How to Treat Spills on Carpets and Rugs
Spots and spills happen, usually at inconvenient times and definitely at inconvenient locations! We have put together some tips for basic spot cleaning, but if you find you still have questions, feel free to call or email!
3 Questions to Ask Before Spot Cleaning
Before attempting spot cleaning, there are 3 questions to ask yourself:
- What’s it made of?
- What’s happened to it?
- What’s the value of the item?
OK, let’s dig into this for just a minute. What’s it made of? Are you dealing with synthetic carpet? Wool Oriental rug? Silk dining room chair? The wool needlepoint pillow your mother made the year she married your father?
Now, what’s happened to it? Pet urine? Crumbs from the bottom of the chip bag? Muddy paw prints?
Lastly, what’s the value of the item? Not necessarily how much you paid for it, but that can play a part in how you approach a spot cleaning. If a delicate item has sentimental value, you may opt to take it to a professional instead of attempting a spot cleaning. If your entry rug from a big box store has mud tracked in from the dog, you might feel comfortable trying out some spot cleaning.
Armed with an understanding of what you’re working with, it will be easier to decide how to approach your spot cleaning situation.
Spot Cleaning Materials
Once you’ve answered those questions, it’s time to gather your supplies:
- Pettyjohn’s Extremely Clean Spot Cleaning solution
- White cotton towels
- Download the Spill Removal Guide!
Liquid and Solid Spot Cleaning Tips for Carpets & Rugs
Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning as needed can extend the life of your rugs and upholstery while potentially reducing the frequency of professional cleanings. Follow these spot cleaning tips for your carpets and rugs:
Liquid Spill Removal Techniques
Not all spills are created equally. When you have a liquid spill such as water, utilize these spill removal techniques.
1. Blot
In case of urine or large liquid spills, gently blot the affected area with a clean white cotton towel. DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB! You may need to stand on the towel for maximum absorption.
2. Flush and Dilute
After the initial blotting, use a dampened white cotton towel to flush and dilute the affected area. This may take a few rounds. Mist the area with Pettyjohn’s Spotter and wait 5 minutes. Blot again with a clean towel.
3. Saturate
Saturate the affected area with water, using the same amount of liquid that originally affected the area. Place a clean, folded white towel over the affected area, then a cookie sheet, then a weight. Then wait! Wait 24 hours before peeking, or you will interrupt the capillary action! If staining persists, professional extraction may be necessary.
Solid Spill Removal Techniques
Solid spills behave a bit differently than liquid spills. For that reason, you’ll want to treat them differently. Follow these instructions for solid spill removal.
1. Scrape
When you have a solid-type spill such as pizza sauce, gently scrape it with a spoon, working from the outside area to the inside of the affected area. Always scape with the nap/pile of the item, so as not to drive solids further into the pile of the carpet.
2. Blot
Once all solids are removed, there may be a little reside on the fibers. Dampen your towel with cool water. BLOT to remove any remaining residue on the fibers. Use a gentle spotter like Pettyjohn’s Spotter.
3. Dry
Dry the area quickly using air movement. If staining persists, professional extraction may be necessary.
Pettyjohn’s: A Name You Can Trust
The rug cleaning staff at Pettyjohn’s are trained to speak with you about your tufted rugs and what to expect when it comes time for cleaning. Contact Pettyjohn’s today and give your rugs the care they deserve. Our company has been in the business of professional rug cleaning for more than 30 years and experience has taught us that each rug must be treated with utmost care. We’re proud to say that our work has provided a healthier indoor environment to homes and establishments in the Wake Forest, Raleigh, and Greater Triangle area.