Stain Removal Guide

We know you treasure your rugs and carpets - Here are ways you can take the worry out of owning them. Most common stains can be removed using the guidelines below. We have formulated some common household recipes for cleaning solutions. Scroll to the bottom for cleaning solution recommendations and a step by step general guide to spot removal.
Cleaning solutions you can make yourself.
Use the following five solutions with some white absorbent cloth or paper towels.
 
1. Detergent Solution
Mix 1-teaspoon of clear, mild liquid dishwashing detergent with 1-cup of lukewarm water.
 
2. Ammonia Solution
Mix 1-tablespoon of household ammonia with 1/2 - cup of warm water. (Refrain from a stronger ammonia solution on wool carpet.)
 
3. Vinegar Solution
Mix 1/3 cup of white, household vinegar with the 2/3 cup of water.
 
4. Enzyme Detergent
Commercial enzyme detergent such as Natures Miracle.
 
5. Dry Cleaning Solvent
Commercial volatile dry spotter such as tetrachloroethene. Should Be used by a Professional
 
 
Recommended Procedure:
 
Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area, then tackle the stain by working from the outer edge towards the center and blot, don’t rub. The final spot removal step is always to gently rinse the area with water and then absorb all the remaining moisture with absorbent towels. When finished, place a 1/2 inch pad of white, absorbent paper towels over affected area and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Change absorbent pad until transfer of spilled substance or residue is no longer visible on absorbent pad.
 
 
 
 
Blood
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply cool Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply cool Ammonia solution and blot. Apply Enzyme Detergent, if necessary, and blot. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Chewing Gum
Remove excess with blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot, followed by Detergent solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Chocolate
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply cool Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Ketchup / Tomato Sauce
 
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply cool Detergent solution and blot. Apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Coffee / Tea
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply Detergent solution and blot, and follow with Vinegar solution. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent, if necessary. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Fats
Remove with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Fruit Juice
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Glue
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Use Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Gravy
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Grease
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent solution and blot. Apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Ice Cream
Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Lipstick
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent solution and blot. Apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Milk
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply cool Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Apply Enzyme Detergent, if necessary. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Nail Polish
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Cautiously blot repeatedly with nail polish remover. If stain remains, apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. Apply Detergent solution. Apply Ammonia solution followed by Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Oil
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. Apply Detergent solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Paint
Oil-base: Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent solution. Apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Water-base: Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Detergent solution and blot. Apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. If stain remains, apply Dry Cleaning Solvent. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Shoe Polish
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. Apply Detergent solution. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Soft Drinks
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply cool Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Urine
Blot up as much as possible, if still wet. Apply Detergent solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Vomit
Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Enzyme Detergent and blot. Apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.
 
Wax
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent followed by Detergent solution. Rinse and blot dry. For persistent wax residue, and on nylon carpet only, place a white absorbent towel on the wax area. Heat an iron to "low heat" and place on the towel for 30-seconds to melt and absorb the wax. Move the towel as needed.
Caution: This procedure can damage the carpet if not done very cautiously.
 
Wine
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply cool Detergent solution. If stain remains, apply Ammonia solution and follow with Vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry.