No one likes it when there is a spill on the floor, but With the help of The
Cleaner Image Spotting guide when there is a spill on your carpet there is a good
chance it can be removed before becoming permanent. Use the information below to
properly deal with spills and help keep your carpet spot free for years to come.
Spot Removal Steps
Act Immediately! Today, most carpet
available has been treated with a stain-resist treatment. Many spills can
be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the
probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is
influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.
Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing)
paper towels. White terry cloth towels are great for this purpose.
Blot - Don't Scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion.
Continue to use a white cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry.
For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a spoon. Break up and vacuum solids away.
If a spot can be identified, locate the name of substance at the left of this
page and click the name... follow the directions carefully.
Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain
it won't damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the
testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the
carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a
change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.
Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth,
allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently. Work from the edges of
the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub!
Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.
Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer
of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning
solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete
removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.
After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area
thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the
solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if
the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white
paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book.
Continue to change paper towels as needed.
|
|
Acne Medicine
- Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl
Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide and can eventually
leave bleach spots in carpet. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water,
blot with a solution of
1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water, blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel, blot dry with a dry white towel, and
vacuum. A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached
out area.
Return to Top
Alcohol
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Asphalt / Driveway Sealer / Parking Lot
Sealer / Creosote
- If not removed when fresh, yellow stain from asphalt off parking
lots and driveways is nearly impossible to completely remove without
delaminating the carpet. This yellowing is particularly obvious
with blue and gray carpet.
- For small areas, blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not
pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue
holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Apply a one-half
inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected
area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book
and remove the
next day.
Return to Top
Ball Point Pen Ink
- Absorb all ink on surface with dry white unprinted paper towels.
Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a
white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE
vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper
towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
such as a heavy book and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Beer
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity,
apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels
to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
such as a heavy book and remove the next day. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.
Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with
a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot
with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch
layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area,
and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book
and remove the next
day.
Return to Top
Berry Stain
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity
has spilled, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing)
paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
such as a heavy book and remove the next day before attempting removal.
Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE
vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper
towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
such as a heavy book and remove the next day.
Return to Top
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.
Return to Top
Bleach
- Permanent color damage will occur except on most solution-dyed
fibers. Bleach dissolves wool!
- Blot dry with a dry 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. Blot with
lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
A professional may be required
to re-dye any bleached out area.
Return to Top
Blood
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot 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 blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. NOTE: Sometimes the Hydrogen Peroxide will bleach out the
carpet fibers. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing)
paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
such as a heavy book and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Browning
/ Jute Stain
- A carpet, 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. Blot with
a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot
with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Butter
- Scrape up residue. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.
Blot with a solution of
1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel.
Return to Top
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! Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly
on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with
a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Carbon Paper
- Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the
carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent
towel. NOTE: Some carbon paper inks are more readily removed with
Alcohol than with dry cleaning fluid.
Return to Top
Chalk
- Chalk is Calcium Carbonate. Carpenter's chalk is simply chalk
with a dye added for visibility. First, thoroughly vacuum. Chalk
is readily soluble in mild acid. Blot with a solution of 1 cup
of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. If any stain from carpenter's
chalk is left, blot with Alcohol.
Return to Top
Chewing Gum
- Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour 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.
Return to Top
Chocolate / Creme de Menthe
- Scrape off excess and absorb. Blot with lukewarm water with
a white towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.
Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution
of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a
dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Clay / Red Clay
- Thoroughly vacuum. If from a flower pot, blot with a solution
of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a
dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Coffee / Tea
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half
inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected
area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the
next day. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly
on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot with a solution of 1 cup
of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.
- If stain is still present, make a pint of very hot water containing
2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable
in most discount stores and fabric stores). Place a thin dry white
towel on the stained area. Pour the hot pint solution directly
onto the towel. Keep hot by placing on the wetted area a pan of
hot water. Remove after 1/2 hour. NOTE: While rare, this solution
can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a
white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
- If unsuccessful,
Return to Top
Cola Drink / Soft Drink
- A soft drink spill is usually deep into the backing and wicking
with attendant resoiling can be a major problem. Blot dry with
a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with
a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot
with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE
absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing)
paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Cough Medicine or Syrup / Vitamins (Liquid)
/ Children's Medicine
- Blot with Alcohol until totally removed. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch
layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area,
and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next
day.
Return to Top
Crayon
- Scrape loose crayon off and pick up large pieces. Vacuum thoroughly
WITHOUT brush agitation. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour 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 blotting with Alcohol.
Return to Top
Dandruff Shampoo
- Frequently contains sulfur compounds which may turn the fibers
permanently brown. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with
lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent
towel.
Return to Top
Egg (Raw)
- Immediately scrape off all excess. Blot dry with a dry WHITE
absorbent towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with
lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup
of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing)
paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Fabric Softener
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol.
Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no
printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with
a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Food Coloring / Kool-Aid®
- For dry food dyes such as some Easter egg dye powders, THOROUGHLY
vacuum before proceeding with any wet techniques. Blot with Alcohol.
Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing)
paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Furniture Polish
- If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If wax
or solid, scrape up. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not
pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue
holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper
towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Furniture Stain
- If liquid, blot dry with a dry 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, blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the
carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with
a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE
(no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down
with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Grape Juice
- If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no
printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with
a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day. If any stain remains,
blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per
cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply
a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the
affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove
the next day.
- If stain is still present, make a pint of very hot water containing
2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable
in most discount stores and fabric stores). Place a thin dry towel
on the stained area. Pour the hot pint solution directly onto
the towel. Keep hot by placing on the wetted area a pan of hot
water. Remove after 1/2 hour. NOTE: While rare, this solution
can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a
white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
- If unsuccessful,
Return to Top
Gravy
- Scrape up residue. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Grease (vehicle)
- Scrape up residue. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel.
Return to Top
Hair Dye
- Hair dye is one of the most severe stains there is for carpet
and can seldom be thoroughly removed! Blot with Alcohol. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE
vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Replacement of the stained section may even be necessary.
Return to Top
Ice Cream
- Scrape up residue. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.
Blot with a solution of
1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Ink (India)
- Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will
destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing
together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Ink (Permanent) / Felt Tip Markers
- Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will
destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing
together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Ink (Washable)
- If a heavy spill, scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE
absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Insecticides
- Most insecticides permanently stain, bleach, or discolor carpet
fibers with little chance of restoring the carpet to the original
color.
- Vacuum thoroughly. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.
Blot with a solution of
1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Iodine / Betadine®
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol.
Cover the stained area with a thin white towel. 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 towel. Set a pan of hot water on
top of the towel and leave at least thirty minutes. Blot with
lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent
towel. NOTE: while rare, this solution can bleach out the carpet
dye.
Return to Top
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 (no printing) paper towels to the affected area,
and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next
day.
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a
white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels
to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Ketchup / Catsup
- Scrape up residue. Apply a damp WHITE towel to the affected
area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the
next day. Scrape up unabsorbed residue. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Lacquer / Linseed Oil
- If wet, absorb. Scrape up any dried material. Blot with an
Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a white
towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent
towel.
Return to Top
Lipstick
- Scrape up residue. Remove all loose material. Blot with an
Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a white
towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with
The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a
solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with
lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent
towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper
towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book
and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Mascara
- Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the
carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Merthiolate
- Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of
HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1
cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Mildew
- If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene),
spray bleach onto the mildewed area, leave 1 hour, blot with water,
dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces!
- If not solution dyed olefin, blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
- NOTE: Black mildew on fabric indicates probable severe irreversible
damage. Be extremely careful - the fabric is probably very weak!
Return to Top
Milk
- If "souring" has occurred, professional treatment
or removal of the affected section of the pad will be necessary.
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel. If heavy spill, apply a one-half inch
layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area,
and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next
day. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the
carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar
per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Return to Top
Mucilage / Mucous
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel.
Return to Top
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, blot with water, dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do
not get on any other surfaces!
- For other surfaces, scrape off loose material. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE
vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel.
Return to Top
Nail Polish
- Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will
destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing
together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel.
- CAUTION: Amyl Acetate, Acetone, and most nail polish removers
are highly flammable and dissolve acetate fibers.
Return to Top
Oil (Petroleum)
- Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the
carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Orange Drink
- If a heavy spill, leave a weighted moist towel on the spot
overnight. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent
towel.
Return to Top
Paint (Latex)
- If wet and on surface, blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with
a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply
a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the
affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove
the next day.
Return to Top
Paint (Oil Based) / Varnish
- If wet, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If dry,
scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover.
Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the
carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch
layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area,
and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next
day.
Return to Top
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. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with
a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE
(no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down
with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.
Return to Top
Rubber Cement
- Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish
remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly
on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2
tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with
a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Rust
- Vacuum up loose rust. Blot 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 such as a heavy book and remove the next day. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent
towel.
Return to Top
Shoe Polish (Liquid)
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with an Acetone-based
nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not
pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue
holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel.
Return to Top
Shoe Polish (Wax or Paste)
- Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish
remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly
on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary
and secondary backing together.
Return to Top
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 from very light carpet.
- Very thoroughly vacuum. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits
on a white towel.
Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex
glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot
with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white
towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Urine
- Scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Blot 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 such as a heavy book 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.
Return to Top
Vomit
- Vomit is strongly acidic and, therefore, can severely stain
carpet and upholstery.
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm
water with a white towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.
Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per
2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply
a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the
affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove
the next day.
Return to Top
Water Colors
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or
2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a
solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with
lukewarm water with a white towel.
Return to Top
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, blot with an
Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral
Spirits on a white
towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy
the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Blot with The Cleaner Image's "Poof" or 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1
cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water
with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
Glass Cleaner / Window Cleaner
(Windex®, etc.)
- Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners,
especially in bright sunlight. Blot with Alcohol.
Return to Top
Wine
- If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no
printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with
a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day. Blot with white
wine on a white towel. 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. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Return to Top
|