General Guidelines for Stain & Spot Removal From Carpet and Rugs

React quickly!
Most spots can be removed completely in the first few minutes. Even though most
of the carpets produced today are given a stain-resistant treatment, no carpet is
stain-proof. The longer a spot remains on the carpet, the more likely it can become
a permanent stain.

Keep it simple:
If the spot is liquid, blot up using a soft, white, absorbent material like a towel or
napkin, while being careful not to drive it further into the pile. If the spot is solid or
semi-solid, carefully scrape up with a spatula. Never use a Knife, because it can
cut or damage the pile fibers. If the spot is dry, thoroughly vacuum. Break up any
crust by carefully tapping with the bottom-side of a large spoon, and then vacuum
again. Never scrub or brush a spot; scrubbing can distort the pile by fraying the
fibers.

If the spot is completely removed at this point, proceed no further.

Rinsing:
Flush with plain water – Do not use hot water, as this will cause the fiber to open up
and the spot to move into the inside of the fiber. Blot dry, and redo as long as
there is progress. If spot is completely removed, proceed to the final step for
drying. Caution: do not over-wet.

Carpet Spotters:
Pretest any spotter on an inconspicuous area of the carpet or rug. Follow the
product’s instructions carefully. Apply a few drops to a clean, white towel or napkin
and press against a few fibers of the pile for approximately 30 seconds to one
minute. Check both the towel (or napkin) and the carpet for any color transfer,
color change or any other damage. Test each carpet color in this manner with a
fresh application. If any change occurs, do not use the product!

Apply the spotter to the spotting towel – not to the carpet. Use a small quantity of
the spotter at first, increasing the amount as the application is repeated.

To use the spotter, place the spotting towel over the spot and press down with the
heel of your hand, using a rolling, sideways motion. Do not rub with the towel, as
this will merely spread the stain and drive it deeper into the pile. Check the towel
for spot transfer, and then extract as much moisture as possible with a dry section
of the towel using the same method. Check the towel again for any transfer.
Repeat this step as long as there is spot transfer to the towel. Be patient, and
careful not to over-wet the area during this step.

Rinsing:
Rinse from the carpet any remaining spotting agent with clean water and blot
drying. Spotter, if not rinsed, and are left in the fabric, can cause later soiling or
even damage.

Drying:
Finish by drying. Cover the area with a clean, dry towel weighed down with flat,
heavy objects, such as books; keep changing the towel as it becomes saturated.
Use a fan on the area for air movement and final drying.
Safe and
Non-Toxic for
Children And
Pets
Chem-Dry's
Carbonating
System Breaks
up Dirt & Soil to
the Surface for
Extraction.
One Tenth of the
Moisture Used,
Compared to
Steam Cleaners
Serving The Greater Sacramento Area
Independently Owned and Operated  ● Licensed & Insured ● Free Estimates   
Serving the Greater Sacramento Area.
CHEM-DRY'S CARPET CARE TIPS
To Contact
Chem-Dry of
Northern California
by Phone.
Please Call
(916) 861-0810
Proper care and maintenance of your carpet will extend its useful life and preserve
its appearance for years and years. Failure to take care of it will result in
premature wear. Additionally, clean carpets contribute to a healthy indoor
environment. Dirty carpets can be unhealthful indeed.

Save yourself money and maintain a healthy home by using the following simple
carpet care tips:


CARE TIP 1:
Vacuum your carpets three times a week using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA
(high-efficiency particulate) filter.


CARE TIP 2:
Remove stains and spills as promptly as possible. This is best achieved with
Chem-Dry Professional Strength Spot Remover. Remove as much excess as
possible, then apply and blot with a clean white cloth. DO NOT rub the spot as this
might grind the stain in further.


CARE TIP 3:
Have your carpets cleaned and protected at least twice a year by Chem-Dry, or
more often if you have children or pets. The Environmental Protection Agency
recommends having carpets professionally cleaned a minimum of every six months!


Traffic Lane Gray
Like all textiles, carpets will eventually show signs of wear. The wear creates an
illusion of soiling, which often causes frustration and misunderstanding between
the homeowners and carpet care experts. Even though a carpet has been
cleaned, it does not mean the traffic areas will look clean. Traffic areas are those
places where people are constantly walking or working. This situation creates what
is called "traffic lane gray".

There is not a lot that a carpet care expert can do with traffic lane gray. When a
10-year old carpet is cleaned, you will end up with a clean 10-year old carpet. It
may not appear the way you had hoped. The easiest way to slow down this
process is by rearranging the furniture so traffic areas are changed or just add
area rugs.