|
TIP OF THE MONTH
Stain Removal
No carpet is stain proof, although many are
treated to be stain resistant, giving you time to act. Absorb as much liquid
as possible --
quickly -- with paper towels, etc., replacing them
as they become saturated. Use a blotting action, never a
scrubbing motion, to prevent fuzzing the carpet surface. You will need
the following items for spot cleaning. The numbers are key to the stain,
and all should be used in the recommended sequence. Some stains are marked
PRO, indicating that professional knowledge/ materials are necessary.
| Spot Cleaner |
|
Stain |
Treatment |
| 1. Water |
|
Alcoholic Beverages |
2,3,4,1 |
| 2. Detergent (1/2 tsp. clear dishwashing
liquid in 1 quart water) |
|
Blood |
2,3,4,1 |
| 3. Household ammonia |
|
Candle wax |
Freeze with ice cube, shatter,
vacuum, 5 |
| 4. White vinegar |
|
Chewing gum |
Freeze with ice cube, shatter,
vacuum |
| 5. Dry cleaning solvent (non-flammable) |
|
Food dyes |
PRO |
|
|
Food stains |
5, 2, 3, 4, 1 |
|
|
Coffee |
2, 4 |
|
|
Cosmetics |
5, 2, 3, 4, 1 |
|
|
Ink, ball-point |
PRO |
|
|
Lipstick |
5, 2, 3, 4 |
|
|
Oils and greases |
5, 2, 1 |
|
|
Paint |
5, 2, 1 |
|
|
Rust |
4, or PRO |
|
|
Soft drinks |
2, 3, 4, 1 |
|
|
Tar |
5 |
|
|
Urine |
2, 4, 3 |
|
|
Wine |
2, 3, 4, 1 |
WARNING!
Certain products found in most homes can cause irreparable
damage to your carpet! Artificially colored powdered beverages, frozen
fruit flavored bars and some liquid medications contain a red food dye
that is very difficult or impossible to remove from carpet. Bleaches,
tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners, and drain openers are very
strong chemicals that discolor or dissolve carpet fibers. Acne medications
containing benzoyl peroxide, a very powerful bleach, are capable of permanently
damaging your carpet and most other fabrics as well. |