Removing Spots and Stains
Step One: Absorb the spill
Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels (no prints or colors). Use of a printed or colored material may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet!
Start at the outside of the spot and continue toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Blot until barely damp. Semi-solids like food spills may need scooping up with a spoon. Solid, dried bits can be vacuumed up.
WARNING!!! Do not scrub! Scrubbing can damage the carpet because fraying and texture change is the likely result. Use a soft white cloth to blot the spot.
Step Two: Treat the spot or stain
Use a CRI Seal of Approval carpet spotter. Check out www.carpet-rug.org for a list of Seal of Approval spot removers and cleaning solutions. Make sure to add one to your shopping list before an emergency arises. Though these have been laboratory tested, make sure you have pre tested any cleaner on a hidden area of your carpet.
Follow the product’s directions carefully. Generally speaking, apply a small amount of the cleaner to a white cloth and work in gently, from the edges to the center. Blot: don’t scrub. You may need to do this serveral times to remove the spot.
What if your don’t have a CRI approved carpet cleaning handy? Try one of these home-made remedies:
Plain Water: Water often works better than untested carpet spotters
Detergent solution: Mix ¼ teaspoon of a clear (nonbleach, nonlanolin) dishwashing liquid with 1 cup warm water. Try this own spilled wine and smeared chocolate. Never use laundry detergent: it may contain bleach or simply be too harsh.
Use a white vinegar solution: Mix 1 cup white (not red wine or cider) vinegar with 1 cup water. White vinegar (5 percent acetic acid) is sometime effective on tannin (weak vegetable dye found in tea and coffee), and it leaves no residue. However, be careful because acids can set some other dye stains.
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Great tips!
ReplyDeleteI use vinegar/water solution for almost all kind of stains. It is probably the most popular and effective home-made solution.
Regards from an Enfield Cleaner!
Yes, just like John, I also use vinegar/water solution for all cleaning purposes. It is quite effective. I recommend it to everybody. Cleaning with natural products is a lot better for the environment than using toxic detergents
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Cleaners London
I guess that there are a lot of people who prefer to clean with natural products, Klara. :) It is a wide spread method. :)
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London Cleaners
Natural cleaning products are good, because they can't harm you and your dearest ones. My wife uses only products, which we keep in the kitchen cupboard, such as the mentioned above vinegar and baking soda, so to protect our children. I recommend to everyone to do so, too.
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