Treating Carpet Stains and Spots

15 Apr Treating Carpet Stains and Spots

Spot Removal Steps

There are a number of things that you can do yourself to treat carpet stains. Follow these simple steps provided by the Carpet and Rug Institute when treating carpet stains and spots to ensure your carpet continues to look its best.

• Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resistant treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

• Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels.

• Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

• Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.

• Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently.

• Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

• Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.

• After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

Throw in the Towel?

If you have a particularly stubborn stain or don’t want to deal with the process yourself, Carpet Keepers specializes in carpet stain removal in the Leesburg, VA area. If you live in Loudoun County and want your carpets looking in tip top shape, give us a call at (703) 737-3117.