D. A. Burns Carpet Spot Removal Guide
Refer to our handy D. A. Burns Carpet Spot Removal Guide to help you with any “accidents” on your rug or carpet. Remember … spills and stains should be treated immediately. The longer a spot remains, the more difficult it will be to remove.
What should I do if I spill something on my carpet?
Act quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken.
The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.
Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or paper towels (no printing). Do not scrub the area. Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected areas. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed from the carpet.
If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in our “Carpet Spot Removal Guide” and follow the directions carefully.
*Please note, we do not recommend the following for rugs or carpet made up of mostly viscose or rayon as it can cause permanent damage.
5 Solutions For Carpet Spot Removal
Detergent Solution
D. A. Burns Spot Off or mix 1-teaspoon of clear, mild liquid dishwashing detergent with 1-cup of lukewarm water
Ammonia Solution
Mix 1-tablespoon of household ammonia with 1/2 - cup of warm water. (refrain from a stronger ammonia solution on wool carpet)
Enzyme Detergent
Commercial enzyme detergent such as Nature’s Miracle ®.
Dry Cleaning Solvent
Commercial volatile dry spotter.
Vinegar Solution
Mix 1/3 cup of white, household vinegar with the 2/3 cup of water.
Carpet Spot Removal Guide
Blood
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply cool Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply cool Ammonia Solution and blot. Apply Enzyme Detergent, if necessary, and blot. Rinse and blot dry.
Chewing Gum
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot, followed by Detergent Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Chewing Gum
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot, followed by Detergent Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Chocolate
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply cool Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
Catsup / Tomato Sauce
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply cool Detergent solution and blot. Apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
Coffee / Tea
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply Detergent Solution and blot, and follow with Vinegar Solution. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent, if necessary. Rinse and blot dry.
Fats
Remove with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Fruit Juice
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
Glue
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Use Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Gravy
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. If stain remains, apply Enzyme Detergent. Rinse and blot dry.
Grease
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent Solution and blot. Apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Ice Cream
Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Lipstick
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent Solution and blot. Apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Milk
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply cool Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Apply Enzyme Detergent, if necessary. Rinse and blot dry.
Nail Polish
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Cautiously blot repeatedly with nail polish remover. If stain remains, apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. Apply Detergent Solution. Apply Ammonia Solution followed by Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Oil
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. Apply Detergent Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Paint
Oil-based Paint: Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. If stain remains, apply Detergent Solution. Apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Water-based Paint: Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Detergent Solution and blot. Apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. If stain remains, apply Dry Cleaning Solvent. Rinse and blot dry.
Shoe Polish
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent and blot. Apply Detergent Solution. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Soft Drinks
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply cool Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Urine
Blot up as much as possible, if still wet. Apply Detergent Solution and blot. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Vomit
Remove excess with a spoon. Apply Enzyme Detergent and blot. Apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.
Wax
Remove excess with a blunt knife. Apply Dry Cleaning Solvent followed by Detergent Solution. Rinse and blot dry. For persistent wax residue, and on nylon carpet only, place a white absorbent towel on the wax area. Heat an iron to “low heat” and place on the towel for 30-seconds to melt and absorb the wax. Move the towel as needed.
Caution: This procedure can damage the carpet if not done very cautiously.
Wine
Blot up the surplus spillage. Apply cool Detergent Solution. If stain remains, apply Ammonia Solution and follow with Vinegar Solution. Rinse and blot dry.