Carpet Cleaning: Stain Cleaning by Yourself
Everyone makes mistakes at times, and sometimes they can be messy. That’s why Antonius Bros. proudly works in the Cleveland area as a professional carpet cleaning company; so you don’t have to worry about those mistakes. However, if you want to tackle the mess on your own, here is a guide on carpet cleaning for your own home:
YOUR BASIC SPOTTING KIT
(BE PREPARED BY HAVING THESE CLEANING AGENTS ON HAND)
- A special purpose spot removal detergent (available at your supermarket or from a professional cleaner). Or you can make your own using a weak solution of liquid dish detergent (about 1/2 teaspoon to a quart of warm water).
- Dry cleaning solvent available at the supermarket.
- A weak acetic acid solution using one part white vinegar to two parts water.
- Ammonia solution using two tablespoons of ammonia to one pint of water.
- POG – paint, oil and grease remover available at the hardware stores.
- Nail polish remover – a satisfactory spot remover for nail polish and other similar spills. This remover should be tested first in an inconspicuous area of the carpet to make sure no damage occurs.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3% solution for bleaching).
- Rust Remover – generally this product is available in supermarkets. One product that works is made by Whink Products Co. in Eldora, IA. This product is dangerous as it contains Hydrofluoric Acid. Extreme caution must be used when using any rust remover product. Always use heavy-duty household rubber gloves when working with any rust remover product.
SAFETY WARNING
For your safety, when working with chemicals and chemical spills, you should always take steps to protect yourself from chemicals making contact with your skin, eyes and mouth. Gloves and safety glasses should be worn. Some chemicals may react with each other resulting in toxic fumes. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and protect yourself from exposure. It is especially important to be mindful of children when chemicals are present. A good source for information on what to do in cases of accidental poisoning is Health A to Z. You should also keep the number for your local Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) handy at all times.
8 STEPS TO USE FOR ALL CARPET CLEANING SPOTS & STAINS
1. Treat spills and stains immediately. The longer the spot remains in the carpet, the more difficult it will be to remove. Remove spots before they dry.
2. Blot up as much of the spot as possible using a clean absorbent white towel or paper towel. If the spot is solid or semi-solid, scrape up with a spatula or rounded spoon. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibers. If the stain is solid, vacuum away as much as possible.
3. Next pre-test any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area of the carpet to make certain it will not damage the carpet fibers or dye.
4. To remove the spot, apply a small amount of cleaning solution to the stain or to a white absorbent towel and gently blot away the spot. Do not use a very soapy solution as it will be difficult to completely remove and the residue left in the carpet will re-soil more rapidly. Keep applying solution to a fresh area of the towel and continue to blot until the stain is completely removed. Work from the outside of the spot toward the center, being careful not to spread the stain around.
5. Do not brush or scrub the spot as this may cause carpet fiber damage.
6. Repeat step 4 as long as there is a transfer of the stain to the towel. You may have to use another spot removal agent if the spot is not completely removed by the first agent.
7. After you have removed the spot as much as possible, rinse area with water and blot dry. Next, apply about a 1/2 inch layer of paper towels over the spot and weight down with a book or other heavy flat object. Change the paper towels when they become saturated and allow spot to dry overnight. Remove towels and gently brush the carpet pile with your fingertips to raise the pile. The idea here is that any remaining spot should absorb into the paper towels and vanish from the carpet. This procedure is also good for a spot that reappears after you have removed it. Sometimes it might take two or three applications.
8. The keys to remember: act quickly, do not let the spot dry if possible, use small amounts of cleaning solution – do not overwet, always blot, do not rub or brush, work from the outside in toward the middle of the spot, and be patient. Some stains respond very slowly, and some stains cannot be removed due to the fibers and dyes. Professional help may be needed. But take heart – most spots can be removed if cleaned immediately.
STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE
(Scroll down to find your stain)
ACID
Acid will start working immediately dissolving coloring from non-colorfast fibers and may even breakdown some of the fibers itself. You should act quickly to try to remove as much of the acid as possible while it is still wet. Vacuum and blot heavily. Work dry baking soda into the spot and vacuum again. This should remove most of the acid. You now want to dilute that which remains. Apply ammonia solution and blot. Rinse with warm water, blot dry. Place an absorbent towel over the stain and weigh it down with books and leave overnight. This will draw more of the moister and acid. You won’t be able to assess the full damage till the following day since any remaining acid will continue working at breaking down the coloring. Professional cleaners cannot remove certain spots because of chemical changes which have taken place before the rug reaches them. By using the above method, when the rug is professionally cleaned you will be less likely to have a spot show up.
ACNE MEDICATION
Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water – blot until dry. Possible permanent change.
ALCOHOL
Apply detergent solution and blot. Apply vinegar solution and blot. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide if necessary. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry.
AMMONIA
Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
INK
Caution: Do not use this method for ink on clothing
Apply nail polish remover to towel and blot. Repeat using dry cleaning solvent, blot. Remove as much as possible, then apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, then vinegar solution, rinse with water, blot dry.
NOTE: Hairspray can be applied and blotted. Use caution when using.
BATTERY ACID
Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water. Probable permanent change.
BEER
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot dry.
BEET JUICE
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot dry. Probable permanent change.
BLEACH
Bleach will start working immediately dissolving coloring from non-colorfast fibers and may even breakdown some of the fibers itself. You should act quickly to try to remove as much of the bleach as possible while it is still wet. Vacuum and blot heavily. Work dry detergent into the spot and vacuum again. This should remove most of the bleach. You now want to dilute that which remains. Apply detergent solution and blot. Rinse with warm water, blot dry. Place an absorbent towel over the stain and weigh it down with books and leave overnight. This will draw out more of the moisture and bleach. You won’t be able to assess the full damage until the following day since any remaining bleach will continue working at breaking down the coloring. Professional cleaners cannot remove certain spots because of chemical changes which have taken place before the rug reaches them. By using the above method, when the rug is professionally cleaned you will be less likely to have a spot show up.
BLOOD
Blood is a protein which most laundry detergents should dissolve. The same thing that removes grass stains should remove that blood stain. Apply cool detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution. Rinse with water. If stain remains, an application of rust remover may help. Again, rinse thoroughly with water, blot dry.
BUTTER
Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot dry.
CANDLE WAX
Scrape off all you can. Ice cubes will make it brittle for easier scraping. A hot iron (on lowest heat setting) over a brown paper bag or folded paper towel will melt and absorb remaining wax. Apply dry-cleaning solvent. Blot.
CANDY
Scrape off all you can with a dull knife. Sponge with detergent solution and blot, then rinse. Be sure all traces of sugar are gone. Sugar left in carpet will cause a rapid re-soiling problem.
CATSUP
Apply cool detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with water, blot until dry. Possible permanent damage.
CHOCOLATE
Scrape off all you can. Sponge with dry-cleaning solvent, blot. Sponge with detergent solution and blot, then rinse. If stain remains, bleach with hydrogen peroxide.
CIGARETTE BURNS
If the burn is slight, rub with dry steel wool — or if you feel confident, trim the damaged tufts.
If the burn is bad, take a razor blade and scrape some fibers from a hidden area and use super glue
to patch the burn with the fibers.
COCKTAILS
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
COFFEE
Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot with vinegar. Rinse. Air dry. If stain remains, sponge with dry cleaning solvent. Bleach remaining stain with hydrogen peroxide. Coffee is a very difficult stain and, in many cases, be permanent.
COLA
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
COLOGNE
Apply detergent solution, blot Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
COOKING OIL
Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
COSMETICS
Apply nail polish remover, blot. Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent damage
COUGH SYRUP
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
CRAYON
Scrape off any excess crayon with a knife. Take a paper bag or paper towel folded over a few times and place it on the stain. Run a warm iron over the stain a few times. This should remove some of the crayon wax and transfer it to the towel or bag. It is very important to change out your bag/towel or you will transfer the crayon back to the carpeting.
Another method is to take a damp sponge and sprinkle baking soda on it. Wipe the crayon marks with the sponge until the stain is gone and then blot gently with a wet white towel.
Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
EGG
Blot up as much as possible. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
EXCREMENT
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
FOOD DYE
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Apply detergent solution, being careful not to spread the spot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent change.
FRUIT JUICE
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent change
FURNITURE WOOD STAIN
Apply nail polish remover, blot. Apply dry cleaning solution, blot. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Probable permanent change, especially if the stain has dried.
FURNITURE POLISH
If solvent based: Apply nail polish remover. Apply dry cleaning solvent. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent damage.
If not solvent based: Start with the detergent solution and Follow the last four steps above.
GELATIN
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
GLUE (SCHOOL)
Apply water, blot. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
GRAVY
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
GRASS
Apply nail polish remover. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot.
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent damage.
GREASY FOODS
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work from outside edge to center to avoid ring. Blot. Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
GUM
Scrape excess gum off your carpet with a dull knife and rub the area with ice until the remaining gum rolls off into a ball.
ICE CREAM
Don’t wait. Blot up all you can immediately with a dry cloth. Apply ammonia solution or protein digester. Rinse. If area is large, shampoo afterward.
IODINE
Apply dry cleaning solvent by placing on rag and blotting. Apply detergent solution. Apply ammonia solution. Apply vinegar solution. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent damage.
INK
Sponge with detergent solution. Rinse. If stain remains, saturate with cheap hair spray and blot. Always work from the outside in to avoid making the spot bigger.
JAM/JELLY
Apply detergent solution. Let sit to soften. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry.
LIPSTICK
Scrape off all you can, taking care not to spread the stain. Apply dry cleaning solvent and blot repeatedly until color is gone. Apply detergent solution. Blot. Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot.
LIQUOR
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
MILDEW
Dry-brush to remove as much as possible. Sponge area with disinfectant solution. Blot. Sponge with ammonia. Rinse. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide.
MILK
Apply cool detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with water, blot until dry. Apply dry cleaning solution, blot.
MUD
Allow to dry and vacuum or brush off as much as possible. Apply detergent or ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry.
If stain remains, apply dry cleaning solvent. Blot dry.
MUSTARD
Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Apply detergent solution. Blot. If stain remains, apply rust remover or hydrogen peroxide solution. Blot. Do not use ammonia or alkaline cleaners which could turn stain brown.
NAIL POLISH
Blot acetone or non-oily nail polish remover through the stain into a clean absorbent pad. No acetone on acetate, modacrylic, silk, or wool. Use amyl acetate from a pharmacy. Flush with dry cleaning fluid. Air-dry.
NEWSPRINT
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Apply POG. Alternate first two steps, blotting frequently. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent change.
OIL
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work to center to avoid ring. Blot. Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot.
PAINT/VARNISH
Oil-based paint or varnish: if fresh, flush with mineral spirits. If dry, carefully soften with lacquer thinner (test first for fabric damage) then flush with appropriate solvent.
PAINT (WATER BASE)
Apply detergent solution, blot, repeat. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply POG to remove old hardened paint. Apply dry cleaning solvent to remove POG, blot. NOTE: Cured latex paint is almost impossible to remove
PET STAINS
Blot out all liquid possible by placing a clean towel on the spot and standing on it. Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions. When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
PLASTER
Vacuum or scrape off as much as possible. Apply detergent solution. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Repeat as necessary.
POTTING SOIL
Wait over night or until completely dry and vacuum up using a beater bar vacuum. CAUTION: make sure soil is dry before vacuuming as you may spread the stain around if still damp. If it needs further cleaning, clean the area using an extraction cleaning machine. Possible permanent damage.
RUBBER CEMENT
Roll the hardened glue off. Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply POG. Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply detergent solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
RUST
CAUTION: Use heavy duty household rubber gloves when working with rust remover. Apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution. Blot using a soft absorbent towel. Repeat as needed. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
CAUTION: Be careful not to get any on your skin. Don’t apply it to glass, porcelain or enamel surfaces.
SALAD DRESSING
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Apply detergent solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent change.
SYRUP
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
TEA
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Apply detergent solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent change.
RUST
Rub with steel wool or rust remover. If you use professional rust remover, be careful not to get any on your skin. Don’t apply it to glass, porcelain or enamel surfaces. Rinse. Blot dry.
SHOE POLISH
Gently scrape off all you can, being extra careful not to spread the stain. Blot dry cleaning solvent through the stain into a clean absorbent pad. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Sponge with ammonia. Rinse. If stain remains, try alcohol, then hydrogen peroxide.
SOFT DRINKS
Blot up all you can. Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Air dry. If stain remains, soak with glycerin for 30 minutes and rinse.
SYRUP
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
TAR
Scrape up all you can, then remove residue by blotting with paint thinner or dry cleaning solvent. Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
TOOTHPASTE
Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
VOMIT
Scrape up as much as possible. Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions. When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.
URINE
Blot up as much as possible with white absorbent towels. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Could cause permanent dye removal from fabric.
VASELINE
Scrape off as much as possible. Apply dry cleaning solvent. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry.
WAX
Scrape off all you can. Ice cubes will make it brittle for easier scraping. A hot iron (on lowest heat setting) over a folded brown paper bag or paper towel will melt and absorb remaining wax. Apply dry-cleaning solvent. Blot.
WINE
Blot up excess wine. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse with warm water, blot until dry. Possible permanent damage.
If you feel the mess is too great a task for you to take on yourself, contact Antonius Bros. for professional carpet cleaning in the Cleveland area. Contact us at 440-845-7474
