Unexpected drips and spills will happen from time to time. PINNACLE wants to provide you with some tips and steps to take in order to avoid these spills from becoming a permanent part of the carpet. The following information is a list of general guidelines to cleaning up minor spots on your own. If you are in doubt about using any of the procedures on your spill, call us at 604-291-2880, and we'll be more than happy to go over the steps to take on the phone, or send one of our professional spot cleaners out to your home.
Please note that the following guidelines are for carpet only. Due to the delicate nature of most upholstery, we recommend that you have a professional spot clean your furniture.
1. ACT QUICKLY! Taking action as soon as you notice the spot will yield the best results in complete removal. The longer the spot stays on the carpet, the more chance there is of it becoming permanent. Many spills can be removed from carpets treated with a stain-resistant treatment, but only if immediate steps are taken.
2. BLOT! Use only white, absorbent cloths, or white paper towels. (Printing/Colors may transfer)
3. DO NOT RUB! Rubbing or scrubbing the area will usually spread the borders of the spot and make the spot more ingrained into the carpet fibre. It can also lead to carpet fibre damage.
4. PRE-CLEANING. Solids should be broken up and thoroughly vacuumed prior to beginning. Semi-solids can be scraped up gently using a spoon. Liquids can be absorbed with the towelling until dry.
5. PRE-TEST. Any spot cleaning solution should be tested in an inconspicuous area to ensure that the carpet dye and fibres will not be affected adversely. As a general rule, most household stains are acid based, so a slightly alkaline (with a PH of 8-9) cleaning solution should be used. Most household cleaners are suitable. For alkaline-based stains (ie. coffee, tea, pet stains) use a slightly acidic solution, such as diluted vinegar. For oil-based stains, which have no PH (ie. grease, oil), use a solvent such as nail polish remover. Apply several drops to the testing area (such as a closet or corner of the room) and hold a new white cloth on the area for around 10 - 15 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth to determine if there has been any color transfer, change or damage to the carpet fibres. If you notice any of these, select another spot cleaning solution and repeat the test until you find one that passes the test.
6. APPLY TO SPOT. Apply the selected cleaning agent to a white cloth only (never directly on spot) and do not overwet* (see below). Apply to spot and allow for about 10 minutes of dwell time (giving the solution a chance to work at breaking up the spot).
7. WORK FROM THE EDGES IN! After the dwell time, work in the solution gently, from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Blot and absorb as much as possible and repeat if necessary. Change cloths as the spill is transfered to it, and continue to use the same spot cleaning solution. It's important to be patient. It may be necessary to repeat these steps several times in order to completely remove the spot.
8. FINAL STEP. After the spill has been removed completely, thoroughly flush out the area with cold water, and blot with a new dry white cloth until all the cleaning solution is removed from the carpet. Without this step, you may find that any residue left in the carpet will attract soil. To dry the water out of the carpet, weigh down a stack of white paper towels or cloths on the area with a heavy flat object, changing towels as required.
*Most carpets that have been overwet will, when dry, leave a "yellowish/ brownish" stain. This is cellulosis browning and can be easily corrected with a slight misting of a diluted white vinegar solution.