Stain Tips: DIY Guide

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YOUR BASIC SPOT REMOVAL KIT

We are Mansfield Ohio’s Only Carpet Cleaning Company that tells you Insiders Secrets on how to remove spots and spills! The key to successful spot removal is getting to it as quickly as possible. Keep this page bookmarked, or make a copy of it so you will be able to refer to it when you need it. Be sure to let your friends and family know about this spotting guide so they will be able to use it as well.

THE 6 STEPS TO REMOVING SPOTS

Keep the following items on hand so you will be prepared to handle fresh spills on your carpet: Neutral dish detergent such as a CLEAR Joy® or Dawn® (dilute 20:1); clear household ammonia; white vinegar (dilute 1:1); wet spotter such as our orange spotter, dry spotter such as Dissolve®; paint thinner; hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for bleaching; denatured or isopropyl alcohol; a good supply of white terry cloths; and a spotting brush. If you have pets, stock a bacteria/enzyme digester such as Vet Trust wet/dry vac is great to have as well.

Catch it while it’s fresh, when chances of removal are 75% better. Don’t iron or hot-air dry until the stain is gone. Heat will set most stains.
First blot up all the liquid and scrape up all the solids you can. On a large liquid spill you can use a wet/dry vac. Be careful not to spread the stain.
Test any chemical you intend to use in a hidden area to make sure it won’t discolor or damage the surface.
Apply spotter and work from the outside of the stain in, to avoid spreading. Blot, don’t scrub; strike with the flat face of a spotting brush if needed to help break up the stain.
Rinse chemical spotters out with water, blot the area dry and feather the edges. Brush or fluff up pile or nap.
On carpet and upholstery, put a thick pad of toweling over the spot, weight it down with books, and leave it there overnight to “wick up” any remaining moisture.

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. A professional may be required to re-glue the carpet or replace the damaged area.

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 such as Carbona® or Energine® 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 . A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.

Alcohol

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If unsuccessful, refer to 6 Steps to Removing Spots

Asphalt / Driveway Sealer / Parking Lot Sealer / Creosote

If not removed when fresh yellow stain from asphalt off parking lots and driveways is nearly impossible to completely remove without delaminating the carpet. This yellowing is particularly obvious with blue and gray carpet.

For small areas blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine 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 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.

Ball Point Pen Ink

Absorb all ink on surface with dry white unprinted paper towels. 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. 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

Blot 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!

BHT Yellowing

BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene) is a preservative used in rebond pad (and bread). With stain-resistant nylon carpet sometimes BHT turns the carpet yellow especially under throw rugs under low-lying furniture and in closets. Apply a solution of 10% Citric Acid (1 pound per gallon). Citric Acid is available at some drugstores. Leave overnight. Vacuum.

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.

Browning / Jute Stain

A carpet or rug, particularly wool, will sometimes gain a brown tint on the tips if cleaned with an overly strong high pH detergent. This will sometimes occur particularly on wool if the carpet is left wet too long after cleaning, spill, flood, etc. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

Butter

Scrape up residue. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine 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.

Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Ice Melt Salt Snow Melting Compound

If dry thoroughly vacuum first. If wet blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent 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.

Carbon Black/ Fingerprint Dust / Dry Photocopier Toner / Soot

It is EXTREMELY important that you NOT get this type of material wet initially! Vacuum thoroughly until you see no more then vacuum some more! Be sure to clean off the vacuum cleaner brush when done! Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® 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 dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

Carbon Paper

Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® 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 lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. NOTE: Some carbon paper inks are more readily removed with Alcohol than with dry cleaning fluid.

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 such as Carbona® or Energine®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 / 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.

Clay / Red Clay

Thoroughly vacuum. If from a flower pot, blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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 stains 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 such as Carbona® or Energine® 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.

Crepe Paper Dye / Felt Pad Dye

Blot with Alcohol. 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.

Dandruff Shampoo

Frequently contains sulfur compounds which may turn the fibers permanently brown. 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.

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.

Ether

Caution – Ether is extremely flammable and will severely damage the integrity of the carpet backing. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Towel used will be very flammable until it has dried.

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 such as Carbona® 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.

Furniture Stain

If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If down in the backing it is highly unlikely that you will get all of the stain out. The fibers will probably be permanently stained. If dry, blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® 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 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.

Gentian Violet

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 dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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 such as Carbona® or Energine® 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)

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.

Insecticides

Most insecticides permanently stain bleach or discolor carpet fibers with little chance of restoring the carpet to the original color. Vacuum thoroughly. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®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.

Iodine / Betadine®

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol.

Fuel Oil / Gasoline / Kerosene

If heavily spilled on upholstery or into the backing and pad of a carpet elimination of the odor is very difficult. Pad or filler material will have to be replaced. 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 dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine®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 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.

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.

Lacquer / Linseed Oil

If wet, absorb with dry white towels. Scrape up any dried material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® or 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. 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 such as Carbona®or Energine® 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

Merthiolate

Blot with Alcohol. 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 absorbent 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. NOTE: Black mildew on fabric indicates probable severe irreversible damage. Be extremely careful – the fabric is probably very weak!

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.

Mucilage / Mucous

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. 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.

Mustard

Because it contains a disperse dye, mustard is very difficult to totally remove. 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 such as Carbona® or Energine® 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. CAUTION: Amyl Acetate, Acetone and most nail polish removers are highly flammable and dissolve acetate fibers.

Oil (Petroleum)

Blot with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® 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. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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 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.

Phenol (1%)

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.

Rubber Cement

Scrape up residue. 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 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.

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. 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)

Soil Filtration Lines

These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard around furnace vents etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited on the fibers as the air moves under walls closed doors etc. It is extremely difficult if not nearly impossible to thoroughly remove soil filtration lines from very light carpet. Very thoroughly vacuum. 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.

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 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.

Glass Cleaner / Window Cleaner (Windex® etc.)

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.

Stain Tips: DIY Guide

Louann steiner

December 13, 2022.

Very happy with the ductwork cleaning services.

Gloria Turner

December 5, 2022.

Very professional. The employee was on time and very personable. Did a remarkable job.

Ralph Peckham

November 30, 2022.

They did an excellent job of cleaning our sofa. They were efficient, friendly, and thorough. We'll definitely use them again. Their technician Luke is an excellent worker.

Rosemary Reidel

November 25, 2022.

We had our couch and chair cleaned earlier this week. Luke and Tabitha did a great job and were very friendly and professional! The couch and chair came out looking like new! Thanks for a great job!

Abby Brokaw

November 12, 2022.

Luke and Tabitha were phenomenal! They did an excellent job and were very professional. Would highly recommend!

Diane Clever

November 7, 2022.

We had our furnace ducts clean and sanitized. They arrived on time, very professional and left everything clean. We would definitely use Shambaugh again. A big thank to Terry and Jonathan.

Alicia Schulz

November 4, 2022.

My carpet is 35 years old and has seen children raised and dogs and cate come and go. I've used Shambaugh from the beginning. Shambaugh, with their excellent cleaning and scotchguarding services, has kept it looking, if not "like new", at least very respectable looking. Downright shocking how good it continues to look. It is always a pleasure to deal with the company, from the real person who answers the phone to the guys who do the work -beginning with the dad, then the son, now courteous, efficient guys like Luke and Jonathan.

Mike Musgrove

November 3, 2022.

Very pleased with the carpet cleaning. Luke and Tabitha did a professional job and were very friendly. Would definitely recommend this company!

Kaylee Becker

October 21, 2022.

I am writing this on behalf of my grandfather Tom Shaffer. He does not have computer services but wanted to Thankyou for a very nice job that you did on his carpet! He would highly recommend to others.

The Mansfield, Ohio Area's Preferred Cleaning & Restoration Company Since 1985