How to Clean Up a Spill without Damaging your Carpet
EMERGENANCY TIPS
- Don’t Panic, but act fast. The longer a spill sits on the fiber the more likely it will penetrate and leave a stain.
- Scrape up the excess with a spoon or dull knife
- Blot with a clean White towel (a stack of paper towels will work in a pinch). Step on them until no transfer takes place. Do not rub!
- Use only cool or lukewarm water to rinse.
The codes in the table below indicate the cleaning agent to be used and the order in which they should be applied. ALWAYS TEST FOR COLORFASTNESS IN AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA PRIOR TO USING.
CLEANING AGENTS
- A = One tablespoon clear ammonia to one half cup water
- D = Blot with PCS Spotter Blotter or mild neutral pH detergent
- E = Dry Cleaning Fluid such as Energine
- F = Fingernail Polish Remover or Acetone
- I = Freeze with Ice Cubes (see #2 above)
- L = Let Dry
- T = Paint Thinner or Turpentine
- V = One third cup white vinegar to two thirds cup water
- W = Water
CLEANING AGENT APPLICATION CHART
| STAINING MATERIAL | CLEANING SEQUENCE |
|---|---|
| Alcohol, Beer, Liquor | D, V, A, W |
| Chocolate | D, A, V, W |
| Coffee, Tea | D, V, W |
| Cosmetics | E, D, A, V, W |
| Crayon | E, T, E, D, W |
| Fingernail Polish | F, E, D, V, W |
| Fruit Juice/Food Dye | D, A, V |
| Glue | D, A, V |
| Grease, Fats, Oil | E, D, A, V, W |
| Gum | E, I, W |
| Ice Cream | D, A, V, W |
| Ink | D, W, A, W |
| Ketchup/Tomato | D, A, V, W |
| Mud | L, Brush, W |
| Mustard | D, V, D, W |
| Paint | T, D, W |
| Tar | E, T, D, W |
| Urine | D, A, V, W |
| Wax | I, E, D, W |
| Wine | D, A, V, W, E |
Linton’s Carpet Cleaning is Licensed, Bonded, and Insured.