Emergency Stain Removal
I was called out today to deal with a child’s make-up stain on a beautiful wool carpet. When I got there however, someone in the home had used a product called Dr Beckmann. It had completely bleached the bedroom carpet of its natural colour and still left the stain behind.
Please do be careful! Read the label first, and test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
Unfortunately, the product used by the householder was actually a laundry stain remover which specified not to be used on wool, cotton or natural fibres, and was to be rinsed off immediately in the washing machine.
It pays to always read the label and follow its advice.
In light of this incident, here are my top tips for emergency stain removal.
The number one tip is of course – Don’t Panic! Accidents will happen and most can be resolved, sometimes not without the skills of a specialist cleaner, but here’s how you can try…
- Do not over wet into backing materials
- Always test any solution/detergent on an inconspicuous area of carpet prior to treating a stain
- Use detergents at recommended dilution ratios
- Scrape up or blot, never rub or scrub up any excess prior to treatment
- Do not use inappropriate detergents on carpets or upholstery i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, household bleach, disinfectants)
- Always work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading
- Always apply the cleaning fluid to the absorbent spotting material not directly onto the carpet or fabric
- Encourage quick drying (carefully use a hairdryer on mild heat to assist)
- Deal with stains as quickly as possible for increased chances of success
- Keep the fabric or carpet as dry as possible.
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