Emergency Spill Removal
If you've got questions, we've got answers!
- Immediately blot up as much of the liquid stain as possible using a soft, white, absorbent material like a towel or napkin. Though most of the carpets produced today come with stain-resistant treatments, no carpet can be said to be completely stain-proof. And longer the stain remains in the carpet, more permanently it is likely to be.
- Scrape away any solid or semi-solid parts of the spot using a blunt spatula or spoon. Never use a knife as it’s sharp edges could harm the pile fibers.
- Never scrub or brush a stain; scrubbing can harm the fibers and have the adverse reaction of making the stain set in to the carpet or rug.
- Vacuum away as much of the solid stain as possible.
- Pretest the spot removal agent on an inconspicuous area of the carpet. Follow the instructions carefully. Apply a few drops to each color in the carpet. Press a clean, white towel or napkin lightly over it for approximately 30 seconds. Check both the towel (or napkin) and the carpet for color transfer, color change or any other damage. It should be safe to proceed if there is no color transfer.
- To clean the spot, apply a small amount of spot removal agent to the soft, white, absorbent material and gently apply to the stain, working from the edges towards the center of the spot to prevent it from spreading. The goal here is to gently blot – no hard scrubbing! Continue as long as the stain is getting transferred onto the towel. Apply more solution to a fresh area on the towel and repeat the process as long as the stain is being removed. Patience is a virtue as far as this step is concerned!
- In cases where you need to apply more than one spot removal agent in a sequence, continue applying the first spot removal agent as long as there is any improvement; then move on to the next one.
- After the spill has been removed completely, rinse out the affected area with water and blot dry to remove the cleaning solution completely as any residue may attract soil and cause damage to the carpet. To effectively blot up the water, you may use clean, dry towels weighed down by flat, heavy objects like a book; keep changing the towel as they become saturated.
- Do not over-wet the area. Over-wetting of carpets while cleaning may cause damage to the carpet.
Act quickly! This spill may remove color or permanently discolor carpet if left untreated very long. Quickly removing the majority of it and diluting the remainder before it has a chance to damage the carpet is important.
Cleaning Solutions for Acne Medication
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Alcohol
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Asphalt
Solvent-Based Cleaner
Use a non-flammable solvent-based cleaner or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store. Use a solvent-type cleaner that is described by its manufacturer as being safe for nylon fabric or nylon carpet. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding safe use, and never smoke or use an open flame in the vicinity of a solvent cleaner.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Beer
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Act quickly! This spill may remove color or permanently discolor carpet if left untreated very long. Quickly removing the majority of it and diluting the remainder before it has a chance to damage the carpet is important.
Cleaning Solutions for Bleach
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Blood
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups cold water.
Cleaning Solutions for Butter
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Candle Wax
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Chalk
Sudsy Foam
Mix 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent in 1 cup warm water.
Using wisk or beater, whip the solution until you have created a sudsy foam.
Use only the foam on the carpet.
It may be necessary to increase the amount of detergent to get enough suds to create a foam.
Vacuum thoroughly to remove as much of the dry particles as possible. Use vacuum with beater bar and good suction.
Once the stain is removed, place layers of white paper towel on the site to absorb any moisture. Weigh down the towels with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. You can let them sit overnight.
Cleaning Solutions for Charcoal
Sudsy Foam
Mix 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent in 1 cup warm water.
Using wisk or beater, whip the solution until you have created a sudsy foam.
Use only the foam on the carpet.
It may be necessary to increase the amount of detergent to get enough suds to create a foam.
Cleaning Solutions for Chewing Gum
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Chocolate
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Coffee
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Cough Syrup
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Crayon
Solvent-Based Cleaner
Use a non-flammable solvent-based cleaner or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store. Use a solvent-type cleaner that is described by its manufacturer as being safe for nylon fabric or nylon carpet. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding safe use, and never smoke or use an open flame in the vicinity of a solvent cleaner.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Dirt
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
These liquids can very rapidly permanently discolor carpet, so act quickly. Wear impervious rubber, nitrile, or thick latex gloves and use clean paper towels or white cloths to blot (do not rub) as much of the spilled dye as possible without spreading it. After blotting up the majority of the liquid, keep working with fresh clean toweling to blot up as much of the liquid that has penetrated into the carpet as possible by using your palm to press the clean towel into the carpet. Call a professional to remove as much of the remaining stain as possible.
Concentrated dye can very rapidly permanently discolor carpet, so act quickly. Wear impervious rubber, nitrile, or thick latex gloves and use clean paper towels or white cloths to blot (do not rub) as much of the spilled dye as possible without spreading it. After blotting up the majority of the liquid, keep working with fresh clean toweling to blot up as much of the dye liquid that has penetrated into the carpet as possible by using your palm to press the clean towel into the carpet. Call a professional to remove as much of the remaining stain as possible.
Cleaning Solutions for Eggs
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups cold water
Cleaning Solutions for Feces
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Fruit Juice
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Furniture Polish
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Act quickly! This spill may remove color or permanently discolor carpet if left untreated very long. Quickly removing the majority of it and diluting the remainder before it has a chance to damage the carpet is important.
Cleaning Solutions for Furniture Stain
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vacuum thoroughly to remove as much of the dry particles as possible. Use vacuum with beater bar and good suction.
Once the stain is removed, place layers of white paper towel on the site to absorb any moisture. Weigh down the towels with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. You can let them sit overnight.
Cleaning Solutions for Graphite
Sudsy Foam
Mix 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent in 1 cup warm water.
Using wisk or beater, whip the solution until you have created a sudsy foam.
Use only the foam on the carpet.
It may be necessary to increase the amount of detergent to get enough suds to create a foam.
Cleaning Solutions for Grass
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Grease
Solvent-Based Cleaner
Use a non-flammable solvent-based cleaner or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store. Use a solvent-type cleaner that is described by its manufacturer as being safe for nylon fabric or nylon carpet. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding safe use, and never smoke or use an open flame in the vicinity of a solvent cleaner.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Gum
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Hair Spray
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Ice Cream
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups cold water.
Cleaning Solutions for Ink
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
These liquids can very rapidly permanently discolor carpet, so act quickly. Wear impervious rubber, nitrile, or thick latex gloves and use clean paper towels or white cloths to blot (do not rub) as much of the spilled dye as possible without spreading it. After blotting up the majority of the liquid, keep working with fresh clean toweling to blot up as much of the liquid that has penetrated into the carpet as possible by using your palm to press the clean towel into the carpet. Call a professional to remove as much of the remaining stain as possible.
Act quickly! This spill may remove color or permanently discolor carpet if left untreated very long. Quickly removing the majority of it and diluting the remainder before it has a chance to damage the carpet is important.
Cleaning Solutions for Iodine
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Ketchup
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Lacquer
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Latex Paint
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Linseed Oil
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Lipstick
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Hand Lotion
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Machine Oil
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Makeup
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Markers, Felt tip
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Mascara
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Mayonnaise
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups cold water.
Cleaning Solutions for Milk
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups cold water.
Cleaning Solutions for Mustard
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Nail Polish
Non-acetone Nail Polish Remover
Use undiluted, but sparingly – too much of this product can damage the backing of your carpet.
Cleaning Solutions for Oil
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Act quickly! This spill may remove color or permanently discolor carpet if left untreated very long. Quickly removing the majority of it and diluting the remainder before it has a chance to damage the carpet is important.
Cleaning Solutions for Oil Paint
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Petroleum Jelly
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Rubber Cement
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Rust
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups cold water.
Cleaning Solutions for Salsa
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Shellac
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Shoe Polish
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Soda
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Use a vacuum hose with a small-area tool (not a beater brush attachment or a regular floor attachment) to pick up as much of the spilled soot as possible. We then recommend that you call a professional cleaner.
Cleaning Solutions for Tar
Solvent-Based Cleaner
Use a non-flammable solvent-based cleaner or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store. Use a solvent-type cleaner that is described by its manufacturer as being safe for nylon fabric or nylon carpet. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding safe use, and never smoke or use an open flame in the vicinity of a solvent cleaner.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Tea, Herbal
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Tea, Regular
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Act quickly! This spill may remove color or permanently discolor carpet if left untreated very long. Quickly removing the majority of it and diluting the remainder before it has a chance to damage the carpet is important.
Cleaning Solutions for Toilet Cleaner
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Toothpaste
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Apply cleaning solutions sparingly. These solutions should be extracted to prevent odors from getting down in to the pad – where they are tougher to remove.
Cleaning Solutions for Urine
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Varnish
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Vomit
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for Wax
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Cleaning Solutions for White Glue
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons clear, white non-suds ammonia and 4 cups cold water.
Cleaning Solutions for Wine
Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup warm water.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 4 cups warm water.
