DIY Stain Removal Guide
Learn professional tips and tricks for those tough stains
The Stainguide
This guide is a collection of practical DIY tips and advice from our senior carpet cleaning technicians.
Use of this guide is at the owner’s sole discretion. Some of these cleaning tips might be applicable to some fabrics. Alberta Carpet Cleaning is not responsible for any potential damage that might occur if the material is incompatible with the cleaning tip or if the steps were not appropriately followed.
Home spot and stain treatment is an important part of maintaining your carpet. Use these tips to treat spots or spills as soon as possible when they happen.
Important Stain Removal Tips
NEVER USE BLEACH. Bleach can remove lots of stains, unfortunately, it will also remove the color from your carpet.
ACT QUICKLY. The older the stain, the more difficult it is to remove. Absorb liquid with a clean white towel or paper towel and scrape up solid material. Work from the outside spot toward the center to avoid spreading it.
TEST SOLUTION FIRST on a portion of the fiber or the carpet that is not normally visible.
BLOT GENTLY BETWEEN STEPS AND NEVER RUB! Rubbing or aggressive blotting can cause a stain to spread or penetrate deeper. A clean white towel or paper towel allows you to see when you are no longer absorbing the spot or stain.
BE PATIENT! Repeat the procedure several times until no more residue shows on your towel.
About the solutions in this guide
Ammonia Solution: One tablespoon of household ammonia(Sudsy) to half a cup of lukewarm water.
Detergent Solution: One teaspoon of laundry detergent(Tide) to one cup of lukewarm water.
Enzyme detergent: Use any laundry detergent that contains enzymes. Mix as detergent above.
Non-Oily Nail Polish Remover: Use undiluted as directed.
Unscented Hair Spray: Great on ink and small tar spots.
Vinegar: Plain undiluted white table vinegar.
