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Emergency Tips

Here are some quick tips for cleanup of spills and spots:

Spill Clean Up
  • Scrape or blot up as much as possible (a large plastic serving spoon is ideal).
  • Press to squeeze spill from subsurface but don't damage fibers by rubbing or scrubbing!
  • Blot or extract gently until spill is almost dry
  • If there is not a spot remaining proceed to rinsing procedure. Protected fibers only need to be rinsed).
  • Poultice the spot until dry. Blot or extract gently until spill is almost dry.
Upholstery Spots
  • Always pretest spotting solutions in an inconspicuous area first.
  • Apply appropriate spotting solution to a spotting towel.
  • Dab the spot lightly. (Don't rub.)
  • Dab with dry part of towel several times. (Don't Rub.)
  • Repeat if there is transfer to towel
  • Rinse: Spray vinegar solution on towel. Dab spot
  • Poultice horizontal surface, use carpet poultice procedure.
  • If on a difficult area, apply towel and clip it to the fabric with a clothes pin, or some type of clamp.
Carpet Spots
  • Always pretest "Spotting Solutions" in an inconspicuous area first.
  • Apply the appropriate spotting agent, if unknown use General Purpose.
  • Spray just enough spotting solution to thoroughly wet out the spot. Do not saturate.
  • Agitate gently, use the bottom of the bottle back and forth several times gently (it is smooth and round and will not damage fibers).
  • Blot. Spot should transfer to the towel. If it does not transfer, you may be using the wrong spotting solution. Rinse and try another one.
  • If you have a transfer, but the spot remains, repeat until stain is gone. Don't saturate the carpet. Blot or extract excess in between steps.
  • Rinse (Spray vinegar solution on area, do not soak)
  • Blot with clean dry towels, until there is little transfer of liquid. Or extract.
  • Poultice: Apply folded clean dry towel and apply heavy weight (spotting solutions kit works very well) over towel - up to 24 hours).
  • Alternative Poultice: Enclosed in the kit is Stain Blotter Powder. It can be applied to the remaining spot (sprinkle on spot ΒΌ" thick and at least 1" around spot).
  • Allow to thoroughly dry (usually 24 hours)
  • Scrape up dried powder and vacuum thoroughly.
Combination and Difficult Stains
Some stains may need more than one application of solution to be removed. Always rinse between using other solutions. After attempting Pet Odor and Stain Remover, and the stain remains, you can try Coffee & Tea Stain Remover. Rinse and allow to dry before attempting. Many food and beverage stains will need both General Purpose and Juice and Dye Remover. Use separately. Be sure to rinse and blot in between using each.
Solutions
BLOT: Never rub or scrub carpet or upholstery. This can permanently distort the fabric or fibers. Blot instead. Place a folded absorbent towel (4 layers thick) or stack of paper towels (10 layers thick) and apply as much pressure as possible until most moisture is absorbed into towels. Repeat with dry towels until very little liquid is absorbed into towels.
EXTRACT: If you have a wet/dry vacuum you may use it to extract spills and use it instead of blotting. Be cautious, do not rub, only extract. You may apply pressure, but lifting slightly prior to moving vacuum head.
POULTICE: Cover with towel or paper towels and apply heavy weight for 12 to 24 hours.