Question: How long does the carpet take to dry after cleaning?

Answer: It depends on the weather conditions, for a sunny and warm day less that 24 hours, for a damp and rainy day 24 to 36 hours. What you do as a resident will help, fans lower dry time, on a rainy day heat along with fans will lower dry time. If your carpet is very dirty then the cleaning process will take more water which will dampen the carpet even more. The damper the carpet the longer the dry time. This answer is based on using truck-mounted hot water extraction equipment. If a portable unit is used the drying time will at least be 1 1/2 times longer. If you do it yourself with a rented unit double the time.

 

Question: What is the difference between a spot and a stain?

Answer: A spot is water soluable, or can be cleaned with a water based cleaning product or formula. A stain is non-boidegradable or oil based and need to be cleaned with a cleaning product that will clean oil or grease. For example a quick drying solvent based cleaner.

DO NOT USE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, OR LIGHTER FLUID.

 

Question: How do I clean spots on my carpet?

Answer: If spot is wet, blot it, don't rub. Rubbing spreads the soil. If spot is dry, loosen soil and vacuum away prior to moistening it. Always rinse cleaned area thoroughly. If not removed, cleaning products may cause the cleaned area to attract soil. When taking out stains, always use a white cotton cloth, blot never rub the carpet (this will damage the fibers). Clean spots and stains immediately, you will have much better chance of removing them. When using any cleaner, dilute according to direction. A mixture that is too potent may cause damage. Not every stain can be removed. Consult a professional carpet cleaning company for cleaning options. Always pre-test the surface to be cleaned. Apply cleaning solution (see formula below) to an inconspicuous area of the same material. If, after five minutes, the material's color transfers to towel, try another product. Carpet shampoo is good to have on hand and is available at most hardware stores. Remember shampoo’s purchased will contain a lot of detergent/soap and needs to be rinsed thoroughly to remove residue soap.

 

Question: How do I remove a stain from my carpet?

Answer: Scrape off any solids. Blot up liquids quickly, dabbing lightly with a clean white towel cotton towel. Sprinkle a greasy stain with baking soda, cornstarch, cornmeal, or talcum powder to absorb any excess grease. Leave on at least 6 hours, then vacuum.  To remove risidual greasy stains, apply a nonflammable dry-cleaning agent to the spot with a white towel. Work from the edges toward the center. Don't scrub. Dab gently until the spot comes clean. Always pretest any cleaning agent on an inconspicuous part of the carpet and let it dry before continuing. Use a hair dryer to speed dry,  then vacuum. To remove water-soluble stains apply some detergent solution ( 1/2 teaspoon mild detergent with a cup of warm water), working from the edges to the center of the stain. Place white cotton towels or rags over the spot and weight down with books or pots and pans. Let stand about one hour. Replace with towels and leave overnight. Then fluff up the carpet pile using a stain free plastic comb or brush DO NOT OVER RUB.

 

Question: Can I clean upholstery stains?

Answer: Follow the recommended procedure until stain has lifted from your upholstery:

ONE:  For bio-degradeable stains. Apply small amounts of the cleaning solution (see formula below) with a clean, white, absorbent towel. Continue to apply and blot frequently until the staining material is no longer transferred to the towel.

TWO: For oil based stains. Apply a very small amount of dry cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and

hardware stores) with a q-tip to see if the stain is oil based. Use small amounts to prevent possible damage to sizing, backings or stuffing materials. DO NOT USE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.

THREE: Blot any remaining moisture by pressing area with white absorbent towel, allow to dry completely before use.

 

USE THIS FORMULA FOR THE CLEANING SOLUTION: Mix one-half teaspoon of colorless detergent (a mild dish washing detergent containing no bleach), with a cup of warm water.