Spills happen. Whether you're hosting a party with red wine, knocking your nachos onto the carpet during a touchdown of the big game on TV, or your new pet has a nervous bladder, taking care of carpet spots can be challenging. However, when spills are dealt with promptly and properly using a CRI-approved spot remover, they can be quick and easy to clean up.

 

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Steps to Success

Today's carpets are stain-resistant, not stain-proof. Acting quickly is important. If you procrastinate you increase the chances of producing a permanent stain.

 

 

 

Rather than act rashly and begin scrubbing in a frenzy, simply use a dry, white absorbent cloth, or a white paper towel and blot up liquids. Start at the outside edge of the spill and continue towards the center; that way the spill won't spread. If it's food (like the nachos mentioned above), pick up or vacuum away the dry pieces, then scoop up oily matter with a spoon.

 

Next, use a Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval (SOA) carpet cleaning product. To identify which cleaning solution works best, CRI tests products for cleaning effectiveness, rate of resoiling, pH level, surface texture change, optical brighteners, and colorfastness.  The "more is better" philosophy does not apply here. Be sure to follow the product's directions carefully. Avoid overwetting the spot since that could drive contaminants deeper into the carpet. Also, don’t scrub or use a stiff brush because that can damage the carpet, causing fibers to fray, or the texture to change.

 

One product does not fit all spills. CRI offers a Spot Solver that can help you narrow your choices down to what works on specific spills.

 

What if you don't have any cleaning products on hand? In a pinch, using plain water often works as a good alternative. Or you could make a detergent solution with 1/4 teaspoon clear dishwashing liquid (non-lanolin) with one cup warm water. Never use laundry detergent; it may contain optical brighteners, bleach, or be too harsh.

 

For pet owners, small hand extractors (or small wet/dry vacuums) are handy for quick cleanups. Avoid using steam on urine spots, the heat has a tendency to set the stain and smell. CRI tests and recommends products and equipment that help remove pet stains and odor without damaging carpet.

 

Conclusion

 

There is no need to cover your carpet in plastic, stop having parties, eating nachos, or enjoying the companionship of pets. When those random spills occur, by acting quickly and using the right solution and cleaning techniques, those spills will not win!

 

Note: It's important to have a SOA Service Provider deep clean your carpet periodically, depending on traffic, soiling, and usage.

 

About The Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, representing over 90% of all carpet produced in the United States. CRI is the source for science-based information and insight into how carpet and rugs can create a better environment — for living, working, learning and healing. For more information, visit the CRI Blog.