Jacksonville Carpet Cleaning Tips: Do-It-Yourself Carpet Spot Treatments
Following are several simple formulas for removing most types of stains from carpets and rugs. The key to getting out stains is patience. Follow each step of the process. Some stains may require a second or even a third treatment. Always blot; don't rub stains.
WATER-SOLUBLE STAINS
alcohol • beer • milk • cola • berries • excrement • food dye • gravy • jelly • mud • washable ink • wet latex paint • ice cream • mustard
Treatment formula: Detergent solutions
Instructions:
Absorb as much of the stain as possible with dry white towels. Then blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. If any of the stain remains, prepare a solution of mild liquid detergent (no more than 1/4 teaspoon of liquid detergent and 32 ounces of water). A clear, nonbleach dishwashing detergent is recommended. Spray the solution lightly unto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels, working from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the stain. Do not use too much detergent, because the residue will contribute to rapid resoiling. Rinse the spot thoroughly by spraying it with clean water, and then blot or extract the moisture. Absorb any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weighing them down with a heavy object. This step is necessary even when the carpet does not seem particularly damp.
SPECIAL WATER-SOLUBLE STAINS
blood • chocolate • coffee • wine
Treatment formula: Ammonia solution
Instructions:
Absorb as much of the stain as possible with dry white towels. Then blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. If any of the stain remains, prepare a solution of 1 tablespoon of household ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water. Dampen a white towel with the solution and use it to blot the stain, or spray the solution directly unto the stain. Absorb any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weighing them down with a heavy object until the carpet is completely dry. If any of the stain remains, follow the complete instructions for removing water-soluble stains with a detergent solution (above). Caution: Do not use this solution on a wool or wool-blend carpet.
VOMIT & URINE STAINS
child vomit • child urine • pet vomit • pet urine
Treatment formula: Vinegar solution
Instructions:
Scrape up the solid matter with a large spoon or spatula. Absorb as much of the liquid as is possible with white towels. Then blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. Prepare a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water. Dampen a white towel with the solution and use it to blot the stain, or spray the solution directly unto the stain. Then follow the complete instructions for removing water-soluble stains (above).
OIL-BASED STAINS
lipstick • asphalt • butter • crayon • food grease • auto grease • permanent or ballpoint pen ink • oil paint • dried latex paint • shoe polish
Treatment formula: Spot remover
Instructions:
Depending on the stain, you may need to hire a professional carpet cleaner. To try removing it on your own, start by blotting away as much of the stain as is possible with white paper towels. Apply a nonflammable spot remover formulated specifically for grease, oil, or tar to a paper towel and repeat blotting. (Note: be sure to wear protective gloves, as the solvent will quickly remove oils from your skin and could result in irritation). Do not pour or spray the spot remover directly onto the carpet pile, as damage to the backing or adhesive underneath could result; use the towels to transport the solvent to the carpet. Repeat as often as necessary. Be sure the room has adequate ventilation. If necessary, continue to blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. Then follow the complete instructions for removing water-soluble stains (above).
NAIL POLISH
nail polish
Treatment formula: Non-oily nail polish remover
Instructions:
Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a white cloth and pretest it in a inconspicuous area of the carpet to make sure that the remover does not discolor or otherwise damage the carpet. Then work the remover gently into the stain, from the edges of the spill into the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Allow the remover to remain on the spill for a few minutes. Be patient. You may need to blot the area several times. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove traces of remover, and then blotting to extract all traces of the remover. Absorb any remaining moisture as described in the instructions for removing water-soluble stains (above).
CANDLE WAX OR CHEWING GUM
candle wax • chewing gum
Treatment formula: Ice or frozen product
Instructions:
Freeze the gum or wax by applying ice or a commercially available freezing product in a aerosol can. Shatter the material with a blunt object and vacuum up the chips before they soften. Then follow the instructions for removing oil-based stains (above).
Note: difficult stains -- such as mustard, fruit juice, coffee, or tea --- on a carpet made from polypropylene or other solution-dyed fibers may be removed with a mild liquid chlorine bleach solution (one part bleach to five parts water). But be careful. If you are not absolutely certain your carpet is solution dyed, contact your carpet manufacturer to confirm.
If you are not fully comfortable cleaning your own carpet or rugs, you can always contact us, Jessie's House & Carpet Cleaning 1.877.CLEANING to take care of all your carpet cleaning service needs in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Julington Creek, Orange Park, Saint Augustine Beach, and all Northeast Florida.
Following are several simple formulas for removing most types of stains from carpets and rugs. The key to getting out stains is patience. Follow each step of the process. Some stains may require a second or even a third treatment. Always blot; don't rub stains.
WATER-SOLUBLE STAINS
alcohol • beer • milk • cola • berries • excrement • food dye • gravy • jelly • mud • washable ink • wet latex paint • ice cream • mustard
Treatment formula: Detergent solutions
Instructions:
Absorb as much of the stain as possible with dry white towels. Then blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. If any of the stain remains, prepare a solution of mild liquid detergent (no more than 1/4 teaspoon of liquid detergent and 32 ounces of water). A clear, nonbleach dishwashing detergent is recommended. Spray the solution lightly unto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels, working from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the stain. Do not use too much detergent, because the residue will contribute to rapid resoiling. Rinse the spot thoroughly by spraying it with clean water, and then blot or extract the moisture. Absorb any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weighing them down with a heavy object. This step is necessary even when the carpet does not seem particularly damp.
SPECIAL WATER-SOLUBLE STAINS
blood • chocolate • coffee • wine
Treatment formula: Ammonia solution
Instructions:
Absorb as much of the stain as possible with dry white towels. Then blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. If any of the stain remains, prepare a solution of 1 tablespoon of household ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water. Dampen a white towel with the solution and use it to blot the stain, or spray the solution directly unto the stain. Absorb any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weighing them down with a heavy object until the carpet is completely dry. If any of the stain remains, follow the complete instructions for removing water-soluble stains with a detergent solution (above). Caution: Do not use this solution on a wool or wool-blend carpet.
VOMIT & URINE STAINS
child vomit • child urine • pet vomit • pet urine
Treatment formula: Vinegar solution
Instructions:
Scrape up the solid matter with a large spoon or spatula. Absorb as much of the liquid as is possible with white towels. Then blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. Prepare a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water. Dampen a white towel with the solution and use it to blot the stain, or spray the solution directly unto the stain. Then follow the complete instructions for removing water-soluble stains (above).
OIL-BASED STAINS
lipstick • asphalt • butter • crayon • food grease • auto grease • permanent or ballpoint pen ink • oil paint • dried latex paint • shoe polish
Treatment formula: Spot remover
Instructions:
Depending on the stain, you may need to hire a professional carpet cleaner. To try removing it on your own, start by blotting away as much of the stain as is possible with white paper towels. Apply a nonflammable spot remover formulated specifically for grease, oil, or tar to a paper towel and repeat blotting. (Note: be sure to wear protective gloves, as the solvent will quickly remove oils from your skin and could result in irritation). Do not pour or spray the spot remover directly onto the carpet pile, as damage to the backing or adhesive underneath could result; use the towels to transport the solvent to the carpet. Repeat as often as necessary. Be sure the room has adequate ventilation. If necessary, continue to blot the stained area with white towels dampened in cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the white towels. Then follow the complete instructions for removing water-soluble stains (above).
NAIL POLISH
nail polish
Treatment formula: Non-oily nail polish remover
Instructions:
Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a white cloth and pretest it in a inconspicuous area of the carpet to make sure that the remover does not discolor or otherwise damage the carpet. Then work the remover gently into the stain, from the edges of the spill into the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Allow the remover to remain on the spill for a few minutes. Be patient. You may need to blot the area several times. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove traces of remover, and then blotting to extract all traces of the remover. Absorb any remaining moisture as described in the instructions for removing water-soluble stains (above).
CANDLE WAX OR CHEWING GUM
candle wax • chewing gum
Treatment formula: Ice or frozen product
Instructions:
Freeze the gum or wax by applying ice or a commercially available freezing product in a aerosol can. Shatter the material with a blunt object and vacuum up the chips before they soften. Then follow the instructions for removing oil-based stains (above).
Note: difficult stains -- such as mustard, fruit juice, coffee, or tea --- on a carpet made from polypropylene or other solution-dyed fibers may be removed with a mild liquid chlorine bleach solution (one part bleach to five parts water). But be careful. If you are not absolutely certain your carpet is solution dyed, contact your carpet manufacturer to confirm.
If you are not fully comfortable cleaning your own carpet or rugs, you can always contact us, Jessie's House & Carpet Cleaning 1.877.CLEANING to take care of all your carpet cleaning service needs in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Julington Creek, Orange Park, Saint Augustine Beach, and all Northeast Florida.
Jessie’s House & Carpet Cleaning 1.877.CLEANING9745 Touchton Road Jacksonville, FL 32246
Phone: 904-716-0112
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Phone: 904-716-0112
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