Tips from the Cleaning Pro

How to Clean Common Carpet Stains, Pet Stains

What do you do if you get a stain on your carpet, rug or upholstery between cleanings? If you act quickly, and follow the right procedure, you may be able to get rid of it yourself with these home care steps. (If you can’t, just give us a call; a spot treatment is an inexpensive way to save the value of your carpet, rug or upholstered piece.)

Here’s a stain cleaning guide:

First, remember to save the manufacturer’s care instructions for cleaning your carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture in a safe place so you can refer to them if needed. (The guidelines below are generally safe for most textiles, but if you don’t have the original care instructions, test any treatment you need to do in a hidden spot, or simply call us for help.)

Second, be prepared so that when a spill or pet accident happens, you can act quickly: make up quick treatments and keep them in 3 small spray bottles. Here’s how:

  1. White vinegar solution: combine 1/3 cup white vinegar, with 2/3 cup water.
  2. Detergent solution: combine ¼ tsp of Dawn® or Joy® dishwashing detergent with 1qt of water.
  3. Ammonia solution: combine 2 tablespoon ammonia with 1 cup water.

Also keep isopropyl rubbing alcohol on hand for greasy stains on carpet, rugs or upholstery.

Guidelines for cleaning stains from Beer, Coffee, Tea, Wine

Begin by moistening the area with the vinegar solution and blotting with paper towel or a white cloth (DO NOT RUB). Follow with the detergent solution if needed, but this time, finish by spraying lightly with plain water and laying a towel and with a heavy pot, book or brick on it until the area dries.

Guidelines for cleaning stains from Blood, Catsup, Cola, Cough Syrup, Urine/Feces

Begin by moistening the area with the ammonia solution and blotting with paper towel or a white cloth (DO NOT RUB). Follow with the detergent solution if needed, but this time, finish by spraying lightly with plain water and laying a towel and with a heavy pot, book or brick on it until the area dries.

Guidelines for cleaning stains from Berries, Fruit Juice

Moisten the area with the detergent solution, blotting with paper towel or a white cloth (DO NOT RUB). Finish by spraying lightly with plain water and laying a towel and with a heavy pot, book or brick on it until the area dries.

Guidelines for cleaning stains from Grease, Oil, Makeup

Moisten the area with isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or white towel, using a blotting motion until the stain is no longer visible (don’t allow the backing of the rug to get moist, as this could destroy the latex bond).

For problem carpet, rug or upholstery stains or odors, call us at 919-744-7441.