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.

1

Remove Solids

Scrape any solids gently with a spoon or dull knife, removing as much solid material as possible. Rinse the area with water while moving a wet/dry vacuum back and forth

2

Spot Removal

Use the guides below for the most effective spot removal process. First identity your stain to see further directions and the cleaning solutions needed.

3

Rinse

Rinse thoroughly of any solutions and dry. If stains remain, moisten with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for one hour. Blot until carpet is stain-free. Do not apply to natural fiber carpets like wool or cotton.

4

Absorb Moisture

Apply a pad of white terry cloth or paper towels and weigh down with a heavy colorfast object, allowing remaining moistue to absorb into the pad overnight.

Identify Your Stain

  • Alcoholic Beverage

    Stain: Poof! Spot Remover or Detergent
    Rinse: Filtered Water / Soda Water

  • Butter

    Stain: Solvent
    Rinse: Filtered Water / Soda Water

  • Chewing Gum

    Stain: Chill with aerosol freeze spray or ice cubes in plastic bags
    Rinse: Solvent

  • Chocolate

    Stain: Solvent – use on dry carpet
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water

  • Coffee

    Stain: Poof!/Detergent
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
    If Stain Remains: Moisten with Hydrogen Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Soft Drinks

    Stain: Poof!/Detergent
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
    If Stain Remains: Moisten with Hydrogen Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Cooking Oils

    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water

  • Cream

    Stain: Cold water/Soda water
    Rinse: Solvent – Use on dry carpet

  • Eggs

    Stain: Cold water/Soda water
    Rinse: Ammonia

  • Feces

    Stain: Cold water/Soda water
    Rinse: Ammonia
    If Stain Remains: Peroxide

  • Fruit Juice

    Stain: Poof!/Detergent
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
    If Stain Remains: Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Furniture Polish

    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water

  • Gravy & Sauces

    Stain: Warm Water
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water
    If Stain Remains: Ammonia

  • Ink (Fountain Pen)

    Stain: Poof!/Detergent
    Rinse: Cold water/Soda water

  • Ink (Ballpoint Pen)

    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
    Rinse: Alcohol
    If Stain Remains: Cold Water/Soda Water

  • Ink (Felt Tip)

    Stain: Warm Water
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
    If Stain Remains: Clear Nail Polish Remover without Lanolin

  • Lipstick

    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
    If Stain Remains: Ammonia

  • Milk

    Stain: Warm Water
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
    If Stain Remains: Solvent – Use on dry carpet

  • Mustard

    Stain: Cold Water/Soda Water
    Rinse: Vinegar solution

  • Nail Polish

    Stain: Nail Polish Remover

  • Oil Grease

    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water

  • Section

  • Paint

    LATEX PAINT

    Stain: Poof! or Detergent
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water

    OIL PAINT

    Stain: Ammonia Solution
    Rinse: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
    If stain remains: Laundry Detergent

  • Salad Dressing

    Stain: Cold Water/Soda Water
    Rinse: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only

  • Shoe Polish

    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water

  • Soot

    Be sure to vacuum thoroughly.
    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water

  • Tar

    Stain: Solvent – Use on dry carpet only
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water

  • Tea

    Stain: Poof! or Detergent
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
    If Stain Remains:  Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Tomato Sauce

    Stain: Warm Water
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
    If Stain Remains:  Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Urine

    Fresh Urine

    Stain: Poof! or Detergent
    Rinse: Ammonia
    If Stain Remains:  Peroxide and Ammonia

    Old Urine

    Stain: Cold Water/Soda Water
    Rinse: Vinegar
    If Stain Remains:  Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Vomit

    Stain: Poof! or Detergent
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
    If Stain Remains:  Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Wine

    Stain: Poof! or Detergent
    Rinse: Cold Water/Soda Water
    If Stain Remains:  Peroxide and Ammonia

  • Unknown 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.

CARPET KIT
HARDWOOD KIT
STONE & TILE KIT

"Professional, prompt and it's clean! Professional demeanor, polite, show up on time, excellent communication regarding my desires and their abilities. I would recommend these guys to everyone!"

PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA

LIFE CAN BE MESSY.

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