At Home Spot Cleaning Aid

Beer or Liquor

       First blot up spill with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure two additional times.
If the carpet is unprotected moisten carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Blood

       For recent wet blood spill: First put on a pair of latex gloves. If the blood is still wet blot up as much as possible with white paper towels until no blood is transferring into the paper towels. Second moisten carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. Next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.       For dried blood: You will only have a successful outcome with this if the blood spot is relatively small. Once blood is dry the only way to break it down is with a protein spotter. If you have a wool carpet you should not attempt this spot removal as your wool carpet is a protein based fiber and will be damaged by any further attempts to remove blood. On wool carpets or if this is a large blood spot it would be wise to leave any further spot removal to a professional carpet cleaning company.
For synthetic carpets: First put on a pair of latex gloves. Put some 3% Hydrogen Peroxide unmixed directly into a pistol pump type spray bottle, label it 3% Peroxide with masking tape and pen or labeling machine and apply to the blood spot. You should see the blood start to bubble up. Repeat this until no more bubbling takes place. Next moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into a paper towel. Finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Butter

       First scoop up as much of the spill as possible with a tablespoon trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. Second blot with a white paper towel until no more butter will transfer into paper towel. Next moisten carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towel. Repeat this step a total of 3 times. Next moisten carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Candy

       First scoop up as much of the candy as possible with a tablespoon trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. There are many different types of candy and we may have to use a variety of spotting procedures to see which one will accomplish the removal of this spot. Second moisten carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels. If this seems to remove spot you can finish by doing a final rinse, moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time. If the solvent solution did not remove the spot then proceed to moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, then moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Catsup-Ketchup

       First scoop up as much of the ketchup as possible with a tablespoon trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visible.
If the carpet is unprotected moisten carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Next proceed to moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Chewing Gum

       Freeze the gum with an ice cube then shatter with a blunt object and vacuum out chips of frozen gum. Repeat this as many times as possible to remove the bulk of the gum. The remaining gum can be rinsed out by moistening carpet with Solvent Solution and blot. Repeat this as many times as necessary until the gum has been fully removed.

Chocolate

       First scoop up as much of the chocolate as possible with a tablespoon trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visible.      If the carpet is unprotected moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, then moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Coffee

       First blot up as much of the coffee as possible with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel, repeat this until stain is removed.
For coffee with milk and sugar, unprotected carpets, or if stain still remains, continue with following steps. Moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat until stain is gone. Next moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time. If milk and sugar were in coffee, spray affected area with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray.      If the stain still remains there are some oxidizing processes that may work. If this is a natural fiber carpet such as wool or any regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon, viscose, or acetate this process should be left to a professional cleaner. For Synthetic fibers you may use a slow 10 hour oxidizing process. You will need to mix 4 oz. of 3% hydrogen peroxide with ¼ teaspoon of non-sudsing ammonia mix together in a pistol pump type spray bottle and moisten the spot. Cover with a dark color plastic garbage bag and weight it down with a book so air and light can’t get to it. Lift bag and check every hour on the hour. When stain appears gone moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. This step is very important as this will contaminate the peroxide and neutralize the oxidizing process of the peroxide that has been enhanced with ammonia. Failure to complete this step will result in color loss to the carpet over time as the peroxide will continue to oxidize the dyes in carpet.

Crayon

       First vacuum up as much of the crayon as possible. Next moisten carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. Repeat this step as many times as necessary until diminished to a faint spot. Next moisten carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Egg

       First scoop up as much of the egg as possible with a tablespoon trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. Second moisten carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Next proceed to moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Feces or Vomit

       First put on a pair of latex gloves. Second scoop up as much of the soilage as possible with a tablespoon or applicable utensil trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. If carpet is moist blot with paper towels until no more moisture will transfer. Next moisten carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Repeat this procedure at least five times or more until the spot becomes faint. Next proceed to moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Repeat this until spot is gone. Next moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this step one additional time. Finally spray affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray.

Food Coloring

       First blot up as much of the spill as possible with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visible. If the spot remains proceed as if the carpet was unprotected. Many times a protected carpet won’t be able to resist food coloring (Acid Dyes) as they will be drawn through a protective coating into the carpets dye sites due to their ionic make up of positive and negative charges that attract each other.
If the carpet is unprotected moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel, next moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, again moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels.

Fruit Juice

       First blot up as much of the spill as possible with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visible. If the spot remains proceed as if the carpet was unprotected. Many times a protected carpet won’t be able to resist the food coloring (Acid Dyes) that are present in many fruit juice. They may be drawn through a protective coating into the carpets dye sites due to their ionic make up of positive and negative charges that attract each other.
If the carpet is unprotected moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel, next moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels.

Hair Spray

       First blot up as much of the spot as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels. Second moisten the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, repeat this until carpet is no longer sticky. Next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final procedure one additional time.

Hand Lotion

       First blot up as much of the lotion as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels.      At this point to proceed safely without doing further damage to carpet we will need to perform a test. Many hand lotions have oxidizers that become activated with the introduction of moisture. If these oxidizers are present they may cause color loss bleaching when further spot removal is attempted. If a remnant of carpet is available the same lotion should be applied and rinsed with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. After 24 hours if no color loss is apparent you can proceed with spot cleaning. If there is color loss have the spot professionally cleaned to minimize the spread of color loss area. This may then either be spot dyed or patched afterward, but a smaller area may be affected with proper cleaning.
To proceed with spot cleaning moisten the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, repeat this until carpet is no longer greasy. Next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final procedure one additional time.

Ice Cream

        First scoop up as much of the spill as possible with a tablespoon trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. Next blot up as much of the remainder of spill as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visible. When the spot is removed spray affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray. If the spot remains proceed as if the carpet was unprotected.
If the carpet is unprotected moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel, repeat this procedure until stain is no longer visible. Next moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, next moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally spray affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray.

Ink

       First put on a pair of latex gloves. Second get a full roll of white paper towels, a garbage pail or bag that will stay propped open, and carefully blot up as much of the ink as possible with white paper towels until no more ink is transferring into the towels. Make sure all the soiled paper towels are discarded properly into garbage as ink spreads very easily.
If this ink is from a ball point pen you will more than likely make a bigger mess trying to spot clean this. It would be best to leave this for a professional carpet cleaner to flush it with an ink spotting agent. Even a professional can’t remove every type of ink.
If this is magic marker you have a better chance. First moisten the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels.

Lipstick

       First moisten the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels.

Mascara

        First moisten the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels.

Mayonnaise

        First scoop up as much of the spill as possible with a tablespoon trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. Next blot up as much of the remainder of spill as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visible. When the spot is removed spray affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray. If the spot remains proceed as if the carpet was unprotected.
If the carpet is unprotected or after performing above procedure a minimum of three times continue by moistening the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. Next moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, next moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally spray affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray.

Milk/Formula

        First blot up as much of the spill as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels. Next moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure 3 additional times. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by spraying affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray. If the spot remains proceed as if the carpet was unprotected.
If the carpet is unprotected continue by moistening the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel, next moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, next moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally spray affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray.

Nail Polish

       Although nail polish can be reduced with nail polish remover (acetone), there are a few problems with attempting this if not done correctly. First, acetone if applied too abundantly to the carpet will penetrate the primary and secondary backings of carpet and is likely to cause delaminating. In this case the carpet could be left with a pucker or experience fiber loss. Second problem is that when attempting to remove nail polish the acetone thins it, if all nail polish is not removed at this point of thinning subsequent attempts to remove spot will be unsuccessful.
For the best outcome with a nail polish spill it is advisable to have a professional carpet cleaning company with experience using acetone address this before anyone non-professional touches it.

Oil (Cooking)

       First blot up as much of the spot as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels. Second moisten the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, repeat this until carpet no longer feels slippery in affected area. Next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final procedure one additional time.

Oil (Petroleum)

       First blot up as much of the spot as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels. Second moisten the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, repeat this until carpet no longer feels slippery in affected area. Next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final procedure one additional time.

Paint (latex)

       First scoop up as much of the paint as possible with a tablespoon or applicable utensil trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. Second moisten carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, continue this procedure numerous times until paint ceases to transfer each time moisture is blotted. Next proceed to moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Paint (oil)

       First scoop up as much of the paint as possible with a tablespoon or applicable utensil trying to be careful not to spread the spot into a larger area. Second moisten carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, continue this procedure numerous times until paint ceases to transfer each time solvent is blotted. Next proceed to moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Shoe Polish (liquid)

       First blot up as much of the spill as possible with white paper towels until nothing is transferring into the towels. Next moisten carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. Repeat this step as many times as necessary until diminished to a faint spot. Next moisten carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visable. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Shoe Polish (paste)

       First vacuum up as much of the polish as possible. Next moisten carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. Repeat this step as many times as necessary until diminished to a faint spot. Next moisten carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Repeat this procedure until spot is no longer visible. Finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Soda

       First blot up as much of the spill as possible with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels and repeat this procedure 3 additional times. If the spot remains proceed as if the carpet was unprotected. Many times a protected carpet won’t be able to resist food coloring (Acid Dyes) that are present in some soft drinks. These dyes may be drawn through a protective coating into the carpets dye sites due to their ionic make up of positive and negative charges that attract each other.
If the carpet is unprotected moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat until stain is reduced as much as possible. Next moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel, again moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels.

Tar

       First scrape up as much of the tar as possible with a tablespoon or applicable utensil trying to be careful not to a braise carpet fiber or spread the tar into a larger area. Second moisten carpet with Solvent Solution and blot until no more solvent will transfer into paper towels, continue this procedure numerous times until tar ceases to transfer each time solvent is blotted. Next proceed to moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels. Finally moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time.

Tea

       First blot up as much of the tea as possible with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. If the carpet has been cleaned and a protective coating applied within the last 18 months proceed by moistening the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel, repeat this until stain is removed.
For tea with milk and sugar, unprotected carpets, or if stain still remains, continue with following steps. Moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and repeat until stain is gone, then moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel and repeat this final step one additional time. If milk and sugar were in tea, spray affected area with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray.

If the stain still remains there are some oxidizing processes that may work. If this is a natural fiber carpet such as wool or any regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon or acetate this process should be left to a professional cleaner. For Synthetic fibers you may use a slow 10 hour oxidizing process. You will need to mix 4 oz. of  3% hydrogen peroxide with ¼ teaspoon of non-sudsing ammonia mix together in a pistol pump type spray bottle and moisten the spot. Cover with a dark color plastic garbage bag and weight it down with a book so air and light can’t get to it. Lift bag and check every hour on the hour. When stain appears gone moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towel. This step is very important as this will contaminate the peroxide and neutralize the oxidizing process of the peroxide that has been enhanced with ammonia. Failure to complete this step will result in color loss to the carpet over time as the peroxide will continue to oxidize the dyes in carpet.

Urine

       First put on a pair of latex gloves. Next blot up as much of the urine as possible with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. Moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, repeat this procedure a minimum of five times. Moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, moisten the carpet with Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally spray affected area of carpet with Lysol Disinfectant Antibacterial Spray.

Wax

       It is possible to remove wax from carpet successfully without professional chemicals and equipment only if the wax has not penetrated deep into the carpet fibers. If the wax is on the surface this procedure will usually be successful. Some items needed are not listed in the items list above but are as follows: an iron, a small tray, a stop watch or some sort of timing device, enough electrical cord to reach spot, and a number of brown paper bags such as shopping bags or terry cloth towels.
First double over either a brown bag or a terry cloth towel and spread it over the area. Place tray on carpet within arms reach of spot but not in the way of a comfortable work area of spot. Plug in iron and stand it up in an upright position on tray. Before turning on make sure that your electrical cord does not obstruct your ability to go back and forth from tray to spot with any chance of entanglement. Turn on iron and set heat on warm (one of the lower settings no more than 1/3 of the way up the dial), and stand it back up in an upright position on tray. Once iron has come up to heat place it on the bag or terry cloth towel which is spread over wax spot, and let sit for no more than one (1) minute. The wax will be absorbed onto the paper or towel. Stand up iron back on tray and discard paper or towel. You may have to repeat this process numerous times for a desired result. If you get to a point where there are only slight traces left and they appear to be a little deeper in carpet, you may attempt to remove by moistening the carpet with Solvent Solution and blot or lightly scrape away remaining wax.

Wine

       First blot up as much of the wine as possible with white paper towels until no moisture is transferring into the towels. Second moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, repeat this procedure 2 additional times. Next moisten the carpet with Detergent Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, repeat this procedure until the color of the wine stops showing as the moisture is transferring back into towels. Next moisten the carpet with Ammonia Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels, and finally moisten the carpet with Vinegar & Water Solution and blot until no more moisture will transfer into paper towels.