Oops ! A Guide for Stain Removal
Don't panic, accidents will happen. If you do spill something on your carpet, by taking prompt action you will avoid staining and possibly permanent damage. You will need some clean white absorbent cloth or kitchen roll, and the 4 basic cleaning solutions I have detailed below. (Always make sure that your carpet is colourfast and not sensitive to moisture before proceeding, by testing in an inconspicuous area first.
1. DRY CLEANING SOLUTION: Surgical spirit.
2. DETERGENT SOLUTION: One teaspoonful of gentle washing powder suitable for washing woollens to half a pint (0.75 litres) of warm water.
3. DETERGENT AND VINEGAR SOLUTION: Add one tablespoonful of white ( NOT MALT) vinegar to the detergent solution
4. AMMONIA SOLUTION: One teaspoonful of branded household ammonia (available form your local hardware store), to one cup of warm water.
NOW YOU'RE READY,PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Alcohol, Coffee, tea, Liquid foods and Urine. Blot up the surplus using the white absorbent cloth or kitchen roll. Use DETERGENT AND VINEGAR Solution. Work from the edge of the stain inwards, using a little at a time and blotting up frequently. See below for final rinse procedure.
2. Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, and Vomit. Scrape up the excess with a blunt knife or spatula. Use DETERGENT SOLUTION first, starting at the outer edge. Blot dry, then follow up with AMMONIA SOLUTION. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
3. Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil, Ointment, and Shoe Polish. Scrape up the excess with a blunt knife or spatula. Use DRY CLEANING SOLUTION followed by DETERGENT AND VINEGAR, and blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
4. Unknown Stains: Scape up or blot out the spillage. Use the DRY CLEANING SOLUTION first followed by clean luke warm water. Blot dry. If further treatment is required, use either DETERGENT or DETERGENT AND VINEGAR SOLUTION. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
FINAL RINSE PROCEDURE
This rinse procedure is applicable to all the above methods of stain removal. Just mix one-part white vinegar and four-parts water. Pour mixture in a spray bottle and spray over the treated area. Blot the dampened area (DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB) to remove any excess moisture. Now spread some kitchen roll over the area, 6 to 8 sheets deep, and place a heavy object such as a book on top.This will help the moisture and residue to soak into the towels. Leave overnight. Repeat if necessary.
REMEMBER ACT QUICKLY
Scrape up solids, and blot up liquids, taking plenty of time. It will be worth the effort. Mix the solutions accurately, and test on a piece of carpet which is not visible. Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre. NEVER OVER WET. Dab rather than scrub, or rub hard. You may not completely remove the stain, but by following this guide you will give me the best possible chance of total removal as part of your regular maintenance clean.
PLEASE NOTE: Some new carpets will be treated with stain protectors or anti-static treatments. Even when these are applied, it is wise to follow the stain removal procedures suggested.
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