diy spot removal

Spot Removal at Home

Have a minor catastrophe?

Here is what you can do at home....If this doesn't work, call us for an appointment.

There are many spot removal products on the market, but some are not anymore effective than what you can create for yourself. 

One helpful hint would be to always work from the outside of a spot towards the middle so that it doesn't become larger if you are unsuccessful!

Water-Soluble Stains

• alcoholic beverages

• berries

• colas

• excrement

• food dyes

• gravy

• ice cream

• jelly

• milk

• mud

• washable ink

• wet or latex paint

Use a simple cleaning solution made up of 1/4 teaspoon of nonbleach detergent (or white vinegar) mixed with 32 ounces of water.

Special Water-Soluble Stains

• blood

• chocolate

• coffee

• mustard

• tea

• vomit

• wine

Try 1 tablespoon of ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water (but not on wool or wool-blend carpet; instead use mild detergent and water). If that doesn't work, you can try one part chlorine bleach to five parts water, but only on solution-dyed carpets, such as polypropylene. Bleach will harm other types of carpets; check with the manufacturer if you are unsure what type of carpet you have.

Fat, Oil, and Wax

Place a paper towel over the carpet and iron on a warm setting. The wax, fat, or oil should come up off the carpet and stick to the paper towel.  Note:  If the wax is colored you may run the risk of setting the stain while removing the wax.   

Cigarette Burns

These can be removed by gently rubbing the pile with the edge of a hard and flat surface, such as a dull knife.

Glue

Moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and press it on the affected area. Once the glue residue is thoroughly moistened, gently wipe it off and repeat until the carpet is clean.

Wax and Gum

Use ice to freeze the wax or gum, then shatter it with a blunt object, such as a spoon. Vacuum before the pieces soften, and blot the carpet with a white towel.

Nail Polish

Blot the area with a rag dipped in nail polish remover.

Urine

Absorb as much as possible with white towels, then blot with a damp, cool cloth. Next, spray or blot with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Finally, apply a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of clear, mild, nonbleach detergent mixed with 32 ounces of water, rinse, and blot dry. If the urine was the result of a dog's accident, you may also want to try a housebreaking aid such as No-Go.

Ongoing Maintenance

Even if you don't have any mishaps, you should always have your carpet thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months. 

If you decide to do it yourself rather than hire a pro like ourselves, you need to keep a few things in mind.

• Make sure the cleaning equipment you choose has enough vacuum power to allow the carpet to dry in 6 to 12 hours or you may risk damage from getting it too wet.

• Use fans or a dehumidifier to expedite drying time after cleaning. Be aware that if your carpet is wet for more than 24 hours, you risk mildew and bacteria growth.

• Choose a cleaning solution that has a pH of 10 or less, and make sure you remove all detergent after cleaning.

• Double-check your warranty. Carpets with stain resistance must be cleaned with products formulated for them or you risk impairing their effectiveness and voiding your warranty.