Emergency Spot Tips

• Do not scrub a carpet when a spill, or pet accident occurs. Scrubbing can fray the carpet fibers, and push the item you are trying to remove, deeper.
• Do absorb the spill by pressing a towel into the carpet to absorb the moisture. It is best not to use a colored towel as they can transfer color to the carpet.
• Do not reach for store-bought carpet cleaning products. These products typically recommend testing in an area for colorfastness. That means they can actually remove the color from the carpet, and I am not talking about the wine. These products can actually bleach color from carpets and set stains. So avoid them.
• Do use a mixture of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 1 part water to remove most problem spots and spills around the house.
• Do not add dish soap to the vinegar and water mixture.

If you are looking to remove nail polish from the carpet proceed with caution these products can damage your carpet. You can use hairspray to remove both ink and nail polish. You can also use non-acetone nail polish remover for nail polish. It is best to use a q-tip for removing nail polish as opposed to a cotton ball or rag. Remember not to scrub as this can push the nail police deeper into the carpet. This can be done with special area rugs as well. Important: When you are done make sure to use a mixture of vinegar and water (equal parts), to neutralize and remove the hairspray, or nail polish remover.

Quickly, sop up the spot as much as possible, then pour distilled white vinegar directly on top of the spot. You can also use club soda. Let it sit for about 3 minutes and then blot up, or suction out with a shop-vac. If you do not have a shop-vac and feel that you did not remove enough moisture mound cornstarch over the spot. The cornstarch will act as an absorbent and lift the moisture from the rug. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Then break up the cornstarch once it is dry and vacuum. You may need to brush the carpet with a scrub brush to loosen some of the cornstarch, and vacuum again.

Shop-vac the up as much of the diarrhea, urine, or vomit first. Then use a towel or paper towel to press down into the spot to absorb any remaining moisture if it is still wet. Spray, or pour on the 1 to 1 mixture of water and vinegar liberally, and let it sit for 2 minutes. Shop-vac again, and or use a towel to blot up the moisture. Do not scrub the area!

Warm salt water can remove blood. Bring water to a boil and 2 cups of water to a boil and dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in it. Let it cool to warm before applying the mixture to the carpet. Boiling water can set the stain, but warm water will not. Use the same technique of spraying or pouring over the spot and letting it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then Shop-vac or blot out. IMPORTANT: Make sure the salt is completely dissolved before applying it to the carpet or you run the risk of fraying your carpet fibers.

You can use white wine, club soda, or 1 part vinegar to 1 part water, to remove red wine as long as the spot is still wet. Dab up as much moisture as you can, and then pour a small amount of one of the mentioned liquids. Let sit about a minute and use a towel to press into the spot and absorb the moisture.