Emergency Spot Tips
Spot Do's & Don'ts
- 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.
Nail Polish
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.
Dyes
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.
Vomit, Urine & Diarrhea
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!
Blood
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.
Wine
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.

Paint
Follow these steps and get a carpet cleaner to your home the same day if possible.
- 1. Immediately use a shop vac to suck up as much paint as you can. Do not try to rub it around with a towel. This will force the paint further into the fibers and embed it there.
- 2. For water-based paints take a spray bottle and spray water over the paint. Use paper towels to sop it up. Do not rub, instead, blot it up pressing it into the carpet. Keep repeating this process until the paint no longer transfers.
- 3. If the stain is still present but is no longer transferring to the paper towel, grab an old damp towel and set it on top of the spot. Keep it damp until your cleaner can get there. Do not walk on it, or rub the carpet. If the paint dries the chances of it becoming permanent go up exponentially.
- Keeping the carpet damp will not work for oil-based paints. These are very difficult to remove and are usually permanent.
- Call us @ 303.993.6751 to schedule immediately.
- Be aware that there is no guarantee we will be able to get the paint completely out, but acting quickly greatly improves your chances.

Ink
While this can remove ink, it is important to be very careful when attempting to remove the ink. This method works best for an accidental mark from a pen. All ink can spread out easily so it is best to attempt removal carefully and stop immediately if it starts to spread out. Avoid attempting this with large ink spills.
Mix 1/4 tsp isopropyl rubbing alcohol with 3/4 tsp water. Then with a q-tip dip it in the solution and slowly apply it to the carpet or upholstery. Gently brush in one direction.