Carpet Cleaning Spot Guide

Basic Carpet Cleaning Practices

1. Always blot, not agitate, the spot and remove as much of the liquid as possible before using any type of carpet spot chemical.
2. Test your spot treatment in an inconspicous like a closet before using to test for color loss
3. Apply a small amount of your spot chemical to the spot and blot using a clean white towel.
4. Check for color transfer to the towel.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until there is no more color transfer.

*Remember, always blot when cleaning a spill, a rubbing motion can distort the carpet fibers and cause permananet, visible damage. Use agitation as a last resort.

Avenge - Safe and Effective Removal of Most Stains. Avenge Spot and Stain Remover has a neutral pH and yet will remove over 85% of stains from carpet and upholstery safely and effectively!  Avenge has a unique synergistic action that works extremely well on most water-based stains, as well as many combination oil and water-based stains.

How to remove Food & Water Base Spills:

Types of spills and spots typically found in this category:
*Beer, Coffee, Soft Drinks, Creme de Menthe, fruit juices, milk, tea, tomato juice, catsup, chocolate, egg, gravy, ice cream, mustard, grass stains, iodine, etc.

Note: Most food spots and spills can easily be cleaned up by Avenge carpet spotter. To purchase a bottle of avenge call 913.708.1209.

Steps:
1. Remove any excess material by blotting or scraping.
2. Apply Avenge (or normal spot chemical) to a towel and blot onto stain & check results
3. If testing deemed safe, apply Avenge directly to the stain and agitate lightly with the towel.
4. Apply light pressure with a dry portion of the towel to absorb the material from the fabric.
5. Repeat if necessary. NOTE: Some greasy food spills may require use of Gel Break (also available through Heartland Steam Cleaning) to break downs the oil. If oily residue results after completing the above steps, apply Gel Break, agitate and then rinse using the Avenge.

How to remove Inks, Cosmetics & Oily Soils:

Types of spills and spots often found in the category:
Ball point pen, permanent marker, lipstick, nail polish, asphalt, chewing gum, crayon, grease, wax etc.

Note: Most inks and cosmetics respond well to spotting with Gel Break. Test by applying a very small amount of Gel Break to the spot. Allow Gel Break to dwell for one minute then gently blot with a white towel, if some removal is apparent then follow the steps below. If little or none of the spot comes up on the towel, call a Professional Carpet Cleaner for advice. Some ink and cosmetic stains can be permanent.

Steps:
1. Absorb, blot or scrape to remove excess material
2. Apply Gel Break directly to the spot and allow to dwell for one minute.
3. Gently blot to remove spot
4. Repeat until no more material is being removed
5. Apply Avenge to remove final residue of spot and to rinse clean.
6. Repeat if necessary.

How to remove Paints & Adhesives:

Types of spills and spots typically found in this category:
Acrylic paint, latex paint, varnish, oil stain, Elmers glue, rubber cement, contact cement, etc.

Note: Paints and adhesives come in two basic forms: water base and oil base. You should be able to tell the type by reading the original container and checking the suggested clean-up method. On fresh spills you will use Avenge for water-based products. Use Gel Break for oil or solvent based products.

Fresh spills that are still damp:
1. Absorb, blot or scrape to remove excess material
2. Determine if spilled material is water or oil based
3. On water base spills use Avenge. On oil based spills use Gel Break
4. Apply spotter directly to the spill and agitate lightly with a towel. If spot is hard or crusty, allow spotter to remain for several minutes before continuing.
5. Apply light pressure with a dry portion of the towel to absorb the material from the fabric.
6. Repeat if necessary.If Gel Break is used, do a final rinse with Avenge to remove any residues.

How to remove Dyes & Others:

Types of spills and spots found in the category:
Red food dye, shoe dye, furniture dye, plant food, bleaches, rust, mildew stains, etc.

Note: Most dyes react with the fabric to become permanent. Some red food dyes are removable but the services of a Professional Carpet Cleaner may be required.

Steps:
1. Test for removal possibilities by applying Avenge or Gel Break to towel and blotting on to the stain.
2. If results are positive then proceed with the 'Food' steps for water based spills and the 'ink and Cosmetics' steps for oil based spills.