DIY CARE
Clean like a pro.
DIY guides to tackle tough stains and maintain your floors like a professional.
Emergency Spot Cleaning
Life can be messy. You can’t stop accidents from happening but you can save the day and your carpets by following our DIY spot cleaning guides. Carefully follow the steps below to remove spots and stains. If you feel unsure, please give Spotless a call.
Please note: The following stain removal steps are to be used at your own risk. Always pre-test products in a hidden area before applying to the affected area to be certain fibers will not be damaged. Always wear gloves and follow appropriate safety precautions.
Identify Your Stain
Alcoholic Beverage
Stain: Poof! Spot Remover or Detergent
Rinse: Filtered Water / Soda WaterButter
Stain: Solvent
Rinse: Filtered Water / Soda WaterChewing Gum
Stain: Chill with aerosol freeze spray or ice cubes in plastic bags
Rinse: SolventChocolate
Stain: Solvent – use on dry carpet
Rinse: Cold water/Soda waterCoffee
Stain: Poof!/Detergent
Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
If Stain Remains: Moisten with Hydrogen Peroxide and AmmoniaSoft Drinks
Stain: Poof!/Detergent
Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
If Stain Remains: Moisten with Hydrogen Peroxide and AmmoniaCooking Oils
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
Rinse: Cold water/Soda waterCream
Stain: Cold water/Soda water
Rinse: Solvent – Use on dry carpetEggs
Stain: Cold water/Soda water
Rinse: AmmoniaFeces
Stain: Cold water/Soda water
Rinse: Ammonia
If Stain Remains: PeroxideFruit Juice
Stain: Poof!/Detergent
Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
If Stain Remains: Peroxide and AmmoniaFurniture Polish
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
Rinse: Cold water/Soda waterGravy & Sauces
Stain: Warm Water
Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
If Stain Remains: AmmoniaInk (Fountain Pen)
Stain: Poof!/Detergent
Rinse: Cold water/Soda waterInk (Ballpoint Pen)
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
Rinse: Alcohol
If Stain Remains: Cold Water/Soda WaterInk (Felt Tip)
Stain: Warm Water
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: Clear Nail Polish Remover without LanolinLipstick
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: AmmoniaMilk
Stain: Warm Water
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: Solvent – Use on dry carpetMustard
Stain: Cold Water/Soda Water
Rinse: Vinegar solutionNail Polish
Stain: Nail Polish Remover
Oil Grease
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda WaterSection
Paint
LATEX PAINT
Stain: Poof! or Detergent
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda WaterOIL PAINT
Stain: Ammonia Solution
Rinse: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
If stain remains: Laundry DetergentSalad Dressing
Stain: Cold Water/Soda Water
Rinse: Solvent – Use on dry carpet onlyShoe Polish
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda WaterSoot
Be sure to vacuum thoroughly.
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda WaterTar
Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda WaterTea
Stain: Poof! or Detergent
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: Peroxide and AmmoniaTomato Sauce
Stain: Warm Water
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: Peroxide and AmmoniaUrine
Fresh Urine
Stain: Poof! or Detergent
Rinse: Ammonia
If Stain Remains: Peroxide and AmmoniaOld Urine
Stain: Cold Water/Soda Water
Rinse: Vinegar
If Stain Remains: Peroxide and AmmoniaVomit
Stain: Poof! or Detergent
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: Peroxide and AmmoniaWine
Stain: Poof! or Detergent
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: Peroxide and AmmoniaUnknown Material
Stain: Solvent – Use on Dry Carpet Only
Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
If Stain Remains: Laundry Detergent
Prepare Your Solution
Poof!
Our bio-based blend is effective in eliminating trouble spots where other cleaners fall short and is over 99% biodegradeable.
Poof! or Detergent
If Poof! is not available, mix one teaspoon of clear dish washing liquid (containing no bleaches or strong alkalines), one teaspoon of white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water (not hot). *This solution must be rinsed well with clear water.
Laundry Detergent
Mix 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of warm water.
Ammonia
Mix 1 teaspoon of clear household ammonia with 1/2 cup of water. * Once the stain has been removed the carpet must be neutralized with the vinegar solution. Apply, blot and rinse. Wool and treated nylon carpet (protected) are adversely affected by ammonia. Substitute with detergent.
Vinegar
1/2 cup white vinegar to 1 cup water
Solvent
A dry cleaning solvent such as white spirit. (Apply to towel, never directly to carpet)
* Use on dry carpet only.Peroxide
Drug store peroxide solution can be used. If a stronger solution is needed, 20 volume clear peroxide can be purchased at a beauty supply store. Always use gloves and avoid contact until fully dry. DO NOT USE ON NATURAL FIBERS (wool)
Alcohol
Alcohol (Isopropyl)
Nail Polish Remover
Clear Nail Polish Remover without Lanolin
(Apply to towel, never directly to carpet)
Spotless Care Guides
Do’s and Don’t to help you keep your floors looking their best between professional cleanings.
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