Accidents do happen. Here are some useful tips for you.
If something is spilled:
- DO deal with spillages as soon as possible: scoop, scrape or blot up using white tissue
- DON’T rub the pile (it causes pile burst, fuzzing and lightening of the colour), blot it
- DON’T pour white wine on a red wine spill! Use a little water instead, but blot it up as soon as possible
- DON’T pour salt on a liquid spillage: all it does is make a strong salt solution and this can change the colour of some dyes permanently
- DON’T use detergents such as dish washing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use. Although they may clean your carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet
- ALWAYS work from the edge of the stain inwards
- DO apply small quantities of spot remover (approved for wool) at a time and work it into the spot with a small brush, cloth or sponge.
- DO thoroughly rinse the area afterwards if water-based spotters have been used.
- DO dry the spot with a hairdryer if possible and brush cut pile (velour) carpets in the direction of the natural pile lay.
The following three methods are recommended for dealing with stains.
Method A
Blot with clean, white absorbent material. When the excess liquid is removed, use a solution made from one teaspoon of detergent for washing woolens to half a pint of warm water. Sponge gently and then rinse in clean, warm water. Blot thoroughly and gently brush the pile to its natural direction.
Method B
Sponge the stain with a household dry-cleaning fluid following the maker’s instructions. Do NOT soak. Open windows and the air the room thoroughly.
Method C
Sponge gently with a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts of clean warm water. Leave for 15 minutes, and then sponge with clean warm water. Blot thoroughly and gently brush the pile to its natural direction.
COMMON STAINS WITH SUGGESTED METHOD
Animal and Baby Accidents – Method A
Ball Point Pen – Sponge with methylated spirits, followed by Method A
Beers, Wines and Spirits – Method A
Bleach – Method A
Blood – Method B, followed by Method A
Butter – Method B, followed by Method A
Chewing Gum – Apply a freezing agent and break away gum when hard, followed by Method B
Chocolate – Scrape off excess, followed by Method A
Cola (Soft drinks) – Method C, followed by Method A
Cooking Oil – Method B
Cosmetics and Lipstick – Method B, if unsuccessful try Method A
Cream – Method B, followed by Method A
Egg – Method A
Floor Wax – Method B
Fruit Juice – Method C, followed by Method A
Furniture and Shoe Polish – Method B, followed by Method A
Gravy and Sauces – Method C, followed by Method A
Grease and Oil – Method B, followed by Method A
Ink (fountain pen) – Method C, followed by method A
Mineral & Tonic Water – Method A
Milk – Method C, followed by Method A
Mustard – Method A
Metal Polish – Method B, followed by Method A
Nail Polish – Dab with nail polish remover, followed by Method B
Paint (Emulsion) – Blot excess, apply Method C, followed by Method A
Paint (Oil Based) – Dab with white spirit or turpentine, followed by Method B
Rust – Method B, followed by Method A
Salad Dressing – Method A, followed by Method B
Soot – Vacuum thoroughly, followed by method A
Tar – Method B. If necessary follow by dabbing with eucalyptus oil
Tea and Coffee – Method C, followed by Method A
Tomato Juice – Method A
Urine – Method A
Vomit – Method A
Wax – Scrape off excess, iron at a low temperature over brown paper, finally apply Method B
If you are not sure what to do it is always best to call the professionals. We have recommended a local cleaning company for many years. Please call us for the details.