Stains

Stains

Here is a do-it-yourself, quick fix guide until you can contact us for a true Steamway Cleaning

Before you begin any stain removal treatment, it is important that you first understand the following rules:

1. Immediately blot up as much of a liquid stain as possible using a soft, white, absorbent material such as a towel or napkin.
2. Scrape away solid or semi-solid stains with a blunt spatula or spoon. Never use a knife as its sharp edges could harm the pile fibers.
3. Vacuum away as much of the solid stain as possible.
4. Pretest the spot removal agent on an inconspicuous area of the carpet. Follow the instructions carefully. Apply a few drops to each color in the carpet/upholstery. Press a clean, white towel or napkin lightly over it for approximately 30 seconds. Check both the towel (or napkin) and the carpet/upholstery for color transfer, color change or any other damage. Try another spot removal agent if you notice any change.
5. To clean the spot, apply a small amount of spot removal agent to a soft, white, absorbent material and gently apply to the stain, working from the edges towards the center of the spot to prevent it from spreading. Continue as long as the stain is getting transferred onto the towel. Apply more solution to a fresh area on the towel and repeat the process as long as the stain is being removed. In cases where you need to apply more than one spot removal agent in a sequence, continue applying the first spot removal agent as long as there is any improvement; then move on to the next one.
6. After the spill has been removed, rinse out the affected area with water and blot dry to remove the cleaning solution as any residue may attract soil or cause damage to the carpet/upholstery. To effectively blot up the water, you may use clean, white, dry towels weighed down by a flat, heavy object such as a book; keep changing the towel as they become saturated.
7. Last but not least... NEVER OVER WET the area. Over wetting of carpets and upholstery while cleaning may cause damage.

*The longer a stain remains... the greater the odds are that it cannot be removed.*

Stain Removal by Stain Type

Beer - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Blood - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

(CLEANING INGREDIENTS MUST BE COLD)
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) to a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Butter - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3.Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Candle Wax - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Remove with heated iron into absorbent paper towel or napkin.
2. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
3. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
4.Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Candy (sugar) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Cheese - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half- cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Chewing Gum - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3.Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Chocolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Coffee - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

Cola Drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

Cosmetics - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Crayon - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Catsup - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Egg (raw) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Excrement - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Fruit and Juices - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Rinse with white household vinegar. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Furniture polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.

Glue (school, white) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Gravy - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.

Hand Lotion - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Ice Cream - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Ink (ballpoint) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backing or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Iodine, Merthiolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
4. Repeat step one. Blot.
5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Marking Ink Pen - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Milk - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one. Blot.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Mustard - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix half a teaspoon of a clear, neutral pH, non-bleach dishwashing liquid with one cup of warm water. Apply it to the stain and leave for 5-10 minutes for best results.
2. Sponge with clean water. Blot.
3. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar to 2/3 cup of water. Apply it to the stain and leave it for less than a minute. Blot.
4. Mix half a teaspoon of an enzyme detergent with one cup of warm water. Apply it to the stain and leave for 5-10 minutes for best results.
5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.
6. Apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution. Blot.
7. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Nail Polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Apply nail polish remover (acetone). Blot.
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Paint, Latex - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Paint, Oil-Base - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Removing Rust/Iron Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Rust stains come from iron in the water supply which can only be permanently removed through installation of an iron filter. Occasionally iron is dissolved from rusting water pipes or mains by corrosive water. Iron stains can be removed by a weak acid solution, usually oxalic acid which is highly toxic and must be handled with care. Never use chlorine bleach as this sets the iron stain.

Fresh iron stains on plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs and chrome will generally yield to treatment with heavy duty cleaning compounds containing large proportions of trisodium phosphate. Apply cleaner with damp cloth, pad or sponge. Rub discolored surface until stain is removed. Rinse. Wipe dry and polish.

Heavy, stubborn rust stains can often be removed by oxalic acid stain remover compounds such as Zud or a tri-chloro-melanine compound such as Barkeepers Friend. Follow directions carefully.

For rust stains already set on bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures, dissolve oxalic acid crystals in hot water and add enough whiting or talc to make a soft paste. Apply this poultice to stain and let dry before removing. Rinse and polish.

Rubber Cement - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Rust - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

Use Whink or Zud or other Rust Remover. Follow directions on package.

Shoe Polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Soft Drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clear water. Blot.

Soil - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one with the detergent.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Soy Sauce - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Tar (asphalt) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Tea - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Urine - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix half a teaspoon of a clear, neutral pH, non-bleach dishwashing liquid with one cup of warm water.
2. Apply it to the stain and leave for 5-10 minutes for best results.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.
4. Mix two tablespoons of household ammonia in one cup of water. Apply it to the stain and leave it for less than a minute. Blot.
5. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar to 2/3 cup of water. Apply it to the stain and leave it for less than a minute. Blot.
6. Apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution. Blot.
7. Apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide (commonly available in the drug or grocery stores) and leave it for 2-5 minutes. Blot.
8. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Vaseline - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Wax (paste) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).
2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Wine - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.
2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Stain Removal

Front Range Steamway Superior Service, Superior quality
Home \| Our Services \| About Us \| Testimonials \| Carpet FAQ