Spills can happen. When they do, treat them immediately, even if at a party. The longer it sits, the more difficult the stain will be to remove. Only after blotting or scraping up the excess of a spill should you proceed with these removal methods.
The stain removal chart includes advice on methods of treating stains and the order in which they should be tried. For instance, if clean water does not remove all traces of a beverage, try a solution of washing powder next. Most of the agents mentioned are easy to obtain; however, if you cannot get a dye stripper or hydrochloric acid, call a professional cleaner instead. A freezing agent is available in aerosol sprays, but you can use ice instead to harden chewing gum in order to remove it. CAUTION: Before proceeding to treat a stain, pre-test your treatments on an inconspicuous part of the carpet to check for possible color change. Some recommended treatments might be toxic; therefore all precautions should be taken when handling these products.
Cleaning Agents for Spot Removal
Detergent Solution
Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid or detergent powder (containing no bleaches or strong alkalies) with a cup of warm (not hot) water. This solution must be well rinsed with clear water.
Ammonia Solution
Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup of water. This solution must be neutralized with vinegar solution.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.
Solvent
A dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores) such as Carbona, Energine! Or K2R (Chemically I.I.I. Trichloroethane preferred)
Absorbent cleaners
Capture (available at Coles), or Host.
Type of Treatment *
Cold Water.
Detergent solution or Carpet Shampoo solution.
Ammonia solution.
Solvent.
Chill with aerosol freezing agent or ice cubes in a plastic bag. Pick or scrape off gum.
Vinegar solution.
Warm water.
Clear nail polish remover (preferably acetone).
Alcohol or methylated spirits mineral turpentine.
Rust remover.
Absorbent powder (e.g. salt, talc or proprietary absorbent powders).
