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Cleaning Tips

The Most Common Staining Agents and How to Deal With Them

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.