Carpet stain removal is easy, once you understand the proper stain removal procedures.  The primary stain removal tip to remember is carpet stains require patience and the proper stain remover (solution).  Many carpet stains require a two solution spot removal process to be most effective.

CARPET STAIN REMOVAL DIRECTIONS

The following general carpet stain removal procedures should help you by getting the proper start on most spills.  The key stain removal tip for most spills is patience.

Act Quickly!  Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment.  Most spills can be removed if immediate action is taken.  The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain.  Remember that staining is influenced by many factors.  No carpet is completely stain proof.

            Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or plain white (no printing) paper towels or extract with a portable extractor.  Do not scrub the area!  Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area.  Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry.  Gently scrape up semi-solids with a rounded spoon.  Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

            If the spot can be identified, locate the substance on the Carpet Stain Chart and follow the directions carefully.  For unknown spots, refer to the procedures for "unknown."

            Pretest any spot removal (carpet stain removal) agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye.  After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for ten seconds.  Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet.  If a change occurs, another carpet cleaning solution should be selected.

            Apply a small amount of the selected carpet cleaning solution to a white cloth and work gently into carpet.  Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading.  Do not scrub! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion!  Blot, absorbing as much as possible or extract with a spot removal (carpet stain removal) extractor, and repeat, if necessary.

            Continue using the first stain removal solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the stain removal solutions if the first solution removes the spill.  Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.

            After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water and blot with a dry cloth or spot removal (carpet stain removal) extractor until all of the stain removal solution has been removed.  Some stain removal solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed.

            Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object.  Continue to change paper towels as needed.  A dry, absorbent, carpet cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time.  In addition, a fan may be used to speed drying.  Using a fan is always a good idea to limit spill wick back from the carpet base