Spot Cleaning Tips

General Spot Removal Tips:

When removing accidental spots and spills, speed is critical to success! The longer any substance stays in contact with the carpet, the deeper it will penetrate into the fibers.

For most household applications, follow these spot removal steps:

1. Remove solid materials.
2. Blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not use a scrubbing motion, this can damage carpet fibers and spread the spot over a larger area of the carpet.
3. Spray spot remover directly onto/over the subject area until wet.
4. Wait several minutes while the Spot Remover “dwells” and loosens the dirt.
5. Gently wipe the spot with a clean cloth working from the outer edges in towards the center.
6. Once the spot has been removed, place dry, absorbent white cloths over the area and press to absorb remaining moisture. It is important to remove the excess liquid so that the area does not rapidly re-soil.

Tips for Specific Types of Stains:

Treatment for water-soluble stains

• Water Soluble Stains include most food, beverage, urine and vomit stains.
• Avoid detergents containing optical brighteners.
• Do NOT use automatic dishwasher detergent or others containing bleach.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of mild detergent, such as Ivory Liquid, into 1 pint of lukewarm water. Sponge the detergent mixture onto the stain, and work the solution from the outer edges toward the center. A lather will form. Gently sponge off this lather with clear, cold water until all the suds have disappeared.

Treatment for solvent-soluble stains

• Solvent Soluble stains include oil, grease, tar, crayon, lipstick and butter.
• Use a product such as Carbona®, Energine® or K2R® available at retail stores. The Carpet Cleaning Connection has Bane-Clene's Citrus APS™ available for sale, which is a stronger professional spot removing product for removing tar, grease or other oily stains.