Helpful Hints Between Professional Cleans
One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is the immediate removal of spots and spills when they occur. Acting quickly is the key to success when anything is dropped or spilled and always having the necessary cleaning materials at hand is of the utmost importance.
Follow our spot & spill removal guidelines.
Follow The Five Steps
Step 1: Do not scrub or rub as it can cause permanent pile distortion. Scoop up solids before cleaning.
Step 2: Blot up as much liquid as possible using a clean white towelling cloth (nappy/face washer) or white paper towel.
Step 3: Refer to the spot removal chart (below). Apply spot removal agent/s to clean white towel. Do not apply directly to the carpet.
Step 4: RINSE with cold or lukewarm water only.
WARNING: Do not saturate.
Step 5: Blot dry with absorbent material such as white paper towelling or use a cool fan to complete drying.
Spot Removal Chart
| Types Of Treatments |
|---|
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1. Detergent Solution |
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2. Cold Water |
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3. Laundry Detergent |
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4. Solvent (only on carpet) |
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5. Chill with aerosol freezing or ice cubes in plastic bag |
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6. Vinegar solution |
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7. Warm Water |
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8. Clear nail polish remover (no lanolin) |
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9. Alcohol (eg. Isocol, surgical alcohol) |
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10. Rust Remover |
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11. Vacuum |
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12. Mineral Turpentine |
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13. Ammonia Solution |
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14. Clear household disinfectant |
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15. Baking Soda, scoop up and vacuum |
Cleaning Solutions
DETERGENT SOLUTION
Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid (containing no bleaches or strong alkalis) and one teaspoon of white vinegar with 500ml of warm water (not hot). This solution must be rinsed well with clear water.
LIQUID DETERGENT
One teaspoon in 250ml of warm water.
AMMONIA SOLUTION
Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with 100ml of water. Once stain is removed the carpet must be neutralised with the vinegar solution. Apply, blot and rinse. Wool and treated nylon carpet (ie, Stainmaster, Scotchgard etc) are adversely affected by ammonia. Substitute with No. 2 on chart.
VINEGAR SOLUTION
Mix 100ml of white vinegar with 200ml of water.
SOLVENT
A volatile dry cleaning solvent such as Murlex (available at grocery or hardware stores) or white spirit. Use on dry carpet only.
Vacuuming
The most important maintenance step is proper vacuuming. Regular & thorough vacuuming at least once a week and more often in heavy traffic areas will remove soil & dirt particles before they become embedded in the pile of the carpet. Remember you cannot over-vacuum & vacuuming should begin the day the carpet is installed. Frequent vacuuming is a carpet’s best friend.
