What to do if you have a spill on your carpet
There are ways to remove most spills before they stain the carpeting in your home. For typical, everyday spills, immediately blot the spill with a rag or paper towel to clean up as much of it as possible. Then cover the area with a carpet cleaner. Carpet & Floor Express offers cleaning advice and cleaning products for any floor covering.
Beverages
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension recommends the following procedure for removing tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages from carpeting. One caveat: a commercial carpet cleaner should be used first if the drink contains cream or sugar. To clean up a spill:
● Wipe up promptly and sponge immediately with cool water to dilute the stain.
● Mix 1 teaspoon of mild detergent with 1 cup of lukewarm water.
● Apply the mixture to a clean white cloth and blot the stain.
● Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water and blot the stain.
● Repeat using the detergent and water mixture.
● Sponge with clean water and remove all excess moisture.
More stains
Latex paint can be removed from the carpet with hot water, mild dish detergent, and a stiff-bristled scrub brush. A carpet cleaner should remove a crayon stain. Persistent stains can usually be removed with a small amount of a commercial dry-cleaning solvent made for home use.
Be proactive
Plastic protective film and carpet protector sprays are two items you can use when spills are likely, such as during a family get-together. The film easily adheres to and removes from synthetic carpeting. A spray keeps spills on the surface where they are easy to remove.
Locally-owned Carpet & Floor Express is a progressive carpet store that offers a shop at home service. Other services include installation and product consultation. We serve an area in Maryland that provides for Potomac, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Fairfax, Arlington, and Tysons. So give us a call or stop by our showroom in Rockville. We can help you keep your carpets stain-free.
