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Get Out That Spot!

Time and patience are the keys to stain removal. If a spill occurs, immediately try to remove it by blotting with a slightly damp sponge or dry paper towel, followed by repetitive cold water sprays and further blotting with a paper towel. If this procedure fails to remove the stain, follow the procedures outlined below. In the event of a spill, take time to carefully read the procedures and then follow them thoroughly. Where two procedures are listed (example: A-M), start with the first procedure (A), then use the second procedure (M) only if needed. Repeat procedures as long as there is improvement. The chart that follows lists only the most common food and beverage household stains. Many non-food household products such as acne medication and skin products containing benzoyl peroxide, strong tile, toilet, drain and oven cleaners, bleaches, swimming pool chemicals, pesticides, plant foods, etc., can cause permanent loss of color in your carpet. The presence of stain-resistant properties in your carpet will not prevent certain household chemicals from damaging or removing color from your carpet.

There are many different stain removal techniques depending on the type of spill that you're treating. The information and stain removal chart that follows is provided by one of the major fiber manufacturers and can be used on synthetic yarns such as nylon and polyester.

Remember, no carpet is stain-proof. These techniques are recommendations and are not guaranteed to work in all cases. The following definitions apply to the procedures that follow:

• SCRAPE -- Gently scoop or scrape with the blunt edge of a spoon from the outside of the spill toward the center.
• BLOT -- Press straight down with a pad of clean white paper towels -- never rub. Rubbing alters carpet texture. Then in a final blotting, leave 1/2" of paper towels on the spot overnight with a weight.
• APPLY -- Apply all liquids to a clean white (not printed) paper towel and use to dampen carpet. Never wet a carpet through to the backing.
• WEIGHT -- A weighted 1/2" pad of white paper towels, left overnight, will absorb the last traces of liquid and foreign materials.
• DETERGENT -- Mix 1/4 teaspoon clear, see-through hand dish-washing detergent with 1 cup warm -- not hot -- water.
• HYDROGEN PEROXIDE/AMMONIA -- Mix 1/2 cup (3% solution available in drug stores) with 1 teaspoon undiluted, unscented, clear (not sudsy) household ammonia. Use within 2 hours of mixing.
• DRY CLEANING FLUID -- Liquid, non-oily, non-caustic type sold for spot removal from garments (Carbona #10, Energine, etc.). Caution, may be flammable.

Stain Removal Procedures

PROCEDURE A: Apply dry cleaning fluid, use dry towel or cloth. Blot -- don't rub. Repeat dry cleaning fluid application as above. Blot -- don't rub. Finish with weighted pad of towels.

PROCEDURE B: Scrape or blot up excess spill. Apply detergent (see cleaning solutions above), use damp towel. Blot -- don't rub. Apply water -- with damp towel. Blot -- finish with weighted pad of towels.

PROCEDURE D: Scrape or blot up excess spill. Apply detergent (see cleaning solutions above), use damp towel. Blot -- don't rub. Apply ammonia (see cleaning solutions above), use damp towel. Blot -- don't rub. Apply water -- with damp towel. Blot -- finish with weighted pad of towels. Apply white vinegar (undiluted), only after stain is removed.

PROCEDURE G: Scrape or blot up excess spill. Freeze with ice cubes. Shatter with blunt object such as the back of a spoon. Vacuum chips away before they melt.

PROCEDURE L: Apply nail polish remover (non-oily acetone type) -- use cotton towel to apply to the spill. Don't wet through to carpet backing. Pick up softened material -- use clean white paper towel and push toward center of the spot to avoid spreading material. Repeat above -- soften and carefully remove a layer of the material each time. Haste may spread the stain and/or damage the carpet.

PROCEDURE M: Apply detergent solution (see cleaning solutions above), use damp towel, leave 3-5 minutes. Blot -- don't rub. If stain is removed, finish with a water rinse, blot, followed with a pad of weighted paper towels. If stain is not removed, continue as follows. Apply hydrogen peroxide solution (see cleaning solutions above), let stand 2 to 3 hours under a weighted sheet of plastic wrap. Repeat application of hydrogen peroxide and dry under weighted plastic wrap until removal is complete. Apply water with damp towel. Blot -- finish with weighted pad of paper towels. Apply white vinegar (undiluted), only after stain is removed.

PROCEDURE O: Scrape off excess material. Cover with white cotton towel or brown paper. Apply warm iron until material is absorbed. Be sure towel is large enough to cover the stained area. Take care never to touch the iron to the carpet as the fiber may melt. Change towel or rotate to clean area and repeat until all material is absorbed.

PROCEDURE P: Vacuum away as much as possible. Loosen remaining material by tapping with a scrub brush or toothbrush. Tap with brush, do not scrub. Vacuum again. Follow with PROCEDURE B.

PROCEDURE Q: Scrape off excess material. Lightly rub area with a fresh slice of white bread. Complete removal with PROCEDURE A.

Stain Chart

The stain removal procedures recommended above are provided to assist you in maintaining your carpet and reflect the best information available. No carpet is stain-proof. We make no warranty, express or implied as to the effectiveness of the procedures described herein.