How To Use Carpet Cleaning Products

Step 1: Is it suitable?

Many carpet spot cleaners contain active ingredients such as reducing agents, bleaches and solvents that may not be suitable for your particular stain. There are a range of VideoJugs available which will instruct you on how to remove a variety of stains, such as How To Remove Ketchup From Your Carpet. However if you do wish to continue with the carpet cleaner, there are some general rules you should follow.

Step 2: Dilute the cleaner

To reduce the risk of damaging your carpet dilute the cleaning fluid by adding a teaspoon of the cleaner to a bowl of warm water. If you are using a spray application, don't use too much.

Step 3: Patch test

Before applying any solution to your carpet, you should always do a patch test. Choose an out of the way area if carpet and apply a small amount. Wait a few minutes to ensure that problems don't develop.

Step 4: Neutralising bleach

If the solution appears to be lightening or bleaching the carpet rinse it out immediately by spraying the area with clean water and then dabbing it dry. Do not continue. Call a professional.

Step 5: Neutralising alkaline

If the carpet turns brown after the solution has been applied, this is an alkaline reaction and will need to be neutralised. Add several splashes of white vinegar to a bowl of warm water and dab the solution onto the stain using a white cloth. Do not continue. Call a professional.

Step 6: Applying the solution

If there are no adverse reactions, you may continue. Dampen the whole cloth with the solution and lay it over the stain.

Step 7: HANDY HINT

Use the bottom of a spoon to work the liquid into the carpet without damaging the fibres. Work from the outside in to prevent the stain from spreading.

Step 8: Check for dye leakage

Look at the cloth you are using the massage the solution into the carpet. If there is any dye from the carpet itself, stop applying the solution immediately. Rinse the stain with clean water, and call a professional.

Step 9: Remove the solution

Don't leave the solution on for any longer than it suggests on the label, as it increases the chances that the active ingredients may damage the carpet. It is very important that you rinse all of the solution from your carpet, as any remnants will attract dirt. Spray the area with clean water and then blot it up with kitchen towel. If you do not have a spray bottle, you can dab it on using a sponge. If any stain remains, don't tackle it again. It's time to call a professional. However, if you follow these steps, you should avoid any damage to your carpet whilst using carpet spot cleaners.