We Answer Your FAQs — How to Clean Stains and Spots on Your Carpet or Area Rugs

Your family comes to visit. It’s fun and entertaining … and then your clumsy uncle stumbles.

You watch in horror as his just-filled glass and plate tip forward and tumble in slow motion toward your cherished oriental rug. You reach out to stop it … but you can’t.

And just like that, there are spots on your favorite carpet.

But you might be able to clean the stains yourself!

This scenario’s happened to so many people, and it’s the most frequent question I get: how can I properly clean stains and spots on my area rug or carpet?

Well, first things first. Not ALL stains can be removed at home, and certain treatments might actually harm your carpet. Due to the huge number of fabrics and combinations in flooring, it’s best if you call us for individualized suggestions for how to clean your particular carpet.

With that said, there ARE a lot of stains and spots that can be remedied at home.

For home spot removal, you'll need one or more of the following four solutions, and a supply of white absorbent cloth or tissue, depending on the type of spot you're cleaning:

• Detergent solution: Hammond Knoll "Spot Be Gone," or one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent in 1/2-pint of warm water.     
• Detergent/vinegar solution: Add one teaspoon of white vinegar to the detergent solution.
• Ammonia solution: One tablespoon of household ammonia in one cup of warm water. (Avoid a stronger ammonia solution on wool carpet.)     
• Dry-cleaning solvent: Use a solvent such as Energine. Test the solvent on a small, inconspicuous area, then clean the stain by working from the outer edge toward the center.

So looking for specific directions for the stain on your carpet? Here are a few of the most common:

Alcohol and wine stains: blot up the surplus spillage. Use a detergent/vinegar solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain, using a little at a time and blotting it up with dry cloths frequently.

Blood stains: scrape up the excess with a blunt knife. Use a detergent solution, starting at the outer edge and blotting dry. Follow with ammonia solution and blot dry.

Shoe polish, chewing gum, fats, grease, lipstick, nail polish, oil: scrape up with a blunt knife. Use a dry-cleaning solvent followed by detergent/vinegar solution and blot dry.

Chocolate, fruit, gravy, ice cream: scrape up the excess with a blunt knife. Use a detergent solution, starting at the outer edge and blotting dry. Follow with ammonia solution and blot dry.

Coffee, tea, and other liquid foods urine, vomit: blot up the surplus spillage. Use a detergent solution and follow with vinegar. Work from the outer edge of the stain, using a little at a time and blotting with dry cloths frequently.

Remember – this is just a general guide, and for more specific help, please call our professional technicians to give your valuable rugs and carpets the expert care they deserve. … but I still hope this helps keep your house looking clean and fresh!