Acetone
Acetone is the primary ingredient in many non-oily fingernail polishes and removers. It evaporates very rapidly and is highly flammable. Acetone dissolves acetate fibers. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water; blot with lukewarm water with a white towel; blot dry with a dry white towel. Because Acetone is such a strong solvent if it penetrated into the backing of the carpet the carpet may buckle up and come unglued.
Acne Medicine
Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpet. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water blot with lukewarm water with a white towel blot dry with a dry white towel .
Alcohol
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Ball Point Pen Ink
Absorb all ink on surface with dry white unprinted paper towels. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover or blot with Gum, Tar & Grease Remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Beer
BBlot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Berry Stain
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity has spilled apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day before attempting removal. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. At your own risk, you can apply household peroxide to the stain and allow to dry overnight - this may bleach out the carpet!
Bleach
Permanent color damage will occur except on most solution-dyed fibers. Bleach dissolves wool! Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. To neutralize the bleach with an anti-chlor make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area and work in. NOTE: while rare, this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.
Blood
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. If not fully removed apply household Hydrogen Peroxide (the 3% drugstore variety) to the stain and blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. NOTE: Sometimes the Hydrogen Peroxide will bleach out the carpet fibers. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Butter
Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Chalk
Chalk is Calcium Carbonate. Carpenter’s chalk is simply chalk with a pigment dye added for visibility, but is usually impossible to remove. First thoroughly vacuum. Chalk is readily soluble in mild acid. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. If any stain from carpenter’s chalk is left blot with Alcohol.
Chewing Gum
Place several ice cubes in a plastic bag and press against the chewing gum so that it gets brittle and can be pulled or broken off. Small bits can be cut out. For any remaining gum, blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Scrape up residue. Re-clean with the dry cleaning fluid.
Chocolate or Creme de Menthe
Scrape off excess and absorb. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Coffee / Tea
Blot spilled coffee or tea immediately with a white towel or white paper towel. Mix 1 teaspoon mild detergent, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 quart of warm water. Apply the solution to the spot and let dry. Apply dry-cleaning fluid. Vacuum gently after the carpet is dry.
Cola Drink - Soft Drink
A soft drink spill is usually deep into the backing and wicking with attendant resoiling can be a major problem. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Cough Medicine or Syrup - Vitamins (Liquid) - Children’s Medicine
Blot with Alcohol until totally removed. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Crayon
For upholstery stain, press transparent tape against the crayon marks to remove them. Scrape loose crayon off and pick up large pieces. Vacuum thoroughly WITHOUT brush agitation. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Any remaining color can usually be removed by blotting with Alcohol.
Egg (Raw)
Immediately scrape off all excess. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day
Fabric Softener
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Food Coloring - Kool-Aid® - Popsicle
For dry food dyes such as some Easter egg dye powders, THOROUGHLY vacuum before proceeding with any wet techniques. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Furniture Polish
If liquid, blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Grape Juice
If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. If any stain remains blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Gravy
Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Grease (vehicle)
Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Hair Dye
Hair dye is one of the most severe stains there is for carpet and can seldom be thoroughly removed! Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Replacement of the stained section may even be necessary.
Ice Cream
Scrape up residue. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Ink (Permanent) - Felt Tip Markers
Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel
Ink (Washable)
If a heavy spill, scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover on a white towel..
Ketchup - Catsup
Scrape up residue. Apply a damp WHITE towel to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Scrape up unabsorbed residue. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Lipstick
Scrape up residue. Remove all loose material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Mascara
Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Mildew
If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), spray bleach onto the mildewed area & leave 1 hour; blot with water; dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces! If not 100% solution dyed olefin, blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Milk
If souring has occurred, professional treatment or removal of the affected section of the pad will be necessary. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. If heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Mustard
Because it contains a disperse dye, mustard is very difficult to totally remove, especially with polyester. If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), scrape up residue, spray bleach onto the stained area leave 1 hour blot with water, dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces! For other surfaces scrape off loose material. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Nail Polish
Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water.
Orange Drink
If a heavy spill leave a weighted moist towel on the spot overnight. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Paint (Latex)
If wet and on surface, blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Paint (Oil Based) - Varnish
If wet, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If dry, scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Potting Soil
Let dry completely before treating. Dry vacuum until all soil is removed. Soil may contain fertilizers and insecticides which often leave permanent stains. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Rust
Vacuum up loose rust. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a of WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Shoe Polish (Liquid)
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel
Shoe Polish (Wax or Paste)
Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.
Silly Putty®
Scrape up residue. Blot with alcohol on a white towel.
Urine
Scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a WHITE absorbent towel saturated with white vinegar. Apply a WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Severe cases will require pad replacement cleaning and deodorizing the backing cleaning and deodorizing and sealing the underlayment. NOTE: On wool, urine frequently bleaches out the dyes especially if not immediately treated
Vomit
Vomit is strongly acidic and can severely stain carpet and upholstery. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day.
Water Colors
Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Wax (Candle / Paraffin)
On nylon carpet only place a white towel on the area. Heat an iron to medium and set on the towel for thirty seconds. Move the towel as needed. CAUTION: This procedure can damage the carpet if not done very cautiously. If unable to use the above hot iron technique blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.
Window Cleaner (Windex® etc.) - Glass Cleaner
Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners especially in bright sunlight. Blot with Alcohol
Wine
If a heavy spill apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area and weight down with a flat heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with white wine on a white towel. If unsuccessful make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye’s Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area. Place a pan of hot water on the stain overnight. NOTE: while rare this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel
