419-529-6422

We are Mansfield Ohio's Only Carpet Cleaning Company that tells you Insiders Secrets on how to remove spots and spills! The key to successful spot removal is getting to it as quick as possible. Keep this page bookmarked, or make a copy of it so you will be able to refer to it when you need it. Be sure to let your friends and family know about this spotting guide so they will be able to use it as well.

YOUR BASIC SPOT REMOVAL KIT

Keep the following items on hand so you will be prepared to handle fresh spills on your carpet: Neutral dish detergent such as A CLEAR Joy® or Dawn® (dilute 20:1); clear household ammonia; white vinegar (dilute 1:1); wet spotter such as our orange spotter, dry spotter such as Dissolve®; paint thinner; hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for bleaching; denatured or isopropyl alcohol; a good supply of white terry cloths; and a spotting brush. If you have pets, stock a bacteria/enzyme digester such as Vet Trust wet/dry vac is great to have as well.

THE 6 STEPS TO REMOVING SPOTS

1. Catch it while it's fresh, when chances of removal are 75% better. Don't iron or hot-air dry until the stain is gone. Heat will set most stains.

2. First blot up all the liquid and scrape up all the solids you can. On a large liquid spill you can use a wet/dry vac. Be careful not to spread the stain.

3. Test any chemical you intend to use in a hidden area to make sure it won't discolor or damage the surface.

4. Apply spotter and work from the outside of the stain in, to avoid spreading. Blot, don't scrub; strike with the flat face of a spotting brush if needed to help break up the stain.

5. Rinse chemical spotters out with water, blot the area dry and feather the edges. Brush or fluff up pile or nap.

6. On carpet and upholstery, put a thick pad of toweling over the spot, weight it down with books, and leave it there overnight to "wick up" any remaining moisture.

Got Spots and Spills call Shambaugh Carpet Service Today. Guranteed Best Spot Removal in Mansfield Ohio. 419-529-6422

Acetone Acetone is the primary ingredient in many non-oily fingernail polishes and removers. It evaporates very rapidly and is highly flammable. Acetone dissolves acetate fibers. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water; blot with lukewarm water with a white towel; blot dry with a dry white towel. Because Acetone is such a strong solvent if it penetrated into the backing of the carpet the carpet may buckle up and come unglued. A professional may be required to re-glue the carpet or replace the damaged area. Acne Medicine Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpet. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®  on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water blot with lukewarm water with a white towel blot dry with a dry white towel . A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area. Return to Top   Alcohol Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If unsuccessful, Return to Top   Asphalt / Driveway Sealer / Parking Lot Sealer / Creosote If not removed when fresh yellow stain from asphalt off parking lots and driveways is nearly impossible to completely remove without delaminating the carpet. This yellowing is particularly obvious with blue and gray carpet. For small areas blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Ball Point Pen Ink Absorb all ink on surface with dry white unprinted paper towels. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover  on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Beer Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Berry Stain Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity has spilled apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day before attempting removal. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. At your own risk, you can apply household peroxide to the stain and allow to dry overnight - this may bleach out the carpet! Return to Top   BHT Yellowing BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene) is a preservative used in rebond pad (and bread). With stain-resistant nylon carpet sometimes BHT turns the carpet yellow especially under throw rugs under low-lying furniture and in closets. Apply a solution of 10% Citric Acid (1 pound per gallon). Citric Acid is available at some drugstores. Leave overnight. Vacuum. Return to Top   Bleach Permanent color damage will occur except on most solution-dyed fibers. Bleach dissolves wool! Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. To neutralize the bleach with an anti-chlor make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area and work in. NOTE: while rare, this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area. Return to Top   Blood Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. If not fully removed apply household Hydrogen Peroxide (the 3% drugstore variety) to the stain and blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. NOTE: Sometimes the Hydrogen Peroxide will bleach out the carpet fibers. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Browning / Jute Stain A carpet or rug, particularly wool, will sometimes gain a brown tint on the tips if cleaned with an overly strong high pH detergent. This will sometimes occur particularly on wool if the carpet is left wet too long after cleaning, spill, flood, etc. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.   Return to Top   Butter Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.   Return to Top   Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Ice Melt Salt Snow Melting Compound If dry thoroughly vacuum first. If wet blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Carbon Black / Fingerprint Dust / Dry Photocopier Toner / Soot It is EXTREMELY important that you NOT get this type of material wet initially! Vacuum thoroughly until you see no more then vacuum some more! Be sure to clean off the vacuum cleaner brush when done! Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Carbon Paper Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. NOTE: Some carbon paper inks are more readily removed with Alcohol than with dry cleaning fluid Return to Top   Chalk Chalk is Calcium Carbonate. Carpenter’s chalk is simply chalk with a pigment dye added for visibility, but is usually impossible to remove. First thoroughly vacuum. Chalk is readily soluble in mild acid. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. If any stain from carpenter’s chalk is left blot with Alcohol. Return to Top   Chewing Gum Place several ice cubes in a plastic bag and press against the chewing gum so that it gets brittle and can be pulled or broken off. Small bits can be cut out. For any remaining gum, blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Scrape up residue. Re-clean with the dry cleaning fluid. Return to Top   Chocolate / Creme de Menthe Scrape off excess and absorb. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Clay / Red Clay Thoroughly vacuum. If from a flower pot, blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Cola Drink / Soft Drink A soft drink spill is usually deep into the backing and wicking with attendant resoiling can be a major problem. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Cough Medicine or Syrup / Vitamins (Liquid) / Children’s Medicine Blot with Alcohol until totally removed. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Crayon For upholstery stain,s press transparent tape against the crayon marks to remove them. Scrape loose crayon off and pick up large pieces. Vacuum thoroughly WITHOUT brush agitation. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Any remaining color can usually be removed by blotting with Alcohol. Return to Top   Crepe Paper Dye / Felt Pad Dye Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Dandruff Shampoo Frequently contains sulfur compounds which may turn the fibers permanently brown. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Egg (Raw) Immediately scrape off all excess. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Ether Caution - Ether is extremely flammable and will severely damage the integrity of the carpet backing. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Towel used will be very flammable until it has dried. Return to Top   Fabric Softener Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Food Coloring / Kool-Aid® / Popsicle For dry food dyes such as some Easter egg dye powders, THOROUGHLY vacuum before proceeding with any wet techniques. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Furniture Polish If liquid, blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona®  on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Furniture Stain If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If down in the backing it is highly unlikely that you will get all of the stain out. The fibers will probably be permanently stained. If dry, blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Gentian Violet Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Grape Juice If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. If any stain remains blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Gravy Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Grease (vehicle) Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top   Hair Dye Hair dye is one of the most severe stains there is for carpet and can seldom be thoroughly removed! Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Replacement of the stained section may even be necessary. Return to Top   Ice Cream Scrape up residue. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top       Ink (Permanent) / Felt Tip Markers Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top   Ink (Washable) If a heavy spill, scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish. Return to Top   Insecticides Most insecticides permanently stain bleach or discolor carpet fibers with little chance of restoring the carpet to the original color. Vacuum thoroughly. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top   Iodine / Betadine® Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Return to Top   Fuel Oil / Gasoline / Kerosene If heavily spilled on upholstery or into the backing and pad of a carpet elimination of the odor is very difficult. Pad or filler material will have to be replaced. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Ketchup / Catsup Scrape up residue. Apply a damp WHITE towel to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Scrape up unabsorbed residue. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Lacquer / Linseed Oil If wet, absorb with dry white towels. Scrape up any dried material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® or on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Lipstick Scrape up residue. Remove all loose material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Mascara Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top   Merthiolate Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Mildew If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), spray bleach onto the mildewed area & leave 1 hour; blot with water; dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces! If not 100% solution dyed olefin, blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. NOTE: Black mildew on fabric indicates probable severe irreversible damage. Be extremely careful - the fabric is probably very weak! Return to Top   Milk If souring has occurred, professional treatment or removal of the affected section of the pad will be necessary. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. If heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Mucilage / Mucous Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top   Mustard Because it contains a disperse dye, mustard is very difficult to totally remove. If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), scrape up residue, spray bleach onto the stained area leave 1 hour blot with water, dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces! For other surfaces scrape off loose material. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top   Nail Polish Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. CAUTION: Amyl Acetate, Acetone and most nail polish removers are highly flammable and dissolve acetate fibers. Return to Top   Oil (Petroleum) Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Orange Drink If a heavy spill leave a weighted moist towel on the spot overnight. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Paint (Latex) If wet and on surface, blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Paint (Oil Based) / Varnish If wet, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If dry, scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Phenol (1%) Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Potting Soil Let dry completely before treating. Dry vacuum until all soil is removed. Soil may contain fertilizers and insecticides which often leave permanent stains. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Rubber Cement Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Rust Vacuum up loose rust. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a of WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.   Return to Top   Shoe Polish (Liquid) Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Return to Top   Shoe Polish (Wax or Paste) Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Return to Top   Soil Filtration Lines These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard around furnace vents etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited on the fibers as the air moves under walls closed doors etc. It is extremely difficult if not nearly impossible to thoroughly remove soil filtration lines from very light carpet. Very thoroughly vacuum. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top   Urine Scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a WHITE absorbent towel saturated with white vinegar. Apply a WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Severe cases will require pad replacement cleaning and deodorizing the backing cleaning and deodorizing and sealing the underlayment. NOTE: On wool, urine frequently bleaches out the dyes especially if not immediately treated. Return to Top   Vomit Vomit is strongly acidic and can severely stain carpet and upholstery. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Return to Top   Water Colors Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.   Return to Top     Wax (Candle / Paraffin) On nylon carpet only place a white towel on the area. Heat an iron to medium and set on the towel for thirty seconds. Move the towel as needed. CAUTION: This procedure can damage the carpet if not done very cautiously. If unable to use the above hot iron technique blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry towel Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top     Glass Cleaner / Window Cleaner (Windex® etc.) Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners especially in bright sunlight. Blot with Alcohol. Return to Top     Wine If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with white wine on a white towel. If unsuccessful make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area. Place a pan of hot water on the stain overnight. NOTE: while rare this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Return to Top