Spot & Stain Removal
Your Basic Spot and Stain Removal Kit
Keep the following items on hand so you will be prepared to handle fresh spills on your carpet:
- Neutral dish detergent (dilute 20:1)
- Clear household ammonia
- White vinegar (dilute 1:1)
- Wet spotter such as Master Stain Remover®
- Dry spotter such as Dissolve®
- Paint thinner
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for bleaching
- Denatured or isopropyl alcohol
- A good supply of white terry cloths
- A spotting brush
- If you have pets, stock a bacteria/enzyme digester such as Liquid Alive®
- A wet/dry vac is great to have as well
The Nine Steps to Spot and Stain Removal
- Catch it while it’s fresh when chances of spot and stain removal are 75% better. Don’t iron or hot-air dry until the stain is gone. Heat will set most stains.
- Use a spoon or dull knife to remove solid materials.
- Blot up liquids with a clean, white, dry towel. Never rub, scrub or brush the carpet as this can cause excessive wear and permanently damage carpet fibers.
- Work from the outside to the center with large spills.
- Apply all cleaning agents to a white towel, never directly to the carpet, as this can damage the backing.
- Use the steps and solutions in the cleaning code in the order given until you no longer see improvement, then proceed to the next step if the spot remains.
- Always use white distilled vinegar as the last step before rinsing if you have used ammonia during the process, even if the spot is already gone. Vinegar (low pH) neutralizes ammonia (high pH) and is a safe product to leave behind. It is not necessary to neutralize vinegar.
- Rinse the last cleaning solution you’ve used by spraying with clear water and blotting the area with a clean, dry, white towel. You may use a wet/dry vacuum to extract excess moisture, prior to using a towel, if you have one but this is not necessary.
- Once you have removed all of the visible stain, place a clean, white, dry towel over the area and then place a heavy, colorfast object such as a plastic waste basket with a weight inside on the towel. Leave overnight. Continue this procedure by replacing the wet towels with dry ones until the area is nearly dry. Remove the weight and towel, then gently brush the carpet fibres with your hand to lift the tufts. Allow the area to dry completely before walking on it.
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Cleaning Codes |
Stains or Spills |
| A= Ammonia – (mix 1 Tablespoon of non-bleaching, non-sudsing ammonia in 1 cup of lukewarm water).
V= Vinegar (mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and lukewarm water).
MSR= Master Stain Remover – (All Purpose Carpet Spotter) or detergent solution made with 1 tsp white dish detergent and 1 cup warm water.
Vac= Dry Vacuum
DCF*= Dry Cleaning Fluid
NPR= Non-acetone, non-greasy nail varnish remover
PSS= Call me for advice or an appointment
*Always wear rubber gloves and work in a well ventilated area.
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Alcoholic Beverages – MSR, V
Bleach – V, PSS Blood (dried) – A, MSR, V Blood (wet)* – MSR, V Carbon, Graphite, Toner – Vac, MSR Chewing Gum – DCF, MSR Chocolate – A, MSR, V Coffee – V, MSR Cosmetics – DCF, V Crayon – DCF, MSR, V Excrement – MSR, V Furniture Polish – DCF, MSR, A, V Grass – A, MSR, V, PSS Glue (white) – MSR, PSS Grease (food or other) – DCF, MSR Ice Cream – MSR, V Ink – DCF, MSR Juice* – A, MSR, V Medicine – A, MSR, V Mud – Vac, A, MSR, V Mustard – A, MSR, PSS Nail Varnish – NPR, V, PSS Paint (latex, wet) – MSR, PSS Paint (latex, dry) – DCF, PSS Paint (oil based wet or dry) – DCF Rust – MSR, V Shoe Polish – DCF, MSR, V Soft Drinks – A, MSR, V Tea – V, MSR Urine – V, MSR, PSS Vomit – V, A, MSR Wax – heat with hair dryer until it glistens, blot with a white towel, repeat until gone. Wine* – A, MSR, V
* Flush with cool water first.
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Need help with stain removal?
If you have any questions about stain removal or need help, please book our free, no-obligation evaluation now or get in touch with Alfred Olivares at Northwest Janitorial – click here for contact details.
