Accidents happen, and cleaning spills promptly can help prevent stains from setting. Begin by removing any solid residue and gently blotting liquids (without rubbing) using a clean rag or paper towel. Work from the outer edges of the spill toward the center to contain the stain. If you notice any dye transferring onto the towel, stop immediately and reach out to us for assistance. Rinse the affected area with cool water using a clean, damp sponge, then blot it dry again. If the stain persists, refer to the guide below for further instructions.
Alchoholic beverages / Soft drinks
- Cold water, carefully following instructions above (“Spills”).
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
Ball-point pen
Dampen a clean towel with isopropyl alcohol and blot stain. Allow to dry. Brush lightly with a solution of water and vinegar.
Blood
- Cold water, carefully following instructions above (“Spills”).
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
Butter / crayon
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
Chewing gum
Press ice cubes against the spot. Wait until it becomes brittle and you can break it off. Remove traces with spot remover.
Chocolate / egg
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
Coffee / tea
- Cold water, carefully following instructions above (“Spills”).
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
Fruits / Juices / Food coloring
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
- Soak in hot water
Furniture polish / Ink
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
Glue
Saturate the spot with a cloth soaked with vinegar or alcohol.
Ice cream
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
Milk / Ketchup
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
Mustard
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
Nail Polish
- Blot with polish remover.
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
Oils / Grease / Soft / Lipstick
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
Urine (fresh)
- Cold water, carefully following instructions above (“Spills”).
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
Urine (old)
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
Unknown stains Small amou
- Small amount of dry cleaning solvent
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- Enzyme detergent solution mixed according to box & rinsed
Wax
Put a brown paper bag over the spot to act as a blotter.Place a hot iron over the bag for a few moments until the wax is absorbed into the paper, being sure to keep the iron moving. Move to a clean area of the bag. Repeat as necessary.
Wine
- Carpet shampoo or detergent solution (1 teaspoon clear dish liquid in 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Always rinse well. Blot dry immediately.
- 1/3 cup white household vinegar in 2/3 cup water
- 1 Tablespooon household ammonia in 1/2 cup water (You must follow this treatment with neutralizing vinegar solution. See below.)