Cleaning soiled carpet can be a nightmare and by applying these simple tips you will save a lot of time and effort.
1. Paint: Perhaps the most important factor when cleaning up a paint spill is determining whether it is an oil based paint or a water based paint. Oil Based paints contain a lot of additives and chemicals which means that it will grip to surfaces better than water/latex based paints and as a result is a lot tougher to remove from carpet. Water/latex based paints are typically used for interior applications and due to their low chemical/ high water content, are very easy to clean up. - Oil Based Paints: To remove Oil Based paint stains, the use of chemicals is usually required. To remove from the carpet, apply turpentine to the stain and dab with a clean cloth until the paint is removed. Remember to avoid scrubbing, as this will only work the paint deeper into the surface. When most of the paint is gone, combine a tablespoon of dish washing soap with two cups of cool water and use a clean cloth to sponge the remaining stain. Alternatively you can wait for the paint to completely dry and then use 80 grit sand paper to gently work at loosening the paint from the carpet. Once most of the paint is removed gently sponge with soapy water. Our Fibretech Paint, Oil & Grease Remover is very effective in removing paint from carpets. - Water based Paints: Water Based paints are a lot simpler to remove from carpet. If the paint is still wet, just blot the spot with a rag or paper towel. Do not rub as this will work the paint further into the carpet fibers. If the paint is dry, use hot soapy water and with a rag, gently blot the affected area. For stubborn stains, leave to soak for 10 minutes and repeat the process above.
2. Wine: A wine spill is a common and stubborn stain that with the right treatment is relatively easy to remove. The first step is to blot the stain with a paper towel or rag to remove any excess wine that isn’t absorbed yet. To remove the stain, mix two cups of warm water with a table spoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of dish washing liquid. Work the solution into the stain with a blotting motion and leave to sit for a few minutes. Finally use some clean water and a cloth to blot the spill thus removing the rest of the stain. Fibretech Protein & Stain Remover is a fast and easy way to remove wine stains.
3. Coffee Stains: Coffee Stains are usually an easy stain to remove from carpet but if not treated properly can leave a brown, dirty stain. Follow these steps for the best results. First remove any excess liquid by blotting the stain with a dry cloth or towel until you cannot extract any more of the coffee. Then, mix one tablespoon of dish wash liquid and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Apply the liquid directly onto the stain and leave to soak for 30 seconds. Then using a cloth, gently blot the stain to soak up the liquid, thus removing the coffee stain. If need be, repeat the above process with tablespoons cups of white vinegar and once cup of water. It is very important not to rub the stain as this will work the coffee into the fibres of the carpet making it very difficult to remove. Try our Fibretech Coffee & Tannin Spotter for any hard to remove stains.