Seeing Spots? Tips for Spot Removal...
by Rusty Simpson on 04/19/11
It never fails that after people have their carpet or upholstery cleaned there is an inevitable spill. No need to panic! Here are some tips for stain removal, as well as a link to a spot removal guide for specific substances such as chocolate, beer and coffee...
-Act Fast! The quicker you can get to a spill, the better. This helps to eliminate it soaking in deeper and help prevent it from becoming a permenant stain. Of course no carpet is completely stain proof.
-BLOT...don't scrub! Blot the spill with a white absorbant towel until it is completely dry. Paper towels will work but our favorite is a cloth towel that has not had fabric softener used on it. Scrubbing can damage the carpet fibers and make it look stained even if it isn't, so try to refrain from using the elbow grease.
-If you're going to use a cleaning solution, we recommend Home Pro Spotter to our customers as it is environmentally safe as well as safe for most carpets and fine fabrics. If you choose a different solution, you'll definitely want to test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage your carpet fibers. Warm water will do the trick most of the time!
-Start from the outside of the spill and work your way in to help prevent it from spreading. Remember BLOT, don't scrub!
-Be Patient...it may take repeating these steps several times before the spot is completely removed. Your work will be worth it.
-If you used a cleaning solution other than Home Pro Spotter, be sure to RINSE the area with cold water and blot up completely after the spill is removed...even if the instructions on the bottle don't say to do so. Some cleaners can cause rapid re-soiling if they aren't rinsed out of the carpet or fabric.
Info provided by The Carpet and Rug Institute
