12/30/2023
How to Remove Spots and Stains from My Carpet and Rugs
What To Do About Stains on Carpets and Rugs
First and foremost, for any stain type, act quickly. Pick up any solids that are easily removable. In the case of muddy footprints, wait until they are thoroughly dry, then vacuum.
Please Note: After all spotting procedures, you should use a neutralizing rinse to remove any traces of detergent.
Two Basic Types of Stains Appear On Carpet
Water-Soluble, which include most food, beverage, urine, and vomit.
Solvent-Soluble, which include oils, greases, tar, crayon, lipstick and butter.
Treatment for Stain Removal
To remove WATER-SOLUBLE stains:
You will first need to make a detergent solution. Mix 1 teaspoon of mild detergent (such as Ivory Liquid) into 1 pint of lukewarm water.
Do NOT use automatic dishwasher detergent or any other solution containing bleach.
Sponge the detergent mixture onto the the water-soluble stain, and work the solution from the outer edges toward the center of the stain.
A lather will form. Gently sponge off this lather with clear, cold water until all visible signs of the suds have disappeared.
Bane-Clene’s Perky® Spotter may be used directly from the container - just follow the directions on the bottle.
Be sure to rinse out any spotting chemical that you are using.
NEVER use chemical color brighteners.
Follow with a neutralizing rinse.
To remove SOLVENT-SOLUBLE stains:
Use odorless mineral spirits or alcohol.
Bane-Clene’s Citrus APS™ Spotter & Prespray is even better.
Apply the solvent to the stain by gently blotting with a cloth.
NEVER pour a solvent directly from the container onto the carpet.
Solvents, if poured on the stain, may cause the glue (latex) holding the carpet to the backing to become loose.
After the solvent-soluble stain has been removed, follow with the detergent solution procedure outlined above.
To perform a neutralizing rinse:
Mix 1 tablespoon of WHITE vinegar into 1 pint of cold water.
Sponge this mixture lightly onto the affected area.
The vinegar will neutralize detergent residue that may remain in the carpet or that may wick to the surface during the drying process.
Blot as much of the moisture out of the area as possible by using absorbent white cloth towel or paper towels.
Never use newspaper or anything with print.
Finally, lay a dry white absorbent towel over the area and weight with a heavy object, at least overnight.
After the area is dry, brush lightly to restore the normal texture of the carpet pile.
How to Remove Specific Spots and Stains:
