No one likes it when there is a spill on the floor, but With the help of The Home Remedy guide when there is a spill on your carpet there is a good chance it can be removed before becoming permanent. Use the information below to properly deal with spills and help keep your carpet spot free for years to come.

Spot Removal Steps

1. Act Immediately! Today, most carpet available has been treated with a stain-resist treatment. Many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

2. Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels. White terry cloth towels are great for this purpose.

3. Blot - Don't Scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion. Continue to use a white cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a spoon. Break up and vacuum solids away.

4. If a spot can be identified, locate the name of substance at the left of this page and click the name... follow the directions carefully.

5. Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain it won't damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.

6. Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently. Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

7. Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.

8. After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

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Acne Medicine

Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpet. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water, mix solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water, blot with lukewarm water with a white towel, blot dry with a dry white towel, and vacuum.  A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.

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Alcohol

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Asphalt / Driveway Sealer / Parking Lot Sealer / Creosote

If not removed when fresh, yellow stain from asphalt off parking lots and driveways is nearly impossible to completely remove without delaminating the carpet. This yellowing is particularly obvious with blue and gray carpet.

For small areas, blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Mix 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Apply a one-half inch  WHITE  towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Ball Point Pen Ink

Absorb all ink on surface with dry white unprinted paper towels. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Apply a one-half inch towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Beer

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity, apply a one-half inch WHITE  towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book and remove the next day.  Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Berry Stain

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity has spilled, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book and remove the next day before attempting removal.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Mix 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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BHT Yellowing

BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene) is a preservative used in rebond pad (and bread). With stain-resistant nylon carpet, sometimes BHT turns the carpet yellow especially under throw rugs, under low-lying furniture, and in closets. Apply a solution of 10% Citric Acid (1 pound per gallon). Citric Acid is available at some drugstores. Leave overnight. Vacuum.

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Bleach

Permanent color damage will occur except on most solution-dyed fibers. Bleach dissolves wool!

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. To neutralize the bleach with an anti-chlor, make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area and work in. NOTE: while rare, this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Mix 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.

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Blood

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Use 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. If not fully removed, apply household Hydrogen Peroxide (the 3% drugstore variety) to the stain and blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. NOTE: Sometimes the Hydrogen Peroxide will bleach out the carpet fibers. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE  towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Browning / Jute Stain

A carpet, particularly wool, will sometimes gain a brown tint on the tips if cleaned with an overly strong high pH detergent. This will sometimes occur, particularly on wool, if the carpet is left wet too long after cleaning, spill, flood, etc.  Mix solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Butter

Scrape up residue.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Mix 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Carbon Black / Fingerprint Dust / Dry Photocopier Toner / Soot

It is EXTREMELY important that you NOT get this type of material wet initially! Vacuum thoroughly until you see no more, then vacuum some more!  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Carbon Paper

Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  NOTE: Some carbon paper inks are more readily removed with Alcohol than with dry cleaning fluid.

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Chalk

Chalk is Calcium Carbonate. Carpenter's chalk is simply chalk with a dye added for visibility. First, thoroughly vacuum. Chalk is readily soluble in mild acid.  Mix 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  If any stain from carpenter's chalk is left, blot with Alcohol.

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Chewing Gum

Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Scrape up residue. Re-clean with the dry cleaning fluid.

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Chocolate / Creme de Menthe

Scrape off excess and absorb. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Mix a  solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Clay / Red Clay

Thoroughly vacuum. If from a flower pot, mix 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Coffee / Tea

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day. Use Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.

If stain is still present, make a pint of very hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Place a thin dry white towel on the stained area.  Pour the hot pint solution directly onto the towel. Keep hot by placing on the wetted area a pan of hot water.  Remove after 1/2 hour. NOTE: While rare, this solution can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Cola Drink / Soft Drink

A soft drink spill is usually deep into the backing and wicking with attendant resoiling can be a major problem. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Mix 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Use 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Cough Medicine or Syrup / Vitamins (Liquid) / Children's Medicine

Blot with Alcohol until totally removed.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Crayon

Scrape loose crayon off and pick up large pieces. Vacuum thoroughly WITHOUT brush agitation. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Any remaining color can usually be removed by blotting with Alcohol.

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Dandruff Shampoo

Frequently contains sulfur compounds which may turn the fibers permanently brown. Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Egg (Raw)

Immediately scrape off all excess.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Use 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Fabric Softener

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Mix with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Food Coloring / Kool-Aid®

For dry food dyes such as some Easter egg dye powders, THOROUGHLY vacuum before proceeding with any wet techniques.  Blot with Alcohol. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Use 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE  towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Furniture Polish

If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  If wax or solid, scrape up. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Use with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE  towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Furniture Stain

If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If down in the backing, it is highly unlikely that you will get all of the stain out. The fibers will probably be permanently stained. If dry, blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Grape Juice

If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day. If any stain remains, use with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

If stain is still present, make a pint of very hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores).  Place a thin dry towel on the stained area.  Pour the hot pint solution directly onto the towel.  Keep hot by placing on the wetted area a pan of hot water.  Remove after 1/2 hour. NOTE: While rare, this solution can bleach out the carpet dye.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Gravy

Scrape up residue. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Grease (vehicle)

Scrape up residue. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Hair Dye

Hair dye is one of the most severe stains there is for carpet and can seldom be thoroughly removed! Blot with Alcohol.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. mix with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Replacement of the stained section may even be necessary.

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Ice Cream

Scrape up residue. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Ink (India)

Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Ink (Permanent) / Felt Tip Markers

Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Ink (Washable)

If a heavy spill, scrape up residue. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Mix 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Insecticides

Most insecticides permanently stain, bleach, or discolor carpet fibers with little chance of restoring the carpet to the original color.

Vacuum thoroughly. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Use 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Iodine / Betadine®

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol.  Cover the stained area with a thin white towel.  Make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores).  Pour the solution directly onto the towel.  Set a pan of hot water on top of the towel and leave at least thirty minutes.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. NOTE: while rare, this solution can bleach out the carpet dye.

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Kerosene

If heavily spilled on upholstery or into the backing and pad of a carpet, elimination of the odor is very difficult. Pad or filler material will have to be replaced.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Ketchup / Catsup

Scrape up residue.  Apply a damp WHITE towel to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day. Scrape up unabsorbed residue.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Use 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Lacquer / Linseed Oil

If wet, absorb. Scrape up any dried material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Lipstick

Scrape up residue.  Remove all loose material. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Mix with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Mascara

Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Merthiolate

Blot with Alcohol.  Mix with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water.  Use 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Mildew

If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), spray bleach onto the mildewed area, leave 1 hour, blot with water, dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces!

If not solution dyed olefin, mix with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

NOTE: Black mildew on fabric indicates probable severe irreversible damage. Be extremely careful - the fabric is probably very weak!

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Milk

If "souring" has occurred, professional treatment or removal of the affected section of the pad will be necessary.

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.  If heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE  paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.  Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel.  Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Mix solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Mucilage / Mucous

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Mustard

Because it contains a disperse dye, mustard is very difficult to totally remove.

If the carpet is 100% solution dyed olefin (polypropylene), scrape up residue, spray bleach onto the stained area, leave 1 hour, blot with water, dry blot with white towels. CAUTION: Do not get on any other surfaces!

For other surfaces, scrape off loose material. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Use 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.  Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Nail Polish

Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

CAUTION: Amyl Acetate, Acetone, and most nail polish removers are highly flammable and dissolve acetate fibers.

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Oil (Petroleum)

Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Orange Drink

If a heavy spill, leave a weighted moist towel on the spot overnight.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Paint (Latex)

If wet and on surface, blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Paint (Oil Based) / Varnish

If wet, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If dry, scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Potting Soil

Let dry completely before treating. Dry vacuum until all soil is removed. Soil may contain fertilizers and insecticides which often leave permanent stains. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Rubber Cement

Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Rust

Vacuum up loose rust.  Mix 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Shoe Polish (Liquid)

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Shoe Polish (Wax or Paste)

Scrape up residue. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together.

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Soil Filtration Lines

These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard, around furnace vents, etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited on the fibers as the air moves under walls, closed doors, etc. It is extremely difficult, if not nearly impossible, to thoroughly remove from very light carpet.

Very thoroughly vacuum. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Urine

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel saturated with white vinegar.  Apply a WHITE towel saturated with white vinegar to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

Severe cases will require pad replacement, cleaning and deodorizing the backing, cleaning and deodorizing and sealing the underlayment.

NOTE: On wool, urine frequently bleaches out the dyes, especially if not immediately treated.

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Vomit

Vomit is strongly acidic and, therefore, can severely stain carpet and upholstery.

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Mix a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day.

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Water Colors

Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.  Use 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water.  Mix solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.

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Wax (Candle / Paraffin)

On nylon carpet only, place a white towel on the area. Heat an iron to medium and set on the towel for thirty seconds. Move the towel as needed. CAUTION: This procedure can damage the carpet if not done very cautiously.

If unable to use the above hot iron technique, blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with Dry cleaning fluid or Odorless Mineral Spirits on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with 2 tablespoons of household ammonia in 1 cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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Glass Cleaner / Window Cleaner (Windex®, etc.)

Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners, especially in bright sunlight. Blot with Alcohol.

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Wine

If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch of WHITE  paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object such as a heavy book and remove the next day. Make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area. Place a pan of hot water on the stain overnight. NOTE: while rare, this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

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