Gemini's Handy Spotting Guide For Carpets
Want to try your hand at removing a spot yourself? Try these tricks!
First, Review the Do's and Don'ts, then proceed.
A few words
Scrape - Use a spoon or dull knife to remove bulk of spill
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Blot- Use soft terri-cloth towel and press firmly on spot
Flush- Use Cold water only
Dry Cleaning Solvents- Apply dry-cleaning solvent to a clean white terri-cloth towel and work spot
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Wet-Spotter- Mix 1 part mild dish soap with 8 parts cold water
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Rinse- Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts cold water
Do This
-ACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Removing old spots is very complicated, so act fast!
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-Remove as much as possible by scraping, blotting and/or sponging.
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-Always work spot from edges to middle
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-Call a professional! We will be happy to assist you with any questions you have, as well as direct you in how to try to remove the spot yourself!
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DON'T do this
-NEVER use heat or hot water. Heat can set the colors of the stain.
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-Never RUB the carpet, as it can fray the ends
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-Never apply solvents directly to the spot. Use in well vented rooms and away from spark. Wear rubber gloves
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-Don't use vinegar on COTTON
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-Don't use alcohol on acrylics
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-Don't use enzymes on wool or silk
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-Don't work on a spot if you don't know what it is or what to use, please call a professional, we want to help you!
BLOT
FLUSH
BLOT AGAIN
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Repeat if necessary.
If red wine, soak with WHITE WINE and flush.
SCRAPE
BLOT
FLUSH
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Apply a 1 to 8 solution of ammonia and water
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RINSE
BLOT
APPLY ICE, AND SCRAPE
BLOT
FLUSH
(If cream & sugar)
Follow with wet spotter
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RINSE
BLOT
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SCRAPE
BLOT
Wipe with dry solvents
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BLOT
WET SPOTTER
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RINSE
BLOT
BLOT
FLUSH
BLOT
FLUSH
blot
flush
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blot (LOTS OF WATER)
BLOT
SCRAPE
BLOT
Wipe with rag treated with acetone (nail polish remover)
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BLOT
SCRAPE
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Use Ice Cold Water when mixing wet spotter
RINSE
(cold water)
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BLOT
BL
BLOT
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Spray with HAIRSPRAY.
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BLOT
REPEAT
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SCRAPE
BLOT
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Apply coarse absorbent such as corn meal. Allow to set overnight.
Vacuum in morning.
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If spot persists, wipe with solvent. If necessary, use wet-spotter, rinse & blot.
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Moisten with cold water. Squeeze on lemon juice.
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FLUSH
BLOT
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SCRAPE​
BLOT
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Use wet-spotter
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RINSE
BLOT
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BLOT​-FLUSH
BLOT-RINSE
BLOT
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SCRAPE
RINSE
BLOT
WET-SPOTTER
BLOT RINSE