Emergency Spot Removal Steps
Below are the steps for proper spot/spill removal from soft furnishings. If you feel overwhelmed with the procedure simply give us a call @ 781-995-0683-We’ll be happy to help. Also, don’t forget to order our Home Pro Spotter pictured in the right of this screen. This is a great water-based spotting agent that all homeowners should keep close by.
A quick note about Safety: Although solvent-based spotters are available to the public please use caution. Solvent spotter can trigger asthmatic reactions, burn skin and damage eye tissue if splashed. Most importantly, solvent spotters are extremely flammable. Only use these spotting agents in a well ventilated area and never near an open flame. SAFETY is Rule #1
- Act Quickly: Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment; so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet (or Oriental Rug) is completely stain proof.
- Blot Liquids: Blot with a dry, white absorbent cloth or white paper towel. For spills that are “clumpy”, like peanut butter use a spoon to scoop-up the large pieces prior to blotting.
- Do not Scrub: Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Pile distortion is a permanent condition. For semi-solid, gently scrape up with a spoon. For solid matter thoroughly vacuum the spill before applying any liquid.
- Pretest: Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for one minute. Examine the carpet/fabric and the cloth for any transfer of dye, color change or visible damage. If any damage or changes occur another spotting solution should be selected.
- Less is More: Because you may be some what successful with a small amount of spotting agent a large quantity will not necessaily remove more of the spill.
- Work From the Outside: Start from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.
- Continue with What’s Working: Use the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions you have if the first solution removes the spill. Take your time, be patient. Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same steps several times.
After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely rinsed out. Apply several layers of white paper towels or terry cloth over the wet area and weigh down with a flat, heavy object-this with pull up the moisture into the cloths. Periodically rotate a dry cloth over the wet area for several hours or overnight.
If complete removal isn’t happening give us a call. We may be able to talk you through a more advanced spotting procedure.
For more tips and advice on how to protect your Oriental rugs, wool carpeting, drapery and upholstery please give us a call at 781-995-0683 or visit: www.regalfabriccare.com
“A Clean, Healthy Home ( & office)…GUARANTEED!”
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