The Basics of Removing a Carpet Spot

You have a charming home, you spend lots of time keeping it in perfect shape, and your brand-new carpet is the icing on the cake. It’s soft, comfortable and clean. It’s a good feeling.

Then one day, you notice (gasp) a spot right in the middle of the living room carpet. There’s no way you can live with that eyesore. It has got to go. What do you do?

Here are a few tips to basic spot removal. Don’t forget that a spot may really be a stain, which needs professional attention.

Identify

Some spots are easy; others are pretty tough. Do your best to visually identify the spot. It’s not always possible to identify the spotting substance in the carpet. Yet, a little sleuthing on your part can get you close. Where is the spot? Is it near the dining room or where those in the family might eat? Odds are, it’s cuisine related, and you might find success with a spotting solution for sticky residues. Is it in a bedroom? Could be cosmetic, shoe polish or other substance common to getting ready for the day?   You might find success with a dry solvent spotter?

Applying product

When you have figured out what type of spot you have, choose a reputable product for that particular spot. Some of the best spotting solutions can be obtained from your carpet cleaning company. Ask them what they recommend.

Blot

Next comes removal. Carefully blot the spot. Do not scrub. Do not scrub. Oh, I should also mention not to scrub. You will damage the tips of the fibres and there’s nothing that you can do to fix that. Keep applying and blotting product until the spot is gone.

Remember, if you do your own spot removal, there is some danger of removing original fabric colour and causing other damage. Take your time and do it right. Pretesting fibre and solution compatibility is always recommended. Closets are good for this.

And when in doubt (or when a spot stumps you, always do the very best thing: Call your cleaning professional right away!