How To Remove A Stain From A Carpet

Posted Mon Mar 2015

First And Foremost, Don’t Panic!

Accidents will happen and most can be resolved, sometimes not without the help of a professional, but Smile Carpet Cleaning is here to assist no matter what the circumstances. Here is our guide on ‘How To Remove A Stain From A Carpet?’ …

If something gets spilled on to your carpet, prompt action is required to prevent staining.

Be Prepared

We recommend that you have the following items and solutions to hand for dealing with spillages as soon as possible:

Clean white absorbent cloth or towel
Dry Cleaning Solution – Surgical Spirit (usually available from local Chemists)
Detergent Solution – One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing
woollens, to half a pint (0.3 litres) of warm water
Detergent Vinegar Solution – Add one teaspoonful of white (not malt)
vinegar to the Detergent Solution
Ammonia Solution – One teaspoonful of branded household Ammonia
(available from hardware stores) to one cup of warm water

General Tips On How To Remove A Stain From A Carpet

Do not over wet into backing materials
Always test any solution/detergent on an inconspicuous area of carpet prior to treating a stain
Use detergents at recommended dilution ratios
Scrape up or blot up any excess prior to treatment
Blot, never rub or scrub
Do not use inappropriate detergents on carpets or upholstery i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, household bleach, disinfectants)
Always work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading
Always apply the cleaning fluid to the absorbent spotting material not directly onto the carpet or fabric
Encourage quick drying (carefully use a hairdryer on mild heat to assist)
Deal with stains as quickly as possible for increased chances of success
Keep the fabric or carpet as dry as possible.

Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods, Urine

Blot up surplus spillage
Use Detergent Vinegar Solution, a little at a time
Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards
Frequently blot with dry cloths
See below for final rinse procedure

Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, Vomit

Scrape up excess with a blunt knife
Use a Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge
Blot dry
Follow up with Ammonia Solution
Blot dry
See below for final rinse procedure

Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil, Ointment, Shoe Polish

Scrape up excess with a blunt knife
Use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent Vinegar Solution
Blot dry
See below for final rinse procedure

Unknown Stains

Scrape up or blot surplus spillage
Use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by clean luke warm water
Blot dry
If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent
Vinegar Solution
Blot dry
See below for final rinse procedure

Final Rinse Procedure (applicable to all above methods of stain removal)

Mix one-part white vinegar and four-parts water
Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained area
Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture
Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) or absorbent
cloth over the affected area and place a weight, such as a telephone directory, on top
Leave overnight and repeat if necessary

Whilst the stain removal guide may be basic, it should help prevent some quite common and expensive DIY stain removal damage.
Unfortunately, there can never be a guarantee of complete removal of a stain, but the correct routine will give us a chance when called in, the best possible chance of success.

REMEMBER: Act Quickly. Scrape up solids, blot up liquids. Take plenty of time, it is worth the effort.

Mix the solution accurately and test it on an out of the way piece of carpet. Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre.

Dab or blot rather than scrub or rub.
And, most importantly, NEVER OVER-WET.

NOTE: We are aware that some new carpets have been subjected to
anti-static and soil-resistant treatments. Even when these have been
applied, it is wise to follow the stain removal procedures suggested.

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