| The key to successful spot removal is getting
to it as quick as possible. Keep this page bookmarked,
or make a copy of it so you will be able to refer
to it when you need it. Be sure to let your friends
and family know about this spotting guide so they
will be able to use it as well. |
| |
| YOUR BASIC SPOT REMOVAL
KIT |
| Keep the following items on hand so you will
be prepared to handle fresh spills on your carpet:
Neutral dish detergent such as Joy® or Dawn®
(dilute 20:1); clear household ammonia; white
vinegar (dilute 1:1); wet spotter such as Spot
Gone®; dry spotter such as Dissolve®;
paint thinner; hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
for bleaching; denatured or isopropyl alcohol;
a good supply of white terry cloths; and a spotting
brush. If you have pets, stock a bacteria/enzyme
digester such as Liquid Alive®. A wet/dry
vac is great to have as well. |
| |
| THE 6 STEPS TO REMOVING SPOTS |
| 1. Catch it while it's
fresh, when chances of removal are 75% better.
Don't iron or hot-air dry until the stain
is gone. Heat will set most stains.
|
| 2. First blot up all the liquid and scrape
up all the solids you can. On a large liquid
spill you can use a wet/dry vac. Be careful
not to spread the stain. |
| 3. Test any chemical you intend to use
in a hidden area to make sure it won't discolor
or damage the surface. |
| 4. Apply spotter and work from the outside
of the stain in, to avoid spreading. Blot,
don't scrub; strike with the flat face of
a spotting brush if needed to help break
up the stain. |
| 5. Rinse chemical spotters out with water,
blot the area dry and feather the edges.
Brush or fluff up pile or nap. |
| 6. On carpet and upholstery, put a thick
pad of toweling over the spot, weight it
down with books, and leave it there overnight
to "wick up" any remaining moisture.
|
|
