The key to successful spot removal is getting to it as quickly as possible. Keep this page bookmarked, or make a copy of it so you will be able to refer to it when you need it. Be sure to let your friends and family know about this spotting guide so they will be able to use it as well.

 

IMPORTANT KEYS TO REMOVING SPOTS

  • Catch it while it's fresh, when chances of removal are 75% or better. Don't iron or hot-air dry until the stain is gone. Heat will set most stains.
  • First blot up all the liquid and scrape up all the solids you can. On a large liquid spill you can use a wet/dry vac. Be careful not to spread the stain.
  • Test any chemical you intend to use in a hidden area to make sure it won't discolor or damage the surface.
  • Apply spotter and work from the outside of the spot in, to avoid spreading the spot. Blot, don't scrub; strike with the flat face of a spotting brush if needed to help break up the stain.
  • Rinse chemical spotters out with water, blot the area dry and feather the edges. Brush or fluff up pile or nap.
  • On carpet and upholstery, put a thick pad of toweling over the spot, weight it down with books, and leave it there overnight to "wick up" any remaining moisture.

Spot & Stain Removal

THIS INFORMATION IS GIVEN FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TRY TO REMOVE SPOTS ON THEIR OWN.  To avoid damaging your carpet, follow the instructions below exactly.  If you are not comfortable with any of the procedures listed below, you may contact us and we will happily come out and attempt to remove them for you.

 

Do not use these procedures on upholstered furniture as spot cleaning can easily damage certain fabrics.

YOUR BASIC SPOT 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); white vinegar (dilute 1:1); wet spotter such as Master Stain Remover®; dry spotter such as Dissolve®; isopropyl alcohol; a good supply of white terry cloths; and a spotting brush. If you have pets, stock a bacteria/enzyme digester such as Liquid Alive®. A small hand held wet/dry vac is great to have as well.

THE 8 STEPS TO REMOVING SPOTS

Catch it while it's fresh, when chances of removal are 75% or better. Don't iron or hot-air dry until the stain is gone. Heat will set most stains.

1)       Use a spoon or dull knife to remove solid materials.

2)       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 fibres.

3)       Work from the outside to the centre with large spills.

4)       Apply all cleaning agents to a white towel, never directly to the carpet, as this can damage the backing.

5)       Use the steps and solutions in the cleaning code (link at the bottom of this page) in the order given until you no longer see improvement, then proceed to the next step if the spot remains.

6)       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 neutralise vinegar.

7)       Rinse the last cleaning solution you’ve used by spraying with clear water and blotting one area with a clean, dry, white towel.  You may use a wet/dry vacuum to extract out excess moisture prior to the towel if you have one, but this is not necessary.

8)        Once you have removed all of the visible stain, place a clean, white, dry towel over the area and then place a heavy, colourfast 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.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC SPOTS AND SPILLS

It is not always nescessary to clean an entire carpet to remove a specific spot or spill.  This tutorial will demonstrate the technique known as "spotting. 

If the spot is still moist, blot up as much as possible, dabbing lightly with a clean white towel or paper towel. Scrape off any solids with a spatula.  If spot is dry, loosen residue with spotting spatula and vacuum

Always pre-test the surface to be cleaned. Apply cleaning solution to an inconspicuous area of the carpet. If, after five minutes, the material's colour transfers to towel, try another product.

When taking out spots, always use a white cloth. First, apply the spotting solution for that spot to the cloth.

Then place the towel on the carpet. Work from the outside of the spot to the inside, using a blotting motion. Repeat as long as the spot continues to transfer to your towel.

Always treat spots as soon as possible. Once stains are locked into the carpet fibres, they are near impossible to remove.

For More Information on how to treat specific types of spots Click Here for our Spotting Code