For Liquid Stains
- Apply a dry white kitchen paper towel to blot up the liquid by pressing straight down on the carpet. DO NOT RUB.
- Repeat until the carpet is dry.
- If the area is still stained, moisten another white kitchen paper towel with warm, slightly soapy water and blot.
- Repeat until the stain has gone. Do a final blot with another dry white kitchen paper towel. Do Not Rub. Pressed chamois blocks (Slurpees) are also handy for blotting up large liquid stains.
For Solid Stains
- For food and other solid stains, scrape the soiled area with the blunt edge of a spoon to remove the material.
- Scrape from the outside edge of the stain towards the centre.
- Apply dry white kitchen paper towels as used on liquid stains.
Other Carpet Care Products
Spray-on carpet cleaning shampoo or foam
These are available from your local supermarket. If you have a wool carpet, be sure to choose a product that is suitable for wool. Follow the instructions very carefully. All general carpet-cleaning products contain solutions that ‘attack’ the stained area. If left on the stain too long, they can remove the colour from your carpet. Be especially careful with light-coloured carpet.
Dry powder cleaner or fluid
These are also available from most supermarkets. Remember to choose a product suitable for wool if you have wool carpet. Dry powder or fluid can remove greasy stains like cosmetics, butter, polish, paint, gravy, etc. Be careful to follow the instructions on the bottle.
Fabric detergent and white vinegar
A mix of one teaspoon of fabric detergent, one teaspoon of white vinegar in a litre of warm water will help remove grease-based stains. Always remember to use small quantities and blot up any remaining moisture using dry white kitchen paper towels.
