Spot Cleaning

• Spills should be addressed as quickly as possible – “wicking” out the offending liquid with white toweling
• Follow this with warm* (not hot) water which should be removed until clear – ideally with suction from a wet-vac or a carpet cleaning machine.

*Do not use soap or detergent, even if it came with the machine. Soap attracts dirt/soil but is meant to be rinsed way taking the dirt or soil with it. It is very difficult and time consuming to completely remove soap.  Consequently it is almost always left behind where it continues to attract dirt/soil creating a new and ongoing problem that results in changing the appearance of the material.

• Wick out the water/moisture overnight with white toweling weighted down with something heavy. (making sure that “the something heavy” is not going to transfer color, or an item that will produce rust)  
• In general, regular carpet cleaning for maintenance should be done professionally.

Spills or stains which are oil based may require a solvent based cleaner to be used – (this may be best done by a professional) A solvent cleaning solution should be used sparingly and poured onto a white towel or rag, never directly onto the carpet.

Take special care with cosmetics, acne medications, nail polishes and removers among other things will likely cause permanent damage or permanently discolor carpet fiber.