CARPET CLEANING

Do you offer emergency cleaning advice?

Of course. Accidents will happen. If something gets spilled on your carpet, take prompt action to prevent staining. You will need some clean white absorbent cloth, or kitchen towel and the four basic solutions listed below. (Please check that your carpet is colourfast, and safe to clean, by testing all solutions in an inconspicuous area before application)

1. Dry Cleaning Solution - Surgical Spirit

2. Detergent Solution - One teaspoonfull of gentle detergent for washing woollens to half a pint (0.75 litres) of warm water.

3. Detergent and Vinegar Solution - Add one tablespoon of white (not malt) vinegar to the Detergent Solution.

4. Ammonia Solution - One teaspoonfull of branded household ammonia (available from hardware stores), to one cup of warm water.

Tackle the stains as follows:

1. Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods and Urine. Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent Vinegar Solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry cloths frequently. See below for final rinse procedure.

2. Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, and Vomit. Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.

3. Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil, Ointment, and Shoe Polish. Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.

4. Uknown stains. Scrape up or blot surplus spillage. Use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by clean luke warm water . Blot dry. If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.

Final Rinse Procedure

This rinse procedure is applicable to all the above methods of stain removal. Simply mix one-part white vinegar and four-parts water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained area. Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture. Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) over the affected area and place a weight, such as a heavy book, directly on top. This will help moisture residue to soak into the towels. Leave overnight and repeat if necessary.

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