We Employ Military Spouses Carpet Spotting Guide The key to successful spot removal is getting to it as quickly as possible. Basic Spot Removal Kit - To be prepared to handle fresh spills on your carpet, keep the following items on hand: 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 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 Six Steps To Removing Spots 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. 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. Test any chemical you intend to use in a hidden area to confirm it won't discolor or damage the surface. Apply spotter and, to avoid spreading, work from the outside of the stain in. Blot, don't scrub. Strike with the flat face of a spotting brush, if needed, to help break up the stain. Rinse chemical spotters with water, blot the area dry, and feather the edges. Brush or fluff up pile or nap. 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. Email us for a list of specific remedies. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Instructions for Specific Spots and Spills Acid - Apply a solution of baking soda and water until acid has been neutralized. Apply ammonia solution and rinse with cold water. Alcohol - Apply detergent solution. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide if necessary. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry. Blood - Scrape off dried blood and apply cool detergent solution. Blot. Apply cool ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry. If stain remains, apply rust remover or bleach with hydrogen peroxide. Candle Wax - Scrape off all you can. Ice cubes will make it brittle for easier scraping. A hot iron ( on low heat setting ) over a damp cloth will melt and absorb remaining wax. Apply dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. Candy - Scrape off all you can with a dull knife. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. Be sure all traces of sugar are gone. Sugars left in carpet will cause a rapid re-soiling problem. Chocolate - Scrape off all you can first. Sponge with dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. If stain remains, bleach with hydrogen peroxide. Cigarette Burns - If the burn is slight, rub with dry steel wool or, if you feel confident, trim the damaged tufts. If the burn is bad, take a razor blade and scrape some fibers from a hidden area and use super glue to patch the burn with the fibers. Email us for the complete list. Home  |  Pay By Credit Card Hometown Housekeeping Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning 253 964-3141 Design - Dar's By Design