Carpet Cleaning Tips and FAQs
Below are some stain removal and spot-cleaning tips that you can use at home. These are tried and true, and effective in most situations.
Handy On-the-Spot Guide To Stain Removal
First, act quickly! Use clean, white towels or a wet/dry vacuum to absorb as much liquid as you can. Blot, do not rub.
Work toward the center of the spot when cleaning and repeat steps, if necessary. Always blot between steps with a clean,
white towel, or if you have a wet/dry vacuum, flush with a little clean water and vacuum immediately and thoroughly.
Always do a test spot on a portion of the carpet or fabric that is not normally visible (especially on upholstery fabrics,
where water-based solutions may leave ring marks). Be careful not to over-wet, and never use chlorine bleach.
Above all, if you have any doubts, call us at 412-244-9290, or at any of our other numbers for professional
assistance. That's what we are here for.
Alcohol/Whiskey
1. Squirt with warm tap water or soda water.
2. Blot dry.
Beer
1. Flush with warm tap water or soda water.
2. Use detergent solution if necessary.
Burns
1. Add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to detergent solution.
2. Rinse.
3. Trim burned fibers with scissors. If damage is excessive, call us for help.
Chocolate
1. Apply cool detergent solution.
2. Apply ammonia solution.
3. Apply vinegar solution.
4. Repeat Step 1.
5. Rinse.
Coffee/Tea/Cola
1. Flush with cold water or soda water.
2. Blot and let dry.
3. Remove traces with dry cleaning solution.
Fruit/Juice/Jelly/Soda (with artificial colors)
1. Apply detergent solution.
2. Apply vinegar solution.
3. Rinse.
4. Repeat Step 1.
5. Rinse.
Glue
Cleaning methods depend on the type of glue. Many have special solvents available for the manufacturer. Follow instructions carefully. If stains are indelible, trim affected carpet fibers.
Grass
1. Apply detergent solution.
2. Rinse.
3. Apply ammonia solution.
4. Rinse.
Gravy/Ketchup/Mustard
1. Apply detergent solution.
2. Apply vinegar solution.
3. Repeat Step 1.
Grease/Oil/Clear Salad Dressing
1. Apply dry cleaning solution.
2. Or apply detergent solution.
3. Or use blotting paper and a warm iron.
Milk
1. Apply warm tap or soda water.
2. detergent solution or dry cleaning solution may also be used.
Mud
1. Let dry.
2. Brush, scrape or vacuum off as much as possible.
3. Apply detergent solution.
4. Rinse.
Paint
Do not attempt on your own; it is very risky. When a paint spill occurs, call us for professional help.
Rust
1. Apply vinegar solution.
2. Blot.
3. Commercial rust removers may be used, but are very risky and expensive. It's advisable to let the professionals handle it.
Tar/Shoe Polish
1. Apply detergent solution.
2. Applypaint/oil/grease remover.
3. Repeat Step 1.
4. Apply detergent solution.
5. Apply ammonia solution.
6. Rinse.
Urine Stains
1. Apply detergent solution.
2. Apply ammonia solution.
3. Apply vinegar solution.
4. Rinse.
5. Enzyme deodorizers may be applied after spot-cleaning and are available at many pet supply stores. Follow the manufactures instructions and, as always, test product in an area that is normally not visible.
Water
1. Remove as much standing water as possible.
2. Dry carpet as quickly and completely as possible by raising it off the floor. The use of dehumidifiers and fans will also speed the dry-time.
3. Even the smallest amount of standing water can cause health and environmental concerns. Most will require the use of specific sanitizers and decontamination processes that are beyond the capabilities of conventional carpet cleaning. Contact a professional that specializes in water damage. Your home-owner's insurance company may be able to provide you with additional options and suggestions.
Wax/Crayons/Lipstick
1. Apply dry cleaning solution.
2. Apply paint/oil/grease remover.
3. Repeat step 1.
4. Rinse.
Wine
1. Apply detergent solution.
2. Apply vinegar solution.
3. Apply ammonia solution.
4. Rinse.
How to mix the SOLUTIONS mentioned above:
Detergent Solution:
- One teaspoon of mild dish detergent or powdered laundry detergent
- 16 ounces of water.
Vinegar Solution:
- 1/3 cup of white vinegar
- 2/3 cup of water
Ammonia Solution:
- 4 ounces clear ammonia
- 24 ounces of water
Dry Cleaning Solution:
Available at most hardware stores.
Paint/Oil/Grease Remover:
Available in most hardware stores.
Back to Top
Call for more info: 412-244-9290
|
