Handy Spotting Chart for Carpets & Upholstery

Listed below are some general spot removal procedures. If the origin of the spot is unknown, begin with Step #1. Be sure you first test any cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area of the carpet, looking for color or fiber distortion. If you have any questions or problems, please call us! We're experts in spot removal.

Use the following home cleaning solutions:
Detergent Solution: (Only to be used if you're out of a good carpet spot remover) Mix 1 qt. of water with 1/4 teaspoon hand dishwashing detergent that doesn't contain lanolin or bleach. Dawn or Joy are safe detergents.
Ammonia Solution: 1/2 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia.
White Vinegar Solution: 2/3 cup of water with 1/3 cup of white vinegar.

General Spotting Procedures
Step #1: Unknown and Greasy Spots. Remove as much of the material as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife. Apply ribbing alcohol to a clean white cloth and use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no more color transfer is apparent. Don't allow the alcohol to penetrate the base of the fibers, as it will dissolve the latex bonding material. Never scrub the carpet - permanent fiber distortion may result. If the spot is removed, go to step #3 to remove any residue.
Step #2: Water Based Spots. Blot up as much of the spill as possible. A shop vacuum is useful if a large quantity of liquid was spilled. If spot has dried, saturate the tops of the carpet fibers in the affected area with tap water. (Do not over wet) Allow to remain for about 1 minute and blot until spot is completely removed. Repeat as necessary. If not completely removed, go to step 3.
Step #3: Remove as much of the material as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife. Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot and blot with a clean white cloth. Continue until the spot is removed, Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle and blot dry. Repeat. If some stain still remains, moisten the tufts with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for 1 hour. blot and repeat until spot is removed. No rinsing of peroxide is necessary. Specialized Spotting Procedures
A. Blot with white paper towel or cloth, then neutralize with an ammonia solution, saturating the spot but not wet enough to soak the backing. Blot to remove excess moisture. Proceed to step 3 of the general spotting procedures. Note: All solutions used for removing blood must be cold.
B. Blot with white paper towel or cloth, then neutralize with the white vinegar solution, saturating the spot, but not wet enough to soak the backing. Blot to remove excess moisture, then proceed to step 3 of the general spotting procedures.
C. Remove as much of the material as possible by scraping with a spoon or dull knife. Blot up as much of the material as possible, then spray the affected area with the ammonia solution. Blot to remove excess moisture, then proceed to step 3 of the general spotting procedures.
D. Spread brown paper - such as a non-printed grocery bag - or a white terry cloth towel over the area and iron with the setting on warm. The wax will be absorbed into the paper or towel. Remove any remaining traces with rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning fluid. Rinse with water and blot dry.
E. Freeze the gum using several ice cubes in a plastic bag;. Shatter the frozen gum with a knife handle and vacuum up the pieces. Remove any remaining traces with rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning fluid. Rinse with water and blot dry.
F. Remove as much of the nail polish as possible by scraping with a spoon or dull knife. Apply nail polish remover to a clean white cloth and gently blot. Continue until the polish is removed. Do not allow nail polish remover to penetrate the latex backing. Proceed to step 3 of the general spotting procedures.
G. Vacuum gently, using the crevice tool on the vacuum cleaner. Proceed to step 1 of the general spotting procedures.