Therein lies the irony. Today’s carpets are engineered to disguise soils and stains. This sometimes masks the need to vacuum and clean on a regular basis. A consistent and effective maintenance program can dramatically extend the life of your carpet. Spills on carpet should be extracted or blotted up and rinsed with water immediately. Absorbent powders or spotters should then be applied and rinsed thoroughly with clear water. Always work from the edge towards the center of the spill. Never rub, it may spread the stain.

According to carpet manufacturer the Mohawk Group, most common type of spots are the following:

Blot or extract to remove excess moisture. Repeat if necessary.

Category “B” stains are petroleum based stains such as grease, oil, shoe polish, etc. Blot or extract to remove substance. Implement a cleaning procedure for category “A” stain using an all-purpose cleaner. Apply only enough cleaning fluid to dampen the stained area. Gently agitate. Blot or extract to remove substance.

Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Repeat as long as the stain continues to transfer from the carpet to the towel. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Blot or extract to remove excess moisture. Apply a specific POG (paint, oil and grease) cleaner sparingly to the stained area.

Gently agitate. Blot or extract to remove substance. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Blot or extract to remove excess moisture.

Category “C” Stains are coffee and tea based stains. Blot or extract to remove substance. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Apply coffee stain remover according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Rinse thoroughly with clear water to remove residue. Blot or extract to remove excess moisture.