Accidents will happen. If something gets
spilled on your carpet, take prompt action to prevent staining. You will
need some clean white absorbent cloth, or tissue, and the four basic
solutions listed below. (Please check your carpet is colourfast, and
safe to clean, by testing all solutions in an inconspicuous area before
application).
- Dry Cleaning Solution -
Surgical Spirit.
- Detergent Solution - one
teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woollens to half a pint
(0.75 litres) of warm water.
- Detergent and Vinegar Solution
- Add one tablespoonful of white (not malt) vinegar to the detergent
solution.
- Ammonia Solution - One
teaspoonful of branded household ammonia (available from hardware
stores), to one cup of warm water.
Tackle the stains as follows:
- Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid foods
and urine. Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent Vinegar Solution.
Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards, using a little at a
time, blotting up with dry clothes frequently. See below for final
rinse procedure.
- Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg,
Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, and Vomit. Scrape up excess with a
blunt knife. Use a Detergent Solution starting out the outer edge.
Blot dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry. see below for
final rinse procedure.
- Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil,
Ointment and Shoe polish. Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent and Vinegar Solution,
Blot dry. see below for final rinse procedure.
- Unknown stains. Scrape up or blot
surplus spillage. Use a dry cleaning solvent followed by clean luke
warm water. Blot dry. If further treatment is needed, use either
Detergent or Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for
final rinse procedure.
- Final Rinse Procedure
- This rinse procedure is applicable to all
above methods of stain removal. Simply mix one-part white vinegar and
four-parts water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the
stained area. Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture.
Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) over the affected
area and place a weight, such as a book, directly on top. This will help
the moisture residue to soak into the towels. Leave overnight and repeat
if necessary.
-
- REMEMBER Act Quickly
- Scrape up solids. Blot up Liquids, taking
plenty of time. It's worth the effort. Mix the solution accurately. Test
it on an out of the way piece of carpet. Always work form the outer edge
of the stain to the centre. NEVER OVER WET. Dab rather than scrub, or
rub hard. Even though you do not completely remove the stain, the
correct routine will give your professional cleaner, when called in, the
best possible chance of success.
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