Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions we get involve recommended stain procedures. Here is a list of common household stains and spills and the best method for dealing with each:

Cleaning Steps:

Always pre-test in an inconspicuous location fo fabric and dye stability and shrinkage.

Step 1

• Remove solid materials, work from the outside of the stain to the center to prevent spreading.
  
• Blot up liquid spills with a white towel.
  
• Mix 1/4 teaspoon clear hand dishwashing detergent with 1 cup lukewarm water.
  
• Apply detergent solution directly to a white cloth. Dampen the carpet fibers in the stained area with the cloth. Avoid saturating the carpet.
  
• Wipe gently. Turn cloth frequently. Never rub, scrub, or use a brush. This may damage carpet.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Cover the spot with an absorbent white towel and apply pressure to blot.
  
• Repeat the rinsing and blotting procedures until you are sure all traces of the detergent have been removed.
  
• If the stain is gone, plave white paper towels over the spot, and weight towels down with a heavy, colorfast object. Change paper towels until dry.
  
• If stain remains, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2

• Mix 1 tablespoon of non-bleaching, non-sudsing household ammonia with 1 cup of lukewarm water.
  
• Do not use on coffee, tea, or urine stains. Go to Step 3.
  
• Apply Ammonia solution, rinse and blot as outlined in Step 1.
  
• Do not dry with paper towels. Proceed to Step 3.

Step 3

• Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.
  
  
• Apply vinegar solution, rinse and blot as outlined in Step 1.

Don't Do It Yourself!

Do-It-Yourself rug shampooers or "steam cleaning" machines usually do more harm than good. First, they leave most of the dirt and residue behind. Secondly, the shampooer leaves detergent residue in addition to the soil that was already there! Do-It-Yourself, so called "steam" cleaning can cause serious, permanent damage from over wetting.