Spot Removal Tips
Here is our list of the most asked about stains and how to treat them. All spills and stains should be treated immediately. The longer a spot remains, the more difficult it will be to remove. Always apply the solvents or detergents to a terry cloth first and never apply solvents or detergent solutions directly to the carpet. If you’ve done all you can to remove the stain and are not satisfied with the results. Give us a call to schedule a cleaning or estimate.

Click on the links below to jump to a topic, or just browse through to learn how to keep your carpets looking their best!
CHEWING GUM CRAYONS COUGH SYRUP GLUE URINE VOMIT BEER BUTTER AND MARGARINE
KETCHUP AND TOMATO SOUP CHOCOLATE COCKTAILS COFFEE EGGS (RAW) FOOD COLORING
FRUIT JUICE GRAVY ICE CREAM JAM and JELLY MILK MUSTARD SOFT DRINKS WINE BLOOD CANDLE
WAX GRASS GREASES INK LIPSTICK MILDEW MUD NAIL POLISH OILS RUBBER CEMENT RUST
SHOE POLISH TAR & ASPHALT TOOTHPASTE WAX
KIDS & PETS
CHEWING GUM
Harden the gum with an ice cube until it is brittle enough to scrape off with dull knife or spatula. Next, apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth, to remove remaining traces. Another option is to use a commercial chewing gum remover. Back to top
CRAYONS
Apply dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Repeat this procedure at least twice. Then mix one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and apply this solution to a clean terry cloth and blot on stain. Rinse stained area with water using a terry cloth, blot the area until dry. Back to top
COUGH SYRUP
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Then apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Next apply a vinegar solution of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Lastly, rinse thoroughly with water using a clean terry cloth and blot the area until dry. Back to top
GLUE
Scrape off as much glue as possible with a spatula or dull knife. Then apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Repeat this application until glue has been removed. Back to top
URINE
Blot up as much as possible if still wet. Next apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot until dry. If stain remains, apply a rust remover. Some urine stains may cause permanent dye removal from fibers. Back to top
VOMIT
Blot up as much as possible. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry. Back to top
FOOD & DRINKS
BEER
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water and using a terry cloth, blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot frequently. Rinse with water using the terry cloth and blot the area until dry. Back to top
BUTTER AND MARGARINE
Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water and blot until dry. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
KETCHUP AND TOMATO SOUP
Apply a cool detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of cold water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. If the stain remains, bleach with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide and then rinse thoroughly with water, by using a terry cloth. Blot the area until dry.Back to top
CHOCOLATE
Scrape off as much chocolate as possible with spatula or dull knife. Apply a cool detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of cold water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
COCKTAILS
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
COFFEE
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. If cream was present, use an enzyme detergent of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse the stained area with water using a terry cloth and blot until dry. *Ammonia will set stains on wool and silk but may help in removal from other fabrics.Back to top
EGGS (RAW)
Blot up as much of the egg as possible. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a cold ammonia solution of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. If stain remains, apply an enzyme detergent of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
FOOD COLORING
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and using a terry cloth, blot frequently. A dried stain will probably spread when wet. Repeat the first step until the color is no longer transferred to the terry cloth. Apply an ammonia solution of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
FRUIT JUICE
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth, blot until dry. If the stain remains, apply an enzyme detergent of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
GRAVY
Apply detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
ICE CREAM
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) and blot.Back to top
JAM and JELLY
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water and using a terry cloth, blot the area. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water by rinsing the terry cloth and blotting the stain. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot the area until dry.Back to top
MILK
Apply a cool detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of cold water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water and with a terry cloth blot until dry. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot until dry. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) and blot.Back to top
MUSTARD
Apply a cool detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of cold water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. If the stain remains, rust remover or bleaching (by a professional) may be necessary. Do not use ammonia or alkalies.Back to top
SOFT DRINKS
Apply a cold detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in cold water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
WINE
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot the area until dry.Back to top
OILS & MISCELLANEOUS HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
BLOOD
Apply a cool detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of cold water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a cool ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water, by using a terry cloth and blot until dry. If the stain still remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution.Back to top
CANDLE WAX
Scrape off as much wax as possible with spatula or dull knife. Apply a dry-solvent solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Repeat this process until you have a desired result.Back to top
GRASS
Apply amyl acetate, if available, to remove chlorophyll, to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry. *Professional bleaching (or professional stripping) may be necessary.Back to top
GREASES
Apply dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. If the stain remains, apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
INK
Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot repeatedly using a terry cloth. If the stain remains, apply a rust remover using a terry cloth.Back to top
LIPSTICK
Scrape off excess lipstick with spatula or dull knife. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and then to the carpet, making sure not to reapply the stain onto the carpet. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water using the terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
MILDEW
Apply an enzyme detergent mix of one teaspoon of a colorless, mild detergent that has enzymes in them and mix with lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water by using a terry cloth and blotting. Apply a solution of oxidizing bleach (use hydrogen or sodium perborate, present in Snowy or Clorox II. Do Not use chlorine bleach). Rinse thoroughly with water and blot the area until dry.Back to top
MUD
Brush or scrape off as much mud as possible. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water by using a terry cloth and blot until dry. If the stain remains, apply a dry-cleaning agent (lacquer thinner) and blot the area until dry.Back to top
NAIL POLISH
Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Apply nail polish remover and blot. If the stain remains, apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water and blot until dry. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water with a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
OILS
Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
RUBBER CEMENT
Roll the glue off if it has hardened sufficiently. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Repeat this process once. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
RUST
Apply a rust remover using a terry cloth. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes then repeat with hot solution. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
SHOE POLISH
Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Repeat this process once. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot. Rinse thoroughly with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
TAR & ASPHALT
Scrape off as much tar and asphalt as possible with spatula or dull knife. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and blot. Rinse with water using a terry cloth and blot the area until dry.Back to top
TOOTHPASTE
Apply a detergent solution mix of one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water to a terry cloth and blot. Apply a vinegar solution mix of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Apply an ammonia solution mix of one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water and blot.Back to top
WAX
Scrape off as much wax as possible with spatula or dull knife. Apply a dry-solvent solvent (lacquer thinner) to a terry cloth and blot. Apply and repeat this process until you have a desired result.Back to top