Descriptions of Spot Removal Solutions:

IMPORTANT WARNING

Carpet  fibers  may react differently when treated  for stains.  We recommend you contact  the appropriate   fiber company  for their  suggested maintenance recommendations  before  proceeding with  any of the following cleaning   guidelines.    Failure to follow  the fiber  company’s guidelines   may result in  your warranty  being  voided.

Dry Cleaning Fluid/Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry-cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent and follow manufacturer instructions. Never pour it directly onto thecarpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Solvents are available in the cleaning supply section of hardware and home supply stores.

Nail Polish Remover
Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry-cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry-cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl
acetate, which is used in many paints, oil, grease (POG) removers. Many POG removers leave residues that may cause rapid soiling. When using a POG remover, always rinse the area thoroughly with a dry solvent.

Detergent Solution
Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry
detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water
Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Vinegar Solution
Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar to two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.

Ammonia Solution
Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause colour change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

Spot Removal Kit
Follow directions closely. Some spot removal kits contain: (A) a detergent solution and (B) a stain – resist solution. Use of the (B) solution prior to the complete removal of the spill may cause a permanent stain. Other spot removal kits may contain dry extraction cleaning compound that can be used effectively for most common household stains.

Call a Professional
Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question.

Find your spot in the list. Then, in numerical order, use the cleaning solutions listed (see descriptions of spot removal solutions). Continue using solution #1 as long as there is improvement in removing the spot. If no improvement, proceed to solution #2, solution #3, etc. until the spot is completely removed.

Difficult Stains

Bleaching Solutions
Many household cleaning products contain bleaching ingredients that can destroy carpet colour, leaving a white or yellow discolouration.

Blood
To remove blood, use only cool cleaning solutions to prevent setting the stain. Removal of bloodborne pathogens may require the assistance of a carpet cleaning professional.

Burns
Burn damage can be remedied only by reweaving, retufting, or resectioning the damaged area. However, the appearance of an area of charred carpet can be improved by carefully clipping off blackened ends of tufts using small, sharp scissors. Trim surrounding tufts to minimize indentation.

Candle Wax or Chewing Gum
Freeze with ice by placing the ice in a metal pan and setting pan on top of wax or gum. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes, until frozen. Break with a blunt instrument (i.e. a knife handle). Vacuum up the pieces. Repeat until removed. Using alcohol or a dry-cleaning solvent on a white absorbent cloth, blot the spot to dissolve the remaining residue and remove with fingers.

Dye Stains
Many beverages, medicines, cosmetics, foods, and other liquids contain dyes. These dyes may be absorbed into the fibers making removal very slow or impossible. Follow recommended procedures on the spot removal chart.
If removal does not appear to be possible, call your carpet cleaning professional for advice. Sometimes the stain can be hidden by spot dyeing, retufting, or by repairing the affected area.

Inkjet Cartridge
Blot with dry absorbent white cloth, use a wet vac or extraction machine to remove as much of the residue as possible. Blot with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) applied with a white cloth, if stain remains, blot with household hydrogen peroxide. (Slight bleaching may occur.) If no change in affected area, consult with a carpet care professional.

Fingernail Polish
Use a non-acetate fingernail polish remover. Apply a small amount of the fingernail polish remover to a white cloth and work in gently – do not rub – working from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Allow to remain on the spill a few minutes. Be patient, blotting the area several times.
Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the carpet fiber. Failure to
completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ink (Ballpoint Pen)
Follow recommended procedures on the spot removal chart to contain the spill using rubbing alcohol as the dry cleaning solvent. Rubbing alcohol (90% isopropyl) can be used as a dry cleaning solvent by applying with a cloth or towel. Do not pour rubbing alcohol directly onto the carpet.

Mustard
Some mustards contain very strong dyes that are difficult to remove. It may be necessary to remove the stained area and reinsert an undamaged section of carpet.

Rust
Rust almost always requires professional service because the chemicals required are hazardous when used improperly. If the stain is fresh, the spot removal chart may be successful.

Spot Solver

Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Spot Removal Steps – ACT QUICKLY!

• Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels.
• Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

• Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for colour transfer, colour change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected. *Courtesy of the Carpet and Rug Institute
• Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently.
• Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub. Blot, absorbing as much as possible and repeat if necessary.
• Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient. Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.
• After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll-free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty). Note the use of any topical treatment other than those recommended by the carpet manufacturer may void your stain warranty.