1. Wine Spill? Act Quickly! Don’t wait for your guests to leave or for the area to clear before you tackle the spill. Time will not fade the memory of red wine in your carpet – only give the stain time to set. So push everyone out of the way and get to work fast.
2. Blotting is good, Scrubbing is bad! Scrubbing a liquid spill can damage the carpet pile and mar its appearance. Blot liquid spills with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels. You could also use a wet/dry vacuum to lift out larger liquid spills.
3. Get a positive ID – If you can, identify the carpet staining agent and then look it up on CRI’s extensive online spot removal database: http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/cleaning-and-maintenance/spot-solver.cfm. Then, follow the directions carefully.
4. Pre-test your carpet spot remover! Even though Seal of Approval certified spot removers are tested to make sure they do not change the color or the texture of carpet, it is always a good idea to test any product on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first just to be on the safe side.
5. Easy does it! Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth and allow it to set for about 10 minutes before working it gently into the carpet.
6. Work from the outside in! – Always work from the edges of the spill
to the center to prevent spreading. Allow the spot cleaning solution to
remain on the carpet spill a few minutes. Be patient. Blot, absorbing
as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.
NOTES:
Never use laundry detergent to remove a carpet stain, because laundry
detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye
the fiber.
Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain
bleaching agents that destroy carpet dyes and some carpet fibers.
7. One step at a time! Even if the directions for removing your carpet
stain call for several steps and/or types of spot removers, continue
using the first cleaning solution as long as some of the spill
transfers to the cloth. If the first step removes the spill you do not
have to move on to the other recommended cleaning solutions.
8. Be patient! You might have to repeat the same step several times to remove the carpet stain completely.
9. Rinse! After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the
affected carpet 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 re-soiling if the solution is not completely
removed from the carpet.
10. Get down! Apply a one-half inch-thick layer of white paper towels
to the affected carpet area, and weigh it down with a flat, heavy
object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.
10 ½. If all else fails! Many carpet fiber manufacturers provide
toll-free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty).
How to treat spills on carpet
Treating Spills
When you or your kids or pets spill something, clean it up immediately, using a wet/dry vacuum for bigger spills.
Blot the spot with a clean rag in a gentle clockwise motion. Rubbing will drive the spot deeper into the fibers and be harder to remove.
Don’t use Resolve or Oxy-Clean carpet treatments! These products usually have additives that will leave a discoloration on the carpet that even a professional can’t fix.
If your carpet is Wool, Linen, Silk or Persian, don’t try to clean the spot yourself. Call a professional because they need extra special care.
Carpet, Cleaning, and Your Health
Recent studies have found that carpet actually helps prevent asthma and allergy attacks by trapping particles that can be more readily vacuumed or steam extracted.
Dust mites can only be killed by extreme cold (freezing) or high heat (steam extraction). Special light waves only work when applied directly to the creature. A layer of mattress fabric or padding, where dust mites live, will protect them from the light waves.
Carpet prevents slips and falls and provides insulation for your home.
All professional grade carpet cleaning products used in California must be biodegradable.
Certified eco-friendly carpet cleaning products have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs cause the "fumes" that can be harmful to your health.
Carpet and Health FAQs
Patrick says:
Carpet manufacturers recommend Professional Steam Cleanings 1-2 times a year to maintain the warranty, extend the life, and keep your carpet beautiful.
Home steam cleaning units clean better than a regular vacuum but a professional's truck-mounted equipment generates higher heat and stronger suction resulting in a deeper, more thorough cleaning.
"Dry" chemical cleaning processes actually use steam!
Proper steam extraction techniques will prevent residue on your carpet.
Just because something has a "natural" ingredient doesn't make it eco-friendly. The nasty stuff could still be in the product.
