Easy Carpet Cleaning Spot Removal

8/7/2015 (Permalink)

Getting rid of carpet stains and spills requires fast action

The Carpet and Rug Institute and other websites have lots of free information about the best ways to make your carpets and upholstery last, look great, and stay clean. Based on SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s experience and the institute, here’s a simple and proven way you can take care of upholstery and carpet spots and stains.   

1. Act quickly
Most carpets today come with a built-in, stain-resist treatment. That makes removing many spots and spills easy if you take immediate action. The longer you delay, the higher the probability of a carpet spill becoming a permanent carpet stain. But do remember that the ability to remove spots and stains depends on many factors and no carpet is completely stain proof.

2. Blot spilled liquids
Use a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towel. Do not rub or scrub the soiled carpet or upholstery. In carpets, scrubbing can cause pile distortion. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. You can gently scrape up semi-solids (a latex paint, household glue, or hand cream, for example) with a rounded spoon. Break up any solids and vacuumed until the carpet or upholstery spots are completely removed.

Need Expert Help With Your Upholstery Or Carpet Cleaning? Call (860) 216-2785

3. Do your research
If you know what spilled or made the upholstery or carpet spot, go online and search spot removal techniques for that particular substance. The Carpet and Rug Institute has a good spot removal listing. Or call a pro. Make sure you use a reliable source (like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860.216.2785). Follow the directions carefully.

4. Pretest any spot removal agent
Whenever possible, test any carpet or upholstery spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area. That might mean testing on a closet floor, behind a door, or under furniture you rarely move. You want to be certain the solution will not damage the carpet or upholstery fiber or dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If you see a change, try using another cleaning solution.

5. Apply slowly and gently
Place a small amount of the selected upholstery or carpet cleaning solution on the stain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Work the spot remover in gently. Start at the edges of the spot or spill and move toward the center (this prevents the spill from spreading). Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible. Repeat as necessary.

6. Continue as long as the spill is transferring to the cloth
Continue to use the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. You need not use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient.
Complete removal of a carpet or upholstery stain (or spill) may require repeating the same step several times.

7. Rinse and blot
After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water. Blot with a dry cloth until you’ve removed all of the carpet cleaning solution. Some carpet cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if you don’t completely remove the solution. 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.

Remember, we’re here to help. We are carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning contractors. So call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

At SERVPRO we’re trained in many restoration services. We know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you remove stains and spots from your upholstery and carpets. 

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service