot with a white absorbent towel.
Glass Cleaner / Window Cleaner (Windex® etc.)
Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners especially in
bright sunlight. Wipe out with alcohol.
Wine
If a heavy spill occurs, apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the
affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next
day. Wipe out with white wine on a white towel. If unsuccessful, make a pint
of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable
in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto
the affected area. Place a pan of hot water on the stain overnight. Note: while
rare this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Wipe out with warm
water with a white towel. Dry the spot with a white absorbent towel.
