Carpet Care Tips

What to do in case of an accident

Accidents do happen, and when they do the best defense is to be prepared. Know how to handle spots before they happen.

1. Identify what caused the spot

If you don't know yourself, ask others in the house. Knowing exactly what made the spot can make removal much faster, with a greater chance of success and with less chance of damaging your carpet.

If the spot is sticky or stiff, this is a good indication that removal is possible.

If the spot is lighter in color this is not a good sign as it may indicate that there is a color loss instead of just a spot. If this is the case, a professional company that is thoroughly familiar with spot dyeing carpet is a must.

2. If the spill is fresh

Blot up as much as possible with an absorbent paper or cotton towel. (If the spill is thick, use a spoon to remove as much as possible by scraping toward the center and scooping up).

3. If the spill is dried

Pour a small amount of cool water or carbonated water on the spot and work it in with a white cotton towel to attempt to re-liquefy it and then start the blotting process.

4. Use a fresh area of the towel or new paper towel and stand on it to blot.

Repeat this procedure until no more residue from the spill transfers to the towel.

5. After blotting up all that you can

Pour a small amount of cool water on the spot and repeat the blotting sequence until no more residue transfers to the toweling.

6. If there is anything left after these steps, determine the solution that you will use to attack the spot.

Before applying any solution to your carpet, test in an inconspicuous area, such as inside a closet. If discoloration occurs, do not use.

Oil Based (greasy foods, grease, oil, tar, butter):

Use a dry cleaning solvent. These can be purchased at most large grocery stores.

Light greasy spots:

Coat with aerosol shaving cream or carbonated water. Speed dry with a hair dryer and vacuum. You can also sprinkle the stain with baking soda, cornstarch, cornmeal or talcum powder. Leave on at least 6 hours, then vacuum.

Water Based (soft drinks and food spots that have sugar or starch in them):

Mix one teaspoon mild detergent and one teaspoon white vinegar with one quart water. Dab a clean cloth into solution and apply as needed. Place several layers of white tissues or paper towels over the spot and weigh down with books or pots and pans. Let stand about one hour. Replace with fresh tissues or towels and leave overnight. Then fluff up the carpet pile with your fingers.

Protein Based (blood, egg, milk, chocolate):

Treat fresh spots with a paste of water and cornstarch, cornmeal, or talcum powder. Let dry and brush off. Cover fresh or dried stains with meat tenderizer and add cool water. Sponge off with cool water after 15-30 minutes. Avoid hot water, which will set blood.

Pet Urine:

Dilute with cloth dampened with water. Then clean with an acid solution consisting of one teaspoon white vinegar mixed with one quart water. Or, apply a pet bacteria/enzyme digester according to the directions. Saturate the spot, cover with plastic, and allow to work as long as indicated.

If the spill is unknown:

Start with the dry cleaning solution first. If it does not respond, blot thoroughly. Then try the water based solution. If that doesn't work, rinse, blot, and try the third or protein solution.

7. Apply the solution to the spot using a clean cotton towel.

Do not rub too hard or fast as this could permanently distort the carpet fibers and damage them. Never use a brush for the same reason.

8. Blot with towel

Repeat until there is no more residue transferring to the towel.

9. It is always good to pour on a little cool water to rinse out any cleaning solution and blot it up too.

You may wish to lay 1/2 inch of white paper towels or a cotton towel folded several times on the area that you treated and put a heavy weight of about 5 to 10 pounds on it overnight. This reduces the chance of any residue resurfacing later. Putting a fan on the area can also help.