Dirt Busters Carpet Stain Removal Techniques Page 2 of 2

Vomit Stain and Odor Removal from Carpet
To remove carpet stains and odor such as those made by vomit, the newest technology uses peroxide and detergents to penetrate the soiled area to remove the stain and deactivate the odor. Simply spray a product such as Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the soiled area, and then allow it to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process. You can also try saturating the area with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process. Another option for cleaning carpet stains is baking soda, which can be used to eliminate surface (but not deeply penetrated) odors. Dampen the area with clean water and then sprinkle baking soda over it. Rub the baking soda into the soiled area and let dry; brush or vacuum to remove the dry material.

Jell-o and other Gelatin Stain Removal from Carpet
The dyes in Kool-Aid, Gatorade and Jell-o generally result in a permanent stain. However, you can still try to remove carpet stains caused by these products. The newest technology uses peroxide and detergents to penetrate the soiled area to remove the stain and deactivate the odor. Simply spray a product such as Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the soiled area, and then allow it to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor persists, repeat the process. Another option for cleaning carpet stains such as these is to use ordinary household and blot at the stain using a clean cloth. When cleaning carpet stains with ammonia, wear a mask or turn you head so you don't inhale the fumes.

Dry Erase Marker Stain Removal from Carpet
Sometimes, when we're going through our carpet cleaning ritual, we come across stains that are a bit more unusual. Take for instance dry erase maker stains. While these aren't common, there are ways to remove carpet stains created by this product. Hairspray, the old tried and true remedy for removing ink stains is your best. Spray an alcohol-based hair spray directly onto the carpet to saturate, let sit for about fifteen minutes and blot until the stain is removed. Don't forget this important tip for cleaning carpet stains: Always blot a stain, never rub. Rubbing the stain will only cause it to spread. It will also wear away the fibers. In addition to hairspray, alcohol will remove carpet stains caused by these markers. Apply the hairspray directly to the carpet and blot. Blot again with a damp sponge to clean away any residue left behind.

Repairing Cigarette Burns in Carpet
If you come across a cigarette burn in your cleaning carpet ritual, you'll need to do some simple repair work. First snip away the singed edges with fine manicure scissors or a razor blade. Use tweezers to pull out the severely burned fibers and discard. Remove clean carpet strands from another, hidden area in the room. Apply glue to the burned area, and press the clean fibers into the spot. Press the area with a heavy object for several days before walking on it.

Milk Stain and Odor Removal from Carpet
You may have noticed a couple of days after cleaning a carpet stain such as milk, the spots come back. This may be due to wicking. Wicking happens when the carpet becomes saturated and the liquid pools at the bottom. After a while, it starts to work its way back up through the fibers making the stain reappear on your carpet. It is extremely difficult to remove all of the liquid from the carpet fibers, carpet backing and padding underneath, thereby creating ideal conditions for bacteria and mold growth (and thus malodors). However, you might not be ready to replace your carpet just yet, so here are a few things you can do to eliminate the carpet odor. When you first begin to remove carpet stains, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with an absorbent white cloth. Place another thick cloth on the carpet and weigh down with something heavy so all of the liquid is absorbed. When that's done, go ahead and sanitize the area. The newest technology uses peroxide and detergents to penetrate the soiled area and deactivate the odor. Simply spray a product such as Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the soiled area, which will penetrate into the carpet. Allow Bio-OX to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process. You can also use baking soda to eliminate surface (but not deeply penetrated) odors. Dampen the area with clean water and then sprinkle baking soda over it. Rub the baking soda into the soiled area and let dry; brush or vacuum to remove the dry material.

Wax Removal from Carpet
The last thing any of us need is wax dripped on the carpet. Once it hardens, it seems impossible to remove. All is not lost though. For cleaning carpet stains made by wax, first chip off as much of the surface wax as possible, using a dull knife or paint scraper. Once that is done, place a cloth or several layers of paper towels over the wax and apply a warm iron. Iron the towel for a few minutes and then lift. The wax should now be on the cloth instead of the carpet. Remove carpet stains left behind by blotting with vinegar, or if it doesn't come up easily, nail polish remover.

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