Spotting Tips

It is inevitable. You have carpet, you’ll have spots. Use the wrong

product on your carpet and you may end up buying throw rugs to

cover up your mistakes. Stain resistant carpets are designed to

repel most substances, giving you a window of opportunity to

remove the spill before it becomes permanent. There are many

substances that can permanently stain a carpet, regardless of how

fast you are able to clean up a spill.

The types of spills that can leave a permanent stain are, pet urine,

vomit, coffee,tea, and mustard to name a few. Not coincidentally,

these are also staining substances that are not covered under most

manufactures warrantees.

So, what to do when little Tommy or man’s best friend messes up your

beautiful carpet? Using a product not formulated for carpeting can permanently

“set” a stain that otherwise would come out. Many household cleaners also

contain bleach and lye, chemicals that can take the color right out of your

carpeting.

The first thing to do is remove any excess material from the carpet by

blotting or with a shop vac. Work towards the center of the stain, so as

to prevent further spreading. Do not rub excessively or use a brush.

Permanent fiber distortion can result. If the staining material is water

based, dampen a sponge and rinse the area. Next, take a white towel (only use a

colored towel if it has been washed several times) and blot up as much moisture as

possible. Try standing on it. If there is still a spot, you may need to use our Spot Out

carpet spotter.

If the material spilled on the carpeting is petroleum or solvent based, such

as, grease, gum, nail polish, paint, glue and wax to name a few, the directions

above will not work. Removing materials such as these can be tricky. Please call

our office and we’ll be happy to give you advice. Anything strong enough to remove

them can also dissolve or weaken the glue that attaches your carpet fibers to the

backing! So be careful.