Asphalt, Barries, Calamine lotion, Candy, Chewing gum, Crayon, Drink Mix, Dirt, Fat, Fruit juice, Furniture polish, Gravy, Grease, Hand lotion, Ink, Lacquer, Make up, Mayonnaise, Mud, Oil, Ointment, Paint, Play dough, Rubber cement, Shoe polish, Shortening, Solids, Soot, Tar, Typewriter ribbon, Vaseline, Unknown stain

Before you start…

·       Always read and follow the care instructions and any warnings provided by the carpet manufacturer.

·       Pre-mix and test these solutions first. Apply it to the back corner of a closet and wait for 24 hours to see of there is ant diverse reaction. Do not use if color in the test area marks off on a white paper towel.

Remember to…

·       Scrape up the solids. Blot up the liquids

·       Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre

·       Never over wet

·       Dab rather than scrub or rub hard

·       Never use a circular motion

Perform the following procedures:

1.  Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a white paper towel. If the spot extends deep into the pile, use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no colour is transferred to the towel. Do not allow alcohol to penetrate into the backing, as it will destroy the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface only, rub in one direction at a time. Allow the solution to sit for 5 minutes.

2.  Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. To make the detergent solution, Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with (such as Dawn® and Joy®) with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle.With a white paper towel, use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If the spot appears to be coming out, continue applying detergent and blot until spot is completely removed. Allow the solution to sit for 5 minutes.

3.  Rinse with clear water using a spray bottle. Blot to remove excess moisture, then spray lightly with water, but do not blot again. Apply a pad of paper towels, weigh down with a brick, and then allow the area to dry.

4.  If stain remains on the carpet after blotting, Moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide, Let sit for one (1) hour. Blot repeatedly until the carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water, so rinsing is not necessary. Apply a pad of paper towels and weigh down with a heavy object such as a brick.

For gum, freeze the gum using an ice cube. Shatter the frozen gum with a knife handle and then vacuum.