Carpet Stain Removal Techniques

There are many different carpet stain removal techniques depending on the type of spill that you're treating. This guide and the Carpet Stain Chart is provided by one of the major fiber manufacturers and can be used on synthetic yarns such as nylon and polyester.

Remember, no carpet is stain-proof. These techniques are recommendations and are not guaranteed to work in all cases. The following technique definitions apply to, and are referenced by, the Removal Procedures.

SCRAPE

Gently scoop or scrape with the blunt edge of a spoon from the outside of the spill toward the center.

BLOT

Press straight down with a pad of clean white paper towels -- never rub. Rubbing alters carpet texture. Then in a final blotting, leave 1/2" of paper towels on the spot overnight with a weight.

APPLY

Apply all liquids to a clean white (not printed) paper towel and use to dampen carpet. Never wet a carpet through to the backing.

WEIGHT

A weighted 1/2" pad of white paper towels, left overnight, will absorb the last traces of liquid and foreign materials.

DETERGENT

Mix 1/4 teaspoon clear, see-through hand dish-washing detergent with 1 cup warm -- not hot -- water.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE / AMMONIA

Mix 1/2 cup (3% solution available in drug stores) with 1 teaspoon undiluted, unscented, clear (not sudsy) household ammonia. Use within 2 hours of mixing.

DRY CLEANING FLUID

Liquid, non-oily, non-caustic type sold for spot removal from garments (Carbona #10, Energine, etc.). Caution, may be flammable.