FIRSTLY, DON'T PANIC!

Accidents do happen and most can be resolved, sometimes without needing to call us.  The advice below (put together with the National Carpet Cleaners Association) is here to help, no matter what the circumstances.

If something gets spilled on to your carpet, prompt action is required to prevent permanent staining.

Be Prepared

As well as the Professional Spotting Products you can purchase from us there are some common things you can have ready to hand in case of spills and stains:

• Clean white absorbent cloth or towel
• Dry Cleaning Solution - Surgical Spirit (usually available from local Chemists)
• Detergent Solution - One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woollens, to half a pint (0.3 litres) of warm water
• Detergent Vinegar Solution - Add one teaspoonful of white (not malt) vinegar to the Detergent Solution
• Ammonia Solution - One teaspoonful of branded household Ammonia (available from hardware stores) to one cup of warm water

General Tips

• Do not over wet the carpet or upholstery into the backing materials
• Always test each product on an inconspicuous area of carpet or fabric prior to treating a stain
• Use products at the recommended dilution ratios
• Scrape up or blot up any excess prior to treatment
• Blot, never scrub or rub the area
• Do not use inappropriate detergents on carpets or upholstery i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, household bleach or disinfectants)
• Always work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading
• Always apply solvents to the absorbent towel, not directly onto the carpet or fabric
• Encourage quick drying (carefully use a hairdryer on mild heat)
• Keep the fabric or carpet as dry as possible.

Alcohol, Tea, Coffee, Liquid Foods or Urine

• Blot up surplus spillage
• If you have our Professional Strength Spot Remover use as per instructions on the can.
• If not use Detergent Vinegar Solution, a little at a time
• Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards
• Frequently blot with dry cloths
• See below for final rinse procedure

Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, Vomit

• Scrape up excess with a blunt knife
• If you have our Professional Strength Spot Remover use as per instructions on the can.
• If not, use a Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge
• Blot dry
• Follow up with Ammonia Solution
• Blot dry
• See below for final rinse procedure

Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil, Ointment, Shoe Polish

• Scrape up excess with a blunt knife
• If you have one use our Grease and Oil Remover Aerosol can as per instructions
• If not, use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent Vinegar Solution
• Blot dry
• See below for final rinse procedure

Unknown Stains

• Scrape up or blot surplus spillage
• If you have one use our Professional Strength Spot Remover as per instruction on the can
• If this isn't successful use our Grease and Oil Remover aerosol as per instructions
• If you don;t have the above products use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by clean luke warm water
• Blot dry
• If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent Vinegar Solution
• Blot dry
• See below for final rinse procedure

Final Rinse Procedure

This is not necessary if you've used our retail products, ie the Professional Spot Remover or Grease and Oil Remover aerosol as per the instructions.  If you have used the DIY remedies then please follow these carefully

• Mix one-part white vinegar and four-parts water
• Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained area
• Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture
• Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) or absorbent cloth over the affected area and place a weight, such as a telephone directory, on top
• Leave overnight and repeat if necessary

Whilst the stain removal guide may be basic, it should help prevent some quite common and expensive DIY stain removal damage. Unfortunately, there can never be a guarantee of complete removal of a stain, but the correct routine will give us the best possible chance of success if you call us in.
REMEMBER: Act Quickly. Scrape up solids, blot up liquids. Take plenty of time, it is worth the effort. Mix the solution accurately and test it on an out of the way piece of carpet. Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre. Dab or blot rather than scrub or rub. And, most importantly, NEVER OVER-WET.
NOTE: We are aware that some new carpets have been subjected to anti-static and soil-resistant treatments. Even when these have been applied, it is wise to follow the stain removal procedures suggested.