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Carpet Stain Removal Tips
Most spills will fall into one of three categories:
Water-based (examples: cola, juice, non-greasy food, marker, soil): For water-based stains,
follow Step 1 below. If stain remains, follow Steps 2 and 3 or see products in the TLC Store.
Coffee, Tea and Urine: Follow Step 1 below. If stain remains, proceed directly to Step 3 or
see products in the TLC Store.
Oil-based (examples: butter, mayonnaise, peanut butter, salad dressing, crayon) For these types of stains,
use a product such as Goo-Gone. Then proceed with Steps 1–3 or see products in the TLC Store.
Step 1:
- Gently blot up spilled liquids with a white cloth. For spilled substances, gently scoop up the
substance with a dull-edged spoon.
- To prevent the stain from spreading, work from the outside of the stain to the center.
- Mix a solution of 1/4 teaspoon clear hand dishwashing detergent with 1 cup lukewarm water.
- Apply detergent solution directly to a white cloth. Dampen (do not saturate) the carpet fibers in
the stained area with the cloth.
- Wipe the area gently and, if necessary, use fingertips to work the solution to the base of the stain.
To avoid damaging the carpet fibers, never rub, scrub or use a brush.
- Rinse the area with clear, lukewarm water by applying a cloth dipped in lukewarm water.
- Cover the area with a dry white cloth and blot by applying pressure.
- Repeat rinsing and blotting procedures until all traces of the detergent have been removed.
- If the stain has been removed, place an absorbent white cloth over the clean area and place
a weighted colorfast object on the towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Change cloth until carpet is dry.
- If stain remains, proceed to Step 2 (for coffee, tea and urine, proceed directly to Step 3).
Step 2:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of non-sudsing, non-bleaching household ammonia with 1 cup lukewarm water.
- Apply ammonia solution.
- Rinse and blot as outlined in Step 1. Do not dry.
- Proceed to Step 3 to neutralize.
Step 3:
- Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 cups water.
- Apply vinegar solution.
- Rinse and blot as outlined in Step 1.
If the stain remains, seek the expertise of a carpet technician. Click here for a free technician referral.
» Visit our TLC store for recommended cleaning products
Remember: TLC4theHome recommends testing cleaning products and methods on an inconspicuous area
before attempting on highly visible surfaces.
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