Problems With Carpets

Soiled- Rent a heavy duty electric shampooer from your supermarket or hardware store to shampoo wall-to-wall carpet.  These machines have special devices that control and prevent the soaking of the surface of your carpet, eliminating the possibility of shrinkage, and they do an effective job. Use the cleaner indicated and mix according to instructions. Make overlapping strokes with the machine over all of the carpet.  The foam cleaning action that this produces will ensure even coverage. When the suds disappear and the carpet dries, vacuum the carpet. Do not put the furniture back in place until the carpet fibers have fully dried.

Animal Stains - Mix one cup of water with a teaspoon of white vinegar. Apply the solution to the stain. Allow it to remain on the stain for fifteen minutes. Blot the excess moisture. Then wash the stain with mild warm soapy water - sponge with cold water - blot dry using paper towels or an absorbent terry cloth.

Grease - First try warm soapy water, but if the stain is stubborn, an all purpose liquid cleaner will remove it.  Follow the instructions on the label.

Nail Polish - If you catch the spill immediately nail polish can be wiped away using a mild detergent and water. Don't use nail polish remover; it will dissolve polyester fibers. A professional rug cleaner is required if the spill has set.

Burn Marks - If it is a small surface with only the tips of the fiber scorched, rub the surface with a clean, fine steel wool pad carefully removing the scorched portion. You'll need a vacuum to pick up the dust that accumulates.

If the burn is deep and you have a matching leftover carpet remnant, an almost invisible patch is possible on a shag or sculptured carpet. It will not work as well on velvet cut or smooth cut carpet. With a sharp cutting tool, cut a clean square around the burn mark. Remove the square with the burn. Cut a patch the same size from the carpet remnant. Using a carpet adhesive, apply a thin coat to the underside and the raw edges of the carpet on the floor. Press the patch in place. The weight of a few books placed on the patch will ensure a strong bond. Make certain that you do not use too much adhesive on the edges of the patch - you won't want it to ooze on to the adjacent carpet fibers.