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B and D Spotting Guide Common household problems and the best home remedies Everything is listed alphabetically. Call us for whatever you cant get out!! Acetone - Acetone is the primary ingredient in many non-oily fingernail polishes and removers. It evaporates very rapidly and is highly flammable. Acetone dissolves acetate fibers. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water; blot with lukewarm water with a white towel; blot dry with a dry white towel. Because Acetone is such a strong solvent if it penetrated into the backing of the carpet the carpet may buckle up and come unglued. A professional may be required to re-glue the carpet or replace the damaged area.
Acne Medicine - Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpet. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water blot with lukewarm water with a white towel blot dry with a dry white towel . A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.
Alcohol - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Asphalt / Driveway Sealer / Parking Lot Sealer / Creosote - If not removed when fresh yellow stain from asphalt off parking lots and driveways is nearly impossible to completely remove without delaminating the carpet. This yellowing is particularly obvious with blue and gray carpet.
- For small areas blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Ball Point Pen Ink - Absorb all ink on surface with dry white unprinted paper towels. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Beer - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Berry Stain - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity has spilled apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day before attempting removal. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. At your own risk, you can apply household peroxide to the stain and allow to dry overnight - this may bleach out the carpet!
BHT Yellowing - BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene) is a preservative used in rebond pad (and bread). With stain-resistant nylon carpet sometimes BHT turns the carpet yellow especially under throw rugs under low-lying furniture and in closets. Apply a solution of 10% Citric Acid (1 pound per gallon). Citric Acid is available at some drugstores. Leave overnight. Vacuum.
Bleach - Permanent color damage will occur except on most solution-dyed fibers. Bleach dissolves wool!
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. To neutralize the bleach with an anti-chlor make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area and work in. NOTE: while rare, this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.
Blood - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water.
- If not fully removed apply household Hydrogen Peroxide (the 3% drugstore variety) to the stain and blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. NOTE: Sometimes the Hydrogen Peroxide will bleach out the carpet fibers. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Browning / Jute Stain - A carpet or rug, particularly wool, will sometimes gain a brown tint on the tips if cleaned with an overly strong high pH detergent. This will sometimes occur particularly on wool if the carpet is left wet too long after cleaning, spill, flood, etc. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Butter - Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Ice Melt Salt Snow Melting Compound - If dry thoroughly vacuum first. If wet blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Carbon Black / Fingerprint Dust / Dry Photocopier Toner / Soot - It is EXTREMELY important that you NOT get this type of material wet initially! Vacuum thoroughly until you see no more then vacuum some more! Be sure to clean off the vacuum cleaner brush when done! Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Carbon Paper - Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. NOTE: Some carbon paper inks are more readily removed with Alcohol than with dry cleaning fluid
Chalk - Chalk is Calcium Carbonate. Carpenter’s chalk is simply chalk with a pigment dye added for visibility, but is usually impossible to remove. First thoroughly vacuum. Chalk is readily soluble in mild acid. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. If any stain from carpenter’s chalk is left blot with Alcohol.
Chewing Gum - Place several ice cubes in a plastic bag and press against the chewing gum so that it gets brittle and can be pulled or broken off. Small bits can be cut out.
- For any remaining gum, blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Scrape up residue. Re-clean with the dry cleaning fluid.
Chocolate / Creme de Menthe - Scrape off excess and absorb. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Clay / Red Clay - Thoroughly vacuum. If from a flower pot, blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Coffee / Tea - Use Resale Spotters - Coffee Remover per directions.
- Mix 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray on spot, let stand 2 minutes and blot up. Repeat as necessary
Cola Drink / Soft Drink - A soft drink spill is usually deep into the backing and wicking with attendant resoiling can be a major problem. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Cough Medicine or Syrup / Vitamins (Liquid) / Children’s Medicine - Blot with Alcohol until totally removed. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Crayon - For upholstery stain,s press transparent tape against the crayon marks to remove them. Scrape loose crayon off and pick up large pieces. Vacuum thoroughly WITHOUT brush agitation. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Any remaining color can usually be removed by blotting with Alcohol.
Crepe Paper Dye / Felt Pad Dye
Dandruff Shampoo - Frequently contains sulfur compounds which may turn the fibers permanently brown. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Duco® Cement - Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Egg (Raw) - Immediately scrape off all excess. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Ether - Caution - Ether is extremely flammable and will severely damage the integrity of the carpet backing. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Towel used will be very flammable until it has dried.
Fabric Softener - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Food Coloring / Kool-Aid® / Popsicle - For dry food dyes such as some Easter egg dye powders, THOROUGHLY vacuum before proceeding with any wet techniques. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Furniture Polish - If liquid, blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Furniture Stain - If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If down in the backing it is highly unlikely that you will get all of the stain out. The fibers will probably be permanently stained. If dry, blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Gentian Violet - Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Grape Juice - If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. If any stain remains blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Gravy - Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Grease (vehicle) - Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Hair Dye - Hair dye is one of the most severe stains there is for carpet and can seldom be thoroughly removed! Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Replacement of the stained section may even be necessary.
Ice Cream - Scrape up residue.
- Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Ink (India) - Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Ink (Permanent) / Felt Tip Markers - Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Ink (Washable) - If a heavy spill, scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol.
- Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel.
Insecticides - Most insecticides permanently stain bleach or discolor carpet fibers with little chance of restoring the carpet to the original color.
- Vacuum thoroughly. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Iodine / Betadine® - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol.
Fuel Oil / Gasoline / Kerosene - If heavily spilled on upholstery or into the backing and pad of a carpet elimination of the odor is very difficult. Pad or filler material will have to be replaced. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Ketchup / Catsup - Scrape up residue. Apply a damp WHITE towel to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Scrape up unabsorbed residue. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Lacquer / Linseed Oil - If wet, absorb with dry white towels. Scrape up any dried material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Lipstick - Scrape up residue. Remove all loose material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Mascara - Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Merthiolate - Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Mildew - If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), spray bleach onto the mildewed area & leave 1 hour; blot with water; dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces!
- If not 100% solution dyed olefin, blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
- Microban ® and Sporicidin can be successfully used to treat mildew on most surfaces.
Milk - If souring has occurred, professional treatment or removal of the affected section of the pad will be necessary.
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. If heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Mucilage / Mucous - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Mustard - Because it contains a disperse dye, mustard is very difficult to totally remove, especially with polyester.
- If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), scrape up residue, spray bleach onto the stained area leave 1 hour blot with water, dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces!
- For other surfaces scrape off loose material. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Nail Polish - Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water.
Oil (Petroleum) - Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Orange Drink - If a heavy spill leave a weighted moist towel on the spot overnight. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Paint (Latex) - If wet and on surface, blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Paint (Oil Based) / Varnish - If wet, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If dry, scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Phenol (1%) - Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Potting Soil - Let dry completely before treating. Dry vacuum until all soil is removed. Soil may contain fertilizers and insecticides which often leave permanent stains. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Rubber Cement - Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Rust - Vacuum up loose rust. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a of WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Shoe Polish (Liquid) - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Shoe Polish (Wax or Paste) - Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Silly Putty® - Scrape up residue. Blot with alcohol on a white towel.
Soil Filtration Lines - These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard around furnace vents etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited on the fibers as the air moves under walls closed doors etc. It is extremely difficult if not nearly impossible to thoroughly remove soil filtration lines from very light carpet. These lines are especially common in homes where candles are used and where a fireplace is frequently used.
- Very thoroughly vacuum. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Urine - Scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a WHITE absorbent towel saturated with white vinegar. Apply a WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
- Severe cases will require pad replacement cleaning and deodorizing the backing cleaning and deodorizing and sealing the underlayment.
- NOTE: On wool, urine frequently bleaches out the dyes especially if not immediately treated.
Vomit - Vomit is strongly acidic and can severely stain carpet and upholstery.
- Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Water Colors - Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Wax (Candle / Paraffin) - On nylon carpet only place a white towel on the area. Heat an iron to medium and set on the towel for thirty seconds. Move the towel as needed. CAUTION: This procedure can damage the carpet if not done very cautiously.
- If unable to use the above hot iron technique blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Glass Cleaner / Window Cleaner (Windex® etc.) - Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners especially in bright sunlight. Blot with Alcohol.
Wine - If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with white wine on a white towel. If unsuccessful make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area. Place a pan of hot water on the stain overnight. NOTE: while rare this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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