Please use this set of guides to assist you with any carpet emergency. There are more guides in the menu to the right.

Click here for Pet Stains.

Acid Substances
Strong acids, such as battery acids and some tile cleaning compounds, if spilled on a carpet, require prompt action to prevent serious damage. First, flush the affected area with water. Sponge up the excess and repeat the process several times until the acid has been diluted and washed away. Finally, sponge the area with a solution prepared by adding one (1) tablespoon of baking soda to one (1) quart of warm water. Rinse again. Dry the carpet as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Blood
To remove blood, use only cool cleaning solutions to prevent setting the stain. Removal of bloodborne pathogens may require the assistance of a carpet cleaning professional.

Burns
Burn damage can be remedied only by reweaving, retufting, or resectioning the damaged area. However, the appearance of an area of charred carpet can be improved by carefully clipping off blackened ends of tufts using small, sharp scissors. Trim surrounding tufts to minimize indentation.

Dye Stains
Many beverages, medicines, cosmetics, foods, and other liquids contain dyes. These dyes may be absorbed into the fibers making removal very slow or impossible. Follow dye spot removal procedures on the spot chart. If removal does not appear to be possible, call your carpet cleaning professional for advice. Sometimes the stain can be hidden by spot dyeing, retufting, or by repairing the affected area.

Fingernail Polish
Use a non-acetate fingernail polish remover. Apply a small amount of the fingernail polish remover to a white cloth, and work in gently - do not rub - working from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Allow to remain on the spill a few minutes. Be patient, blotting the area several times. Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the carpet fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling. Whenever using a cleaning solution on your carpet, make sure you pre-test the spot removal solution (for color transfer to the cloth or damage to the carpet) in an inconspicuous area.

Ink (Ballpoint Pen)
Follow recommended procedures on the Spot Removal Chart to contain the spill using rubbing alcohol as the dry cleaning solvent. Rubbing alcohol (90% isopropyl) can be used as a dry cleaning solvent by applying with a cloth or towel. Do not pour rubbing alcohol directly onto the carpet.

Mustard
Some mustards contain very strong dyes that are difficult to remove. It may be necessary to remove the stained area and reinsert an undamaged section of carpet.

Rust
Rust almost always requires professional service because the chemicals required are hazardous when used improperly. If the stain is fresh, the spot removal procedures on the stain chart may be successful.