Here are some general guidelines that must be followed in removing spots and stains from carpet:
- Unless the spot or stain problem is soot or other carbon material, it is normally best to simply clean the carpet first and then treat any remaining spots and stains - because most will come out with the cleaning, plus the excess material must be removed for the spotter to be fully effective.
- Pretest all spotters in an inconspicuous area for colorfastness.
- Avoid over wetting. Over wetting may cause damage to the backing (delamination) and may result in the spot wicking back up within a few days.
- Do nothing when trying to remove the spot or stain from the carpet to void the warranty.
- BLOT, do not rub or you will distort the carpet tufts!
- Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading of the spill.
- Use clean, white, absorbent towels.
- Use drip-spout bottles and apply to the towel - do not pour spotters onto the carpet or upholstery. Solvent spotters may dissolve fabric adhesives or backing. Keep your spotter bottles in your carpet Spotting Kit for Professional Carpet Cleaners by Pro’s Choice and off the carpet.
- If removing a spot or stain on a zippered upholstery cushion, place a dry absorbent towel under the fabric.
- Never put wet cushions back onto the sofa or on carpet. “Tee-Pee” them on traffic lane paper and allow to dry.
- To avoid water rings on a cushion when removing a spot, clean the entire cushion face rather than just a spot.
- Unless otherwise instructed, extract after removing spots and stains from carpet, rugs or upholstery.
- Unless otherwise instructed, dry as quickly as possible. Use extra dry strokes and blowers or hair dryer.
- For a heavy spill on carpet, after blotting and extraction, leave a folded clean weighted towel or Stain Blotter Anti-Wicking Absorbent Powder on the area overnight to prevent wicking as the last step. This is because MOST of the spot is actually in the pad and backing!
- For extreme wicking problems from spills, such as in a cafeteria or lunchroom, on loop pile carpet, dry bonnet the area after cleaning, do an acid rinse (Brown Out flush) and apply ARA Anti Resoiling/ Anti Wicking Agent.
- Extraction cleaning with SCR Soil Crystallization Rinse Encapsulation Extraction Carpet Cleaner instead of your normal detergent or bonnet cleaning with Brush and Bonnet may also very significantly reduce reappearing spots and stains.
- Extremely heavy, large spills may require the use of the Water Claw® Sub-Surface Carpet Spot Lifter, a tool designed to flush contaminants out of BOTH the carpet backing and pad, followed by Stain Blotter.
- Increase fresh airflow when using solvents and avoid breathing the vapors.
- When using solvents such as Saf-T-Solv™ Dry Volatile Solvent Spotter, always wear rubber gloves.
- Avoid doing anything that would make the carpet spot or stain YOUR problem by making it bigger or making it a different color or by causing any damage.