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Carpet Cleaning Tips

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Carpet Cleaning Tips
The key to cleaning carpet stains is to act immediately. The longer you wait to remove carpet stains, the more time the stain has to set or to further embed itself into the carpet fibers. When cleaning carpet stains, always blot a wet stain. Rubbing not only causes the stain to spread and penetrate deeper into the carpet fibers, but also weakens the carpet fibers and may create a worn area. If a spot is dry, loosen then vacuum the excess dirt away prior to moistening it. If your stain disappears and comes back again, your carpet is a victim of “wicking.” (Wicking is when liquid that has pooled around the bottom of a carpet works Its way back up the fibers to the top.) To prevent this, cover the stain with a thick towel and weigh down with a heavy object such as a book or a brick. If wicking does occur, spray the spot with SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner. SPOT-ON penetrates deep into the fibers of the carpet to remove the stain and odors that occur with wicking.

If you are trying to remove a difficult stain from your carpet, and the first treatment fails, let the carpet dry before you try something else. You’ll have a better idea how much of the stain remains once the carpet is dry. Be aware that not every stain can be removed. Also, when taking out stains, always use a white cloth to prevent color transfer and thoroughly rinse the cleaned area since excess cleaning products may cause the area to attract soil.

Remember to always test a cleaning product in an inconspicuous spot first.

Ballpoint Ink

To remove ballpoint ink from your carpet, you can use either rubbing alcohol or hairspray on a clean, white, absorbent cloth. Continue to blot the stain until it disappears.

Chocolate

To remove chocolate from your carpet, combine 1/4 cup heavy-duty Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate with 1 tablespoon of ammonia. Dab it on with a towel until the area is saturated. Then, cover the area with plastic wrap and a stack of heavy books. Let sit overnight. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Coffee

Coffee stains on carpet are easier to remove if you act quickly or you’re more likely to incur permanent damage. Try using dry-cleaning solvent. Blot the stain using a clean cloth, replacing the cloth as necessary whenever it gets saturated. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Crayon

To get the crayon off the carpet, first scrape off as much as possible with a butter knife. Then put several layers of paper towel over the area, and press with a warm (not hot) iron, changing the paper towel as necessary to ensure that the wax is being absorbed. You can also try using dry-cleaning fluid. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Dry Erase Marker

To remove dry erase marker from carpet, first thoroughly vacuum the area to remove any loose dirt or dust from the stain. Try using either rubbing alcohol or a non-oily hairspray as your stain removing agent. Apply a small amount at a time and blot with a clean, white, absorbent cloth between applications. If the stain is not deep into the carpet, an alternative is to snip away the stained edges with fine manicure scissors or a razor blade. Use tweezers to pull out the severely stained fibers and discard. Remove clean carpet strands from another, hidden area in the room. Apply glue to the stained area, and press the clean fibers into the spot. Press the area with a heavy object for several days before walking on it. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Gasoline

To remove a gasoline stain from your carpet, spray the area with the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner and let it sit for several minutes. Then, using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Repeat the process if necessary. If this does not seem to be working, try using dry-cleaning solvent. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Glue

To remove dried glue from carpeting, first vacuum to remove as much of the paste as possible. You should then be able to clean up what is left by making a very sudsy solution with your favorite dish detergent and warm water. Use only the suds and brush them onto the spot, first vertically, then horizontally. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Repeat the process if necessary. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Juice

To remove a grape juice or cranberry juice stain from your carpet, saturate the stain with the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner. Let sit for 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Repeat the process if necessary. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Grease

To remove grease stains from your carpet, simply spray the stain directly with a excess of the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Repeat the process if necessary. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Hair Dye

Unfortunately, hair dye can rarely be thoroughly removed from carpet as it permanently alters the carpet’s color. However, there are several steps you can try. First, try blotting the stain with rubbing alcohol. If that doesn’t work, try applying an excess of the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner to the offending area. Allow the bubbles to penetrate the stain for about 10 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. You may need to repeat this several times. If the stain remains, try blotting the stain with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water, then rinse with warm water. Be sure to let the carpet dry in between trying different cleaners. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. If the stain is not deep into the carpet, an alternative is to snip away the stained edges with fine manicure scissors or a razor blade. Use tweezers to pull out the severely stained fibers and discard. Remove clean carpet strands from another, hidden area in the room. Apply glue to the stained area, and press the clean fibers into the spot. Press the area with a heavy object for several days before walking on it. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Kool-Aid, Gatorade and Jell-O

The dyes in Kool-Aid, Gatorade, Jell-O and similar products generally result in a permanent stain. However, you can still try to remove the stain. Try saturating the stain with the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner. Let sit for 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Repeat the process if necessary. Another option to try on a Kool-Aid, Gatorade or Jell-O carpet stain is to put some clear, non-sudsy household ammonia in a clean spray bottle. Take a clean, white, absorbent cloth and dampen it with water. Heat your iron on Medium-High. Spray the stain with the ammonia. Place the dampened cloth over the stain. Iron the cloth over the stained area. Make sure you keep your face away from the ammonia fumes. Spray the stain again as needed and don’t let the cloth dry out. The dye should lift into the cloth. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Milk

Liquids can saturate carpet well beyond the surface area that can effectively be cleaned. It is extremely difficult to remove all of the liquid from the carpet fibers, carpet backing and padding underneath, thereby creating ideal conditions for bacteria and mold growth (and thus malodors). However, you might not be ready to replace your carpet just yet, so here are a few things you can do to eliminate the odor. First, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean, white, absorbent cloth. Simply spray the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner on the soiled area. Allow it to penetrate for approximately 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Musty Smell

To remove musty smells from your carpeting, simply spray the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner on the soiled area, which will penetrate into the carpet. Allow it to penetrate for approximately 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Oil

To remove oily carpet stains, you’ll first need to absorb the oil. Baking soda and cornstarch work best, but corn meal, baby powder or talcum powders also can do the trick. First sprinkle the powder liberally onto the stain and leave overnight. The next day, vacuum the powder. Repeat if necessary. To remove the stain and odors, spray the stain with the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner. Allow 5-10 minutes for the bubbles to penetrate the stain. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Permanent Marker

To remove permanent marker from carpet, first thoroughly vacuum the area to remove any loose dirt or dust from the stain. Try using either rubbing alcohol or a non-oily hairspray as your stain removing agent. Apply a small amount at a time and blot with a clean, white, absorbent cloth between applications. Unfortunately, it is not called “permanent” marker for no reason, and depending on how fresh the stain is, this may not remove the stain completely and you may be stuck with the stain. If the stain is not deep into the carpet, an alternative is to snip away the stained edges with fine manicure scissors or a razor blade. Use tweezers to pull out the severely stained fibers and discard. Remove clean carpet strands from another, hidden area in the room. Apply glue to the stained area, and press the clean fibers into the spot. Press the area with a heavy object for several days before walking on it. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Rust

Rust stains on carpet are best removed with a commercial rust remover. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Soft Drinks

To remove a soft drink stain from your carpet, saturate the stain with a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate. Let sit for 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Repeat the process if necessary. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Tomato or Spaghetti Sauce

To remove a tomato or spaghetti sauce stain from your carpet, simply spray SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaneron the soiled area, which will penetrate into the carpet. Allow Eco-Cln to penetrate for approximately 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot out excess liquid, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

Toothpaste

To remove toothpaste from you carpet, first let it dry thoroughly, then scrape away as much of it as possible. Since the toothpaste in your carpet will dissolve in water, you should be able to remove it by using warm, soapy water. Brush the area, to loosen the toothpaste, and scrub. Rinse well. If any stain remains from the coloring in the toothpaste, allow the stain to dry, then apply dry-cleaning fluid. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Urine

To remove a urine stain and urine odor from your carpet, first blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean, white, absorbent cloth, then simply spray the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner on the soiled area. Allow it to penetrate for approximately 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor persists, repeat the process. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further. SPOT-ON will do an excellent job on old pet stains and odors too.

Vomit

To remove a human or pet vomit stain or odor from your carpet, simply spray SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner on the soiled area, then allow it to penetrate for approximately 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor persists, repeat the process. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further. PAWS will do an excellent job on old pet stains and odors too.

Wax

To remove wax from carpet, first chip off as much of the surface wax as possible, using a dull knife or paint scraper. Once that is done, place several layers of paper towels over the remaining wax and apply a warm iron to draw the wax into the paper towels. The wax should now be on the towels instead of the carpet. Replace the paper towels if they become saturated.

Wine

To remove a red wine stain or odor from your carpet, simply spray the SPOT-ON Carpet Cleaner on the soiled area, then allow it to penetrate for approximately 5 minutes. Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor persists, repeat the process. Place a clean, white, absorbent cloth and a couple of heavy books on top of the spot to absorb moisture. Leave overnight, then vacuum as usual. Always blot carpet stains; don’t rub them, so as not to damage the carpet fibers. Work the stain from the outside in, so as not to spread the stain any further.

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