Removing spots from your carpet can be time consuming. Keeping a carpet cleaning kit in your home could come in handy the next time you have a stain. It is not recommended that you use standard household cleaners other than those listed below for spot and spill removal since many household products contain chemicals that may permanently damage your carpet.
A good home cleaning kit for handling spills should include the following items:
· A solution made with mild liquid detergent (no more than ¼ teaspoon of detergent to 32 oz of water). A clear, non-bleach liquid dishwashing detergent is also recommended. Do not use detergents that are cloudy or creamy because they may leave a sticky residue
· A solution of one part vinegar to one part water
· White cloths or white paper towels
· An ammonia solution of one tablespoon of ammonia to one cup of water
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Don’t use the ammonia solution on wool or wool-blend carpets
· Non-oily nail polish remover
· Chewing gum remover (freeze or solid type)
· Spot remover specifically for grease, oil, or tar
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Difficult stains on carpets made from solution-dyed fibers such as polypropylene (olefin) may be removed with a mild bleach solution (One part chlorine bleach to five parts water).
WARNING:
Do not use bleach solution unless you are absolutely certain your carpet is solution dyed. Carpet dyed by other systems will be damaged. If you are unsure, check with the Empire Customer ServiceTeam at 800-588-2300.
The following recommendations from well-known carpet manufacturers should be followed for spot cleaning. The codes indicate corresponding stains, and all instructions should be followed in the recommended sequence. Note that some stains are marked PRO, indicating that professional cleaning and professional equipment are necessary.
PRO—Professional cleaning and professional equipment needed.
A—Water Soluble Stains—Absorb as much as possible with white towels. Blot the stained area with white towels dampened with cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the towels.
If any trace of the stain remains, use the detergent solution previously described. Apply the solution lightly onto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels, working from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading.
Rinse thoroughly by spraying with clean water, then blot to extract the stain. Do not use too much detergent because the residue will contribute to rapid re-soiling.
A-1—Follow recommendations in A, but before using detergent, apply the white vinegar solution to a white towel and blot or spray onto spot.
A-2—Follow recommendations in A, but before using detergent, apply a household ammonia solution to a white towel and blot or spray onto spot. Do not use this solution on wool or wool blend carpet. Rinse as recommended in A.
B—Oil-Based Stains—Blot them as much as possible with white paper towels. Apply the special oil and grease spot remover to a white paper towel and repeat blotting.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Protective gloves should be worn because the solvent can quickly remove oils from the skin and could result in irritation. Do not pour or spray oil and grease spot remover directly on the carpet pile because damage to the backing or adhesive underneath could result. Use the towels to transport the solvent to the carpet. Repeat this step as often as necessary. Always test the cleaning product in inconspicuous location (behind a door) prior to attempting to remove a spot or stain in a more visible location.
Provide adequate ventilation while using these removal methods. Do not use flammable solvents. Follow along with procedures recommended in A.
C—Solidified Stains—Freeze stains such as chewing gum and candle wax with ice or a commercially available product.. Carefully break the stain with a blunt object and vacuum it before the chips soften. Follow up with solvent as recommended in B.
WARNING:
Certain products in most homes can cause irreparable damage to your carpet. Bleaches, tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners, and drain openers contain very strong chemicals that can damage, 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. If carpet is cleaned regularly before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful.
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