Spillages are inevitable, and they will happen. Whether you accidentally knock that cup of tea off the table or the kids have dropped sweets onto the carpet, the most important thing is that you act quickly.
You will need some basics items. if you don’t have these, purchase them at some point soon and keep them under your counter for when the time comes.
First and foremost, you’ll need a white absorbent cloth or a roll of kitchen towel.
Next, you’ll need the items to make these 4 solutions
- Dry Cleaning Solution – Surgical Spirit
- Detergent Solution – One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woollens to half a pint (0.3 litres) of warm water.
- Detergent & Vinegar Solution – Add one tablespoonful of white (not malt) vinegar to the Detergent Solution.
- Ammonia Solution – One teaspoonful of branded household ammonia (available from hardware stores), to one cup of warm water.
“Always test in an inconspicuous area before applying to the main area”
Tackle Stains as Follows:
- Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods and Urine.
Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry cloths frequently. See below for final rinse procedure. - Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, and Vomit.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure. - Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil, Ointment and Shoe Polish.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure. - Unknown stains.
Scrape up or blot surplus spillage. Use Dry Cleaning Solution followed by clean warm water. Blot dry. If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
Final Rinse Out Procedure
This rinse procedure is applicable to all the above methods of stain removal. Simply mix one-part white vinegar and four parts water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained area. Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture. Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) over the affected area and place a weight, such as a book, directly on top. This will help moisture residue to soak into the towels. Leave overnight and repeat if necessary.
Remember, You Must Act Quickly
Scrape up solids. Blot up liquids. Take plenty of time, it is worth the effort. Mix the solution accurately (and test it in an inconspicuous area). Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre. NEVER OVER WET. Dab rather than scrub, or rub hard. Even though you do not completely remove the
stain, the correct routine will give your professional cleaner, when called in, the best possible chance of success.