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Today's carpets resist spills much better than the carpets of only a few years ago. Still, all carpets are susceptible to spots. Treating most spots is easy. Doing it promptly is the best way to keep spills and spots from turning into permanent stains.
Your first step is to blot up as much of the spill as you can. Use a white cotton towel or white paper towels. Start along the outer edge and work toward the center. Keep turning or replacing the towel so a fresh surface is always being applied to the carpet.
While you work, keep an eye on the towel. As long as you are getting the color of the spill on the towel you are making progress. Keep blotting until you are not getting any more transfer to your towel.
Never rub. Rubbing will damage the fibers and leave a permanent irregularity.
When you have blotted up as much as you can, get a fresh towel or some fresh white paper towels. Place the towel on the spot and then place a weight on top of it. This will work as a poultice and help draw out more of the spot. Over 80% of today's carpets are made of synthetic fibers and will readily give up a spot to an absorbent towel.
Most spots are easily removed with an over-the-counter spotter. In an emergency, you can also make your own from common household solutions. (See our spotting guide). Always pretest in an inconspicuous area any cleaning solutions you are going to use. Remember too, that using a cleaning agent on a carpet is like using salt on your food. A little is nice, but too much can ruin a good thing. After removing the spot, blot the area again with a damp towel to remove all of the cleaning agent. Imagine what your hair would look like if you didn't rinse the shampoo out!
Here's what you can do to help:
Blot up spills or pet accidents as soon as you can, starting at the outside edge and working inward. Remove solids using a piece of cardboard. Do not rub! It can fuzz or distort carpet fibers, as well as spread the stain.
Use a clean white towel or white paper towels. This eliminates the chance of transferring dyes from a colored towel onto the carpet. It also allows you to see how much of the stain you are removing.
Prepare or use a spotting solution as directed in each issue of this newsletter.
Ask us about carpet appearance programs that help you take care of your family's traffic lanes. We help you keep your carpets looking new, and give you and your family the benefit of a healthier indoor environment.
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