SPILL TIPS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CLEANING CARPET SPILLS
BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK...

Regular professional cleaning will extend the life of your carpet, protect your family from irritating allergens and keep it looking its best. But lets face it, spills happen on a regular basis. Spills can lead to stains if not properly treated. The good news; stains from spills can be prevented. As a professional carpet cleaner, I often advise clients on how to care for their carpets. My best advice - - DO NOT USE STORE BOUGHT CLEANING PRODUCTS ON SPILLS. First, there is no store bought product that can be used universally for all spills. Second, you really do not know what is in the product you are using. If combined with other products the results can be disastrous. Some of the products can actually set the stain while others may discolor your carpet. Finally, these products are not cheap so why waste your money on something that probably won't work and may even ruin your carpet. The next time you have a spill, use these basic guidelines:

1. Time is of the essence. The longer the spill sits on the carpet, the more likely it will penetrate and become a stain.
2. Extract as much of the spill as possible. (Scoop with a spoon or use a white towel)
3. Blot, don't scrub or rub. Scrubbing can cause damage to the carpet fiber and may even cause the stain to set permanently.
4. If you need to use water to help you extract the spill, make sure you use warm water. Do not use hot water.
5. If the spill is still visible it is best to make a homemade mild detergent solution. Use mild dishwashing liquid. Make sure it does not contain chlorine or bleach. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of mild dish liquid with 1 cup of warm water. Remember, too much soap can make it difficult to rinse and cause the stain to "wick" back. Apply the solution and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with warm water until all detergent is removed.
6. Use white paper towels or white towels to continue to absorb the water. Put the towels in layers and let them sit on the spill overnight with a heavy object on top of them. Make sure the object is something that will not stain the carpets. This will help the spill "wick up" into the towel during the drying process.
7. When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the carpet. Also frequent vacuuming can prevent soils from building up. Invest in a vacuum with good suction - it will pay off long term.
8. If after this process you can still see a stain, repeat steps 3-7. If the stain persists the best course of action is to call your local professional carpet cleaner. Remember using store bought cleaners and over soaking your carpet can do irreversible damage. The price you pay for "do it yourself" cleaning is much higher than paying a professional to clean and maintain your carpets on a regular basis. No two stains are alike and depending on the carpet fiber, the stain may need special care. Your cleaning professional will be able to individualize the cleaning regimen based on the stain and on your carpet type.

The next time you have a spill or stain and are not sure how to remove it, call Freedom Carpet Cleaning. We will be happy to answer your questions and advise you on properly removing your spills and stains.

978-758-0003