Helpful Tips!

“THE POULTICE”

The following is the single most important common food and beverage stain remover. Follow these few simple steps and it will extend the life of your carpet and save you money in the long run.

1. Immediately scoop up, or lift off as much of the soiling material as possible. Then BLOT, do not rub, the affected area with a clean, WHITE absorbent cloth or paper towels to remove excess moisture. BLOT from the outer edge of the soil toward the center
2. Wet the soiled area with cold water. Use ample water but not so much that the carpet backing is soaked. BLOT excess with clean white towel or paper towels. (don’t use a brush or sponge). Press down firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. Repeat until no soil is evident on cloth or towels.
3. If soil remains on carpet fiber, make a solution of cold water and mild non-bleach liquid laundry detergent, not dish washing detergent (1/4 teaspoon in 1 cup of cold water). Apply enough to cover stain and tamp (pat) it deep into the carpet with your finger tips and let it soak for about 5 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water and BLOT THOROUGHLY to extract water. Repeat until all detergent is removed. Usually it will require 3 to 4 rinses.
5. Absorb remaining moisture with layers of WHITE paper towels, weighted down over night with non-staining glass or ceramic object. If you must use a book then place a plastic bag between the towels and the book to prevent moisture from penetrating the book.
6. Repeat procedure until completely dry. Then vacuum or brush the pile to restore texture.

GHOST STAIN – After drying, if the soiling reappears, it may be because some soil remained deep in the pile and wicked up to the surface after the poultice was removed and the carpet was completely dry. If so, repeat steps 2, 4, 5, and 6. A discoloration that has remained during this procedure may be a stain (ie. Kool-aid) and not soil, which will require professional assistance.

PET URINE – This procedure works well for urine, vomit and cat hair balls. Follow steps 1–6. If a yellow stain remains call us for professional assistance.