Emergency carpet cleaning tips

Be Prepared

We recommend that you have the following items and solutions to hand for dealing with spillages as soon as possible:

• Clean white absorbent cloth or towel
• Dry Cleaning Solution - Surgical Spirit (usually available from local Chemists)
• Detergent Solution - One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woollens, to half a pint (0.3 litres) of warm water
• Detergent Vinegar Solution - Add one teaspoonful of white (not malt) vinegar to the Detergent Solution
• Ammonia Solution - One teaspoonful of branded household Ammonia (available from hardware stores) to one cup of warm water

General Tips

Below are some general tips & advice for cleaning stains from your carpets:

• Do not over-wet into backing materials
• Always test any solution/detergent on an inconspicuous area of carpet prior to treating a stain
• Use detergents at recommended dilution ratios
• Scrape up or blot up any excess prior to treatment
• Blot, never rub or scrub
• Do not use inappropriate detergents on carpets or upholstery i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, household bleach, disinfectants)
• Always work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading
• Always apply the cleaning fluid to the absorbent spotting material not directly onto the carpet or fabric
• Encourage quick drying (carefully use a hairdryer on mild heat to assist)
• Deal with stains as quickly as possible for increased chances of success
• Keep the fabric or carpet as dry as possible

Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil, Ointment, Shoe Polish

• Scrape up excess with a blunt knife
• Use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent Vinegar Solution
• Blot dry
• See below for the final rinse procedure

Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods, Urine

Below are some general tips & advice for cleaning Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods & Urine from your carpets:

• Blot up surplus spillage
• Use Detergent Vinegar Solution, a little at a time
• Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards
• Frequently blot with dry cloths
• See below for the final rinse procedure

Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, Vomit

Below are some general tips & advice for cleaning Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks & Vomit from your carpets:

• Scrape up excess with a blunt knife
• Use a Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge
• Blot dry
• Follow up with Ammonia Solution
• Blot dry
• See below for the final rinse procedure

Unknown Stains

• Scrape up or blot surplus spillage
• Use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by clean luke warm water
• Blot dry
• If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent Vinegar Solution
• Blot dry
• See below for the final rinse procedure

Final Rinse Procedure (applicable to all above methods of stain removal)

• Mix one-part white vinegar and four parts water
• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained area
• Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture
• Spread a white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) or absorbent cloth over the affected area and place a weight, such as a telephone directory, on top
• Leave overnight and repeat if necessary