Carpets are subjected to a wide variety of soils depending on the where the carpet is located. Public areas are more frequently marred by chewing gum, candy, grease and oil spots, cigarette burns, food and beverage spills. These soils if left will become very difficult to remove.

There is a lot of difference between a spot and a stain. A spot is a soluble substance that can be easily removed by a normal cleaning process. A stain is a substance that has dyed or altered a fabric or carpet fiber and may not be removed by a normal cleaning process. A stain that is lighter than the fabric or fiber will be very difficult if not impossible to remove due to dye loss.

Prompt action along with the proper removal chemicals and following correct procedures can keep spots under control. Always test the fiber in an inconspicuous area first before using the spot removal chemical. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

There are many good spotting products on the market that are effective at removing both water soluble and oil based spots. These spots removal products will remove most but not all of the spots you will encounter.

Tip: The most important piece of advice is to remove the spot before it becomes a stain. Remember, what may come out today may not come out tomorrow. All manufacturers set out directions on how their spot removal products work and what types of spots they will remove.

General Spot Removal Guidelines

• Always test spotting fluid on carpet fiber before using
• Apply water before and after most spotting procedures except ink.
• Start spot removal treatment as soon as possible.
• Use correct spotting fluid.
• Employ the correct techniques such as starting at the outer edge of the spot and work to the center
• Do not rub or brush to hard. This can result in a distortion of the fiber that will be worse that the spot. Blot or Dab
• Do not overwet by rushing the job – dry up as much as possible by blotting with towels.
• Do not allow the treated area to dry too slowly

Spotting Accessories

Spotting Agent

Product that is able to remove the soil in question. There are available good general spotters that will work equally well on both water and oil based spots.

Drop Cloth

To protect adjacent carpet from spillage, soiled towels, etc.

Rinse water

To flush out spots.

Extraction Equipment.

To aid in rinsing and removing spots.

pH paper

To check the pH of a spot or solution used.

Scissor

To trim fussing or sprouts

Steam Iron

For wax removal and hot transfer process.

“Carpet Spot Removal.” How to Clean Carpet: Steam Cleaning, Rug Cleaner Carpet Care Tip, Repair Carpet Stains, Tiles Carpet, Cleaning Tip, Cleaning Carpet Stain Removal. Web. 04 May 2011. <http://www.carpet-cleaning-tips.com/carpet-spot-removal.html>

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