A Quick Guide to Dealing with Carpet Stains

We have provided these tips to aid you in keeping your carpets in good condition.

Whenever possible, blot up spills immediately using a clean white, absorbent material to avoid the possibility of dye transfer and to facilitate visualization of the stain removal process, since stains transfer to the towel. With some spilled substances you have only minutes before the stain sets permanently.

If a spot has remained on the carpet for a long time and has become a dry mass, scrape off as much as possible using the side of a spoon or a blunt spatula before attempting to remove the remainder. For chewing gum or wax, freeze with an ice cube before scraping.

Before attempting any stain removal, always pre-test with any cleaning agents that you may be using. To do this, dampen an inconspicuous area of the carpet. Then leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then blot with a clean white towel. Inspect the towel for dye transfer and the carpet for damage. If bleeding, color change, or other damage occurs, consult a cleaning expert.

Have on hand an oil solvent for greasy, oily stains. But be careful about using a solvent-based cleaner on a rug that has a plastic or rubber foam backing or separate padding. The solvent could soften such materials and ruin them. Be careful, too, about inhaling vapors from these solvents. Use them in a well-ventilated room.

Stain removal often requires several steps. When using an absorbent powder (cornstarch or a commercial product), sprinkle a thick layer of it over the stain. Brush in the resulting "mud," let it dry completely, then vacuum. Use a detergent solution (one teaspoon dishwashing liquid to one cup of water) for water-soluble spills. Follow, if necessary, with one tablespoon of ammonia to half a cup of water. As a last effort, use one part white vinegar to two parts water. Apply these solutions directly on the carpet. Do not over wet.

For stains with an offensive odor such as pet urine, use the vinegar solution first. Then use the detergent solution. For acidic stains such as vomit or fruit drinks, use the ammonia mixture to neutralize the acid (but don't use ammonia on wool it sets stains on that material).

Soda water can be effective on water-soluble stains, especially if the stains, are fresh.

Copious spills that penetrate through the carpet to the backing and even to the floor are a special problem. If the substance is one that smells, you may have to get the carpet lifted and cleaned professionally.

The following are some common household carpet stains along with instructions on their removal:

Chocolate

1. Scrape off as much as possible with the side of a spoon or a blunt knife.
2. If necessary, apply an ammonia solution (1 Tbs. clear household ammonia to 1/2 cup water and blot.
3. If necessary, apply a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and blot.
4. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Coffee, tea

1. Apply a detergent solution (1 tsp. clear dishwashing liquid to 1 cup water) and blot.
2. If necessary, apply a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water) and blot.
3. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Cosmetics

1. Scrape off as much as possible with the side of a spoon or a blunt knife.
2. Apply a detergent solution (1 tsp. clear dishwashing liquid to 1 cup water) and blot.
3. If necessary, apply an ammonia solution (1 Tbs. clear household ammonia to 1/2 cup water and blot.
4. If necessary, apply a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and blot.
5. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Grease, oil (water-soluble)

1. Apply small amounts of a dry-cleaning solvent with a clean white absorbent towel and blot or tap. Work from the outer edge of the stain to the center to avoid spreading it.
2. Apply a detergent solution (1 tsp. clear dishwsahing liquid to 1 cup water) and blot.
3. Reapply each agent until the stain is no longer transferred to the towel.
4. Rinse lightly.

Ink

1. Apply rubbing alcohol to a white cotton cloth and dab the stain carefully, so you don't spread the ink. Do not pour the alcohol on the carpet!
2. Repeat until the stain is no longer transferred to the cloth.
   
   
   If none of the recommended steps work, you might wish to enlist the services of an expert. Be aware that do-it-yourself cleaning efforts might render the stain difficult for even an expert to remove.