Practical (and safe) Spot removal tips.

“One person’s disaster is another person’s opportunity” Unknown

While some carpet fibers are more resilient than others, all of us have mishaps occasionally and even the hardiest carpets will require swift action in the event of a spill or an accident to avoid possible long-term damage. 

While we are a company that gets our fair share of “opportunities” from “HELP!!!” calls, we also know that there are some things that you as a homeowner can and should do before we arrive. The goal of this blog is to give you some simple (and safe) spot removal tools to be able to handle the more common household calamities: your homework will be to prepare the solutions right away rather than waiting until you are faced with a situation that induces a panicked reaction! (Disclaimer: always test in an inconspicuous area first! The Cleaning Guy Inc. is not responsible for any damage caused by using these products or techniques. Sorry!)

Here are your “MUST HAVES” to have on hand when spills happen!

1. Clean, white towel(s). These are your best friends!!
2. Solution #1. 50% White Vinegar, 50% water (USE FOR URINE STAINS).
3. Solution #2. Rubbing Alcohol. (“Isopropyl”. 70%. Available at any drug store) (USE FOR DISINFECTING URINE STAINS & COFFEE/TEA/COLA, OIL SPOTS/MAKEUP)
4. Solution #3.  Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (Available at any drug store) (USE FOR BLOOD/FECES, RED WINE)

And here are the techniques. (Remember: rubbing carpet fibers is BAD! Blotting is good.)

Urine spots
1. Blot with a white towel until nothing is being absorbed anymore 
2. Spray area using the 50/50 vinegar/water until saturated: leave for 10 minutes to neutralize, then blot again until dry.
3. Lightly mist with rubbing alcohol to disinfect. Allow the carpet to dry by itself.

Blood/ feces
1. Scrape off solids.
2. Blot with white towels until nothing is transferring.
3. Use peroxide on a towel and blot until the stain is removed.

Red Wine (DO NOT USE THIS METHOD ON WOOL & NATURAL FIBRES)
1. Blot, blot, blot with a clean white towel.
2. Mix about 3 parts 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and 1-part Dawn dishwashing liquid, then apply to the stain. Let it dwell from anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
3. Blot again with a white towel & then flush with cold water before blotting again until dry.

Oil spots/ makeup

1. Blot with white towel until there is no more transfer. 
2. Drip isopropyl onto the stain  &, blot with the white towel until no more transfer 

So, there you go! This guide does cover many of the main spots and spills that we all deal with, but remember, if in doubt call us! There is no substitute for professional cleaning and so rather than continuing to work on a stain to the point of damaging the fibres, let us handle it. 

Hope this is helpful!

Note: You can get a more complete list of home spotting techniques from our website, https://zebratruck.ca/carpet-stain-removal-guide

Mike Holmes