DESCRIPTION OF SPOT REMOVAL SOLUTIONS:
Vacuum – All dry spills should be vacuum cleaned to lift and remove as much of the substance as possible. Pouring any liquid into a dry spill may create additional problems.
Dry Cleaning Fluid – A non-flammable spot removal solution is preferred. Exercise caution when using a dry cleaning fluid. Never pour a dry cleaning solution directly onto the carpet or allow a dry cleaning solution to reach the backing. Dry cleaning fluids may destroy the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together.
Nail Polish Remover – Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl acetate which is used in many paint, oil and grease (POG) removers. Many POG removers leave residues that may cause rapid soiling. When using a POG remover always rinse the area thoroughly with warm water. See residue precautions.
Detergent Solution – Mix one (1) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (florescent dyes) that dye the fiber.
Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.
Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of while vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 6% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.
Ammonia Solution – Mix two (2) tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.
Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question.
RESIDUE PRECAUTIONS:
Many spot removal solutions leave residues in the carpet that may attract soil. Thoroughly rinse the area several times with lukewarm tap water. A mist type sprayer is recommended to prevent overwetting. Blot with paper towels, and pat dry after each rinse. Several rinses are often necessary to thoroughly remove residues Never use any of the solutions in concentrations stronger than those recommended. (A wet/dry vac may also be used)
SPOT REMOVAL PROCEDURES
Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment. Most 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. No carpet is completely stain proof.
Blot liquids with a dry white absorbent cloth or plain 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.
If the spot can be identified, locate the substance on the spot removal guide and follow the directions carefully.
Pretest any spot removal agent in an in-conspicuous 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 ten 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 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 solution 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 weight down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed. A dry absorbent cleaning compound may be used as A substitute to accelerate drying time.
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