How to Deal with Emergency Carpet & Sofa Stains

Handy Household Tips from Jon 2

First and foremost – Don’t Panic!

Accidents will happen but permanent staining can be avoided if prompt action is taken.  Whilst this stain removal guide may be basic, it should help prevent some quite common and expensive DIY stain removal damage. Unfortunately, there can never be a guarantee of complete removal of a stain, but the correct routine will give a professional cleaner, when called in, the best possible chance of success.

Eight top tips for dealing with spills

1. Act as promptly as possible for increased chances of success
2. Do not over wet into backing materials – keep fabric or carpet as dry as possible
3. Scrape up or blot up any excess prior to treatment
4. Use solutions/detergents at recommended dilution ratios and test on a hidden section of carpet prior to treating a stain
5. Always apply the cleaning fluid to the absorbent spotting material not directly onto the carpet or fabric
6. Blot – never rub or scrub
7. Always work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading
8. Encourage quick drying (carefully use a hairdryer on mild heat to assist)

Which Solution or Detergent to Use?

This depends on what has caused the stain and what kind of carpet or upholstery fabric you have. Do not use inappropriate detergents on carpets or upholstery i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, household bleach, disinfectants)

Unknown Stains

  • Scrape up or blot surplus spillage
  • Use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by clean luke warm water then blot dry
  • If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent Vinegar Solution (one teaspoon of gentle woollens detergent, one teaspoon of white vinegar to half a pint of warm water) then blot dry
  • final rinse procedure (see below)

Alcohol, coffee, tea, urine & liquid foods

  • blot up surplus spillage
  • make up some Detergent Vinegar Solution: (one teaspoon of gentle woollens detergent, one teaspoon of white vinegar to half a pint of warm water)
  • dab stain with this solution, working from the outer edge of the stain inwards
  • frequently blot with dry cloths
  • final rinse procedure (see below)

Chocolate, blood, glue, egg, ice cream, milk, soft drinks, sweets & vomit

  • scrape up excess with a blunt knife
  • make up some Detergent Vinegar Solution: (one teaspoon of gentle woollens detergent, one teaspoon of white vinegar to half a pint of warm water)
  • dab stain with this solution, working from the outer edge of the stain inwards
  • frequently blot with dry cloths
  • make up some Ammonia Solution:one teaspoonful of branded household Ammonia (available from hardware stores) to one cup of warm water
  • dab stain with this solution, working from the outer edge inwards
  • final rinse procedure (see below)

Final Rinse Procedure

  • mix one-part white vinegar and four-parts water
  • pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained area
  • blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture
  • spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) or absorbent cloth over the affected area and place a weight, such as a telephone directory, on top
  • leave overnight and repeat if necessary

Wool and Natural Fibre

Never use Vanish 1001 or any other Oxi action carpet cleaner on wool or natural fibre carpet or sofas as they will irreparably change the colour – as illustrated here when a customer treated their carpet themselves.

If you find yourself in this situation where a DIY stain removal has ended up bleaching your carpet, do give us a call as we can provide colour repair.

For more help and advice please feel free to contact me on 01488 670113.

Jon Atkinson
Eclipse Cleaning

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