Spotting Guide
Accidents happen, and the sooner the spot gets attention the better. First of all, we need to know the difference between a spot and a stain. A spot is a substance that adds texture to a fiber; it will have a different feel and sometimes smell. A stain is permanent discoloration to a fiber with no odor, taste or texture.
1. When a spot occurs, remove as much of the solids as possible then blot with an absorbent paper or cotton towel. Do not rub the area; this will cause the spot to spread out.
2. Use new areas of the paper or change towels and stand on it to blot. Continue this until no more residue is transferred to the towel.
3. Pour a small amount of cold water on the spill to re-liquefy some of the solids and repeat the blotting process.
4. If there is still residue from the spot, decide which solution to be used. Before applying any solution to carpet, test it in an inconspicuous area first. If any discoloration occurs then do not use it.
5. When working on a spot use a spoon to agitate the solution towards the center. After working the spot, pour a small amount of cold water to the area to rinse any detergents.
Beer:
Blot as much of the spill as possible with white cotton towels. Use 4 drops of colorless hand dishwashing detergent, one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot.
Blood:
Mix 2 drops of a mild hand dishwashing detergent and one cup of water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Pour a small amount of ammonia on the spot and allow it to sit for a few minutes to break up the protein. Blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot.
Coffee:
Blot as much of the spot as possible with white cotton towels. Use 1 tablespoon of mild colorless hand dishwashing detergent, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot.
White Wine:
Blot as much of the spot as possible with white cotton towels. Use 1 tablespoon of mild colorless hand dishwashing detergent, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot.
Red Wine:
Blot as much of the spot as possible with white cotton towels. Mix 2 drops of mild colorless hand dishwashing detergent, and 1 cup of warm water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Next mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia and ½ cup of water. Sponge this area and blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel. Third mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1 cup of water, sponge the spot with this solution. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot.
Pet Urine or Vomit:
Immediately remove the solids and blot the liquids. Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water. Work the spot with the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Mix 2 drops of mild colorless hand dishwashing detergent, and 1 cup of warm water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel until all the liquid is absorbed. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot. Fold a fresh white towel in two and lay on the spot, place a weight of some sort in order to apply pressure and leave. Check every 30 minutes and change towels until residue is completely absorbed.
Lipstick:
Scrape off the excess lipstick and be careful to not spread the spot. Blot the area with a dry-cleaning solvent and continue until all the solvent is absorbed. If the spot still remains, mix 1 tablespoon of a mild liquid hand soap with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. Sponge the spot with the solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed.
Cough Syrup:
Mix 1 tablespoon of mild liquid hand dishwashing detergent, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. Work the spot with the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Sponge the spot with a very small amount of rubbing alcohol and blot until it is all absorbed.
Chocolate:
Scrape off as much of the solid as possible with a dull edge knife or spatula. Mix 2 drops of mild colorless hand dishwashing detergent, and 1 cup of warm water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Next mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia and ½ cup of water. Sponge this area and blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel. Third mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1 cup of water, sponge the spot with this solution. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot.
Soft Drink:
Blot as much of the spot as possible with white cotton towels. Mix two drops of mild colorless hand dishwashing detergent, and 1 cup of warm water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Next mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia and ½ cup of water. Sponge this area and blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel. Third mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1 cup of water, sponge the spot with this solution. After you are finished cleaning the spot rinse the area with water and blot. Fold a fresh white towel in two and lay on the spot, place a weight of some sort in order to apply pressure and leave. Check every 30 minutes and change towels until residue is completely absorbed.
Ketchup:
Mix two drops of mild colorless hand dishwashing detergent, and 1 cup of warm water. Work the spot with some of the solution and then dry blot with fresh towel. Next, mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia and ½ cup of water. Sponge this area and blot the area with a clean dry absorbent towel.