Tip of the Month

Removing Spots

When removing accidental spots and spills, speed is the key. The longer any substance stays in contact with your carpet, the more it will penetrate into the fibers.

For most household accidents, follow these spot removal steps:

    * Remove any solid materials (a spoon is a great tool for this).
    * Blot the area with a clean white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not use a scrubbing motion, as this can damage carpet fibers.
    * Spray Stanley Steemer Professional Carpet & Upholstery Spot Remover* directly on the problem area until wet. (Be sure to test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area first.)
    * Wait one to three minutes while the Spot Remover loosens the dirt.
    * Gently wipe the spot with a clean, white cloth working from the outer edges in towards the center. (If the spot is not completely removed, repeat steps 3 - 5.)
    * Once the spot has been removed, place dry, absorbent white cloths over the area and press to absorb remaining moisture.

* If you do not have Stanley Steemer Spot Remover on hand, mix 1/4-teaspoon liquid dish soap with 1 cup cold water and continue as above with steps 3 - 6.

If the spot persists, keep it damp and call the carpet care professionals at Stanley Steemer 1-800-STEEMER.

Top 10 Tips

Here are some useful tips for keeping your carpet and upholstery looking its best.

   1. Vacuum heavy traffic areas 2 - 3 times a week to keep carpet looking great between cleanings.
   2. Use both indoor and outdoor mats at each entrance to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home.
   3. In a pinch, make your own spot remover by mixing 1/4 teaspoon liquid detergent (without bleach) and 1 cup cold water.
   4. Over time, the stain-resistancy of stain-resistant carpet wears down. For optimum performance, have a protector regularly applied after cleaning.
   5. Stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof. Be sure to act immediately to prevent spots and spills from causing permanent damage.
   6. Before using any spot removing product, test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area.
   7. Test area rugs for colorfastness before placing over carpet since some rugs may tend to bleed.
   8. Vacuum under area rugs periodically to remove loose dirt that may have filtered through the rugs to your carpet.
   9. To avoid color transfer between furniture and flooring after a professional cleaning, leave the protective blocks in place until the carpet is completely dry (about 2 days).
  10. Your furniture collects everyday dirt and soil just like your carpet. For convenience, have both professionally cleaned at the same time.