KB Carpet Cleaners

Removing Food and Liquid Stains on Carpets and Upholstery

Stain Removal Guide

KB Carpet Cleaners Preventive Maintenance Guide: Stain Removal

How do I remove a stain?

Keep these supplies on hand for quick stain response:

  • A solution of a mild liquid detergent (no more than 1/4 teaspoon of detergent to 32 ounces of water). A clear, non-bleach liquid dish washing detergent such as Dawn, Joy, or clear Ivory is recommended. Do not use detergents which are cloudy or creamy because they may leave a sticky residue.
  • A solution of white vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 1 part water).
  • White cloths and white paper towels.
  • An ammonia solution of one tablespoon of ammonia to one cup of water. Do not use on wool.
  • Non-oily nail polish remover.
  • Chewing gum remover.
  • Non-flammable spot remover specifically for grease and oil.
Removing a carpet stain with a cloth

General Instructions

Prompt attention to spots and spills is essential. Follow these steps for best results:

  1. 1Remove as much of food spills as possible by scraping gently with a spoon or dull knife.
  2. 2Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by blotting repeatedly with white paper or cloth towels.
  3. 3Always blot; never rub or scrub abrasively, as a fuzzy area may result.
  4. 4When blotting, work from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the spill.
  5. 5Always follow up with water to remove detergent residue that may become sticky and cause rapid re-soiling.
  6. 6Draw out any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weighing them down with a heavy object that will not transfer color.

Stain Removal Procedures

The following recommendations are for spot cleaning.

A

Water Soluble Stains

  • 1Absorb as much as possible with white towels.
  • 2Blot the stained area with white towels dampened with cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain onto the towels.
  • 3If any of the stain remains, use the detergent solution described above. Spray lightly onto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels, working from the outer edge in toward the center.
  • 4Rinse thoroughly by spraying with clean water, then blot or extract. Do not use too much detergent because the residue will contribute to rapid re-soiling.
B

Oil Based Stains

  • 1Blot as much as possible with white towels.
  • 2Apply the special oil and grease spot remover to a paper towel and repeat blotting. Do not pour or spray directly on the carpet pile, as damage to the backing or adhesive underneath could result; use the towels to transport the solvent to the carpet.
  • 3Repeat as much as necessary. Provide adequate ventilation! Do not use flammable solvents!
  • 4Follow with the water soluble stain procedures above.
C

Gum and Wax

  • 1Freeze stains such as chewing gum and candle wax with ice or a commercially available product in an aerosol can.
  • 2Shatter with a blunt object and vacuum before the chips soften.
  • 3Follow up with solvent as described in the Oil Based Stains procedure above.

Safety reminder: Always provide adequate ventilation when using solvents. Never use flammable solvents indoors. Do not use ammonia solutions on wool carpets or rugs.

Still Can't Get That Stain Out?

Call the professionals. KB Carpet Cleaners serves La Pine, Bend, Sunriver and surrounding areas in Deschutes County.

Call (541)-280-1899