Common Spots and Stains

Common Spots and Stains - a few hints and tips

I was often asked advice regarding the removal of spots, stains and other unsightly marks from carpets and upholstery. The problem is that it's difficult to be specific in recommending a course of action as there are so many different carpet and fabric types - carpets can be wool, wool/nylon mix, nylon, polypropylene, rayon and even silk and cotton, whilst fabrics are even more diverse in their makeup, ranging from canvas through cotton and nylon to silk, fine wool and brocaded or embroidered varieties. There are a few fairly universal do's and don't though, which are as follows:-

1. Act QUICKLY. If you happen to spill something on your carpet, blot it immediately using a highly absorbent product such as paper kitchen towel. Use firm pressure and change the paper towel frequently. If you're quick, you'll find that most if not all of the spill has gone without leaving a mark.

2. Use COLD water. If the spillage has stained the carpet, do not use hot water to try and remove it! In most instances this will fix the dye contained in the spillage (i.e. red wine) causing it to become 'fixed' and you may never be able to remove it successfully! Cold water will cause little damage to most fabrics which could easily be ruined using hot water!

3. Do NOT rub or scrub. This merely spreads the spillage and increases the size of any residual staining. If the spillage is large, work from the outside to the centre to prevent spreading the stain.

4. Do NOT use chemicals. Chemical stain removers should only be used when the liquid spillage has been absorbed and then only when you are sure of (a) what the spillage was and (b) what carpet or fabric type is affected. On no account use household bleach - and you'd be surprised at the number of people that do.........with disastrous results!

5. Once you have removed the spillage, you will be left with one of two results. If the above steps are followed, you may be relieved to find that no staining has occurred If staining is present, at least you will have the consolation of knowing that it could have been a lot worse if you hadn't followed the guidelines!

Although as I've said it is most difficult to give accurate and precise instructions for residual spot and stain removal due to the variety of yarns and fabrics, some measures which are usually effective for most kinds of spots and stains can be viewed by clicking here.

Lastly, another hint that you should really take notice of! If you're in any doubt about how to tackle a spot or stain, and our little chart can't help, then it's time to call in a professional cleaner. They may cost you money but it won't be as much as a new carpet!

The last word - remember!

Act quickly,
don't scrub,
blot the spill up immediately.

You'll be surprised at how often this will prevent staining altogether!

Got any tips for stain cleaning? This is one area of cleaning that has as many remedies as there are causes - so why not share yours with our site visitors? Simply use our form to send us your remedy!

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