Acetone

• Acetone is the primary ingredient in many non-oily fingernail polishes and removers. It evaporates very rapidly and is highly flammable. Acetone dissolves acetate fibers. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water, blot with lukewarm water with a white towel, blot dry with a dry white towel. Because Acetone is such a strong solvent, if it penetrated into the backing of the carpet, the carpet may buckle up and come unglued. A professional may be required to re-glue the carpet or replace the damaged area. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean for professional removal!

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Acne Medicine

• Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpet. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water, blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water, blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water, blot with lukewarm water with a white towel, blot dry with a dry white towel, and vacuum. A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Alcohol

• Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Asphalt / Driveway Sealer / Parking Lot Sealer / Creosote

• If not removed when fresh, yellow stain from asphalt off parking lots and driveways is nearly impossible to completely remove without delaminating the carpet. This yellowing is particularly obvious with blue and gray carpet.

• For small areas, blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Ball Point Pen Ink

• Absorb all ink on surface with dry white unprinted paper towels. Blot with an Acetone-based nail polish remover. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Beer

• Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Berry Stain

• Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If large quantity has spilled, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day before attempting removal. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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BHT Yellowing

• BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene) is a preservative used in rebond pad (and bread). With stain-resistant nylon carpet, sometimes BHT turns the carpet yellow especially under throw rugs, under low-lying furniture, and in closets. Apply a solution of 10% Citric Acid (1 pound per gallon). Citric Acid is available at some drugstores. Leave overnight. Vacuum.  If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Bleach

• Permanent color damage will occur except on most solution-dyed fibers. Bleach dissolves wool!

• Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. To neutralize the bleach with an anti-chlor, make a pint of hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Pour the solution directly onto the affected area and work in. NOTE: while rare, this solution itself can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. A professional may be required to re-dye any bleached out area. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Blood

• Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. If not fully removed, apply household Hydrogen Peroxide (the 3% drugstore variety) to the stain and blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. NOTE: Sometimes the Hydrogen Peroxide will bleach out the carpet fibers. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Browning

• A carpet, particularly wool, will sometimes gain a brown tint on the tips if cleaned with an overly strong high pH detergent. This will sometimes occur, particularly on wool, if the carpet is left wet too long after cleaning, spill, flood, etc. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. If unsuccessful, If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Butter

• Scrape up residue. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Calcium Chloride Ice Melt, Ice Melt Salt, Snow Melting Compound

• If dry, thoroughly vacuum first. If wet, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Carbon Black / Fingerprint Dust / Dry Photocopier Toner / Soot

• It is EXTREMELY important that you NOT get this type of material wet initially! Vacuum thoroughly until you see no more, then vacuum some more! Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Carbon Paper

• Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. NOTE: Some carbon paper inks are more readily removed with Alcohol than with dry cleaning fluid. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Chalk

• Chalk is Calcium Carbonate. Carpenter's chalk is simply chalk with a dye added for visibility. First, thoroughly vacuum. Chalk is readily soluble in mild acid. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. If any stain from carpenter's chalk is left, blot with Alcohol. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Chewing Gum

• Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Scrape up residue. Re-clean with the dry cleaning fluid. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Chocolate / Creme de Menthe

• Scrape off excess and absorb. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Clay / Red Clay

• Thoroughly vacuum. If from a flower pot, blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Coffee / Tea

• Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water.

• If stain is still present, make a pint of very hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Place a thin dry white towel on the stained area. Pour the hot pint solution directly onto the towel. Keep hot by placing on the wetted area a pan of hot water. Remove after 1/2 hour. NOTE: While rare, this solution can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

• If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Cola Drink / Soft Drink

• A soft drink spill is usually deep into the backing and wicking with attendant resoiling can be a major problem. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Cough Medicine or Syrup / Vitamins (Liquid) / Children's Medicine

• Blot with Alcohol until totally removed. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Crayon

• Scrape loose crayon off and pick up large pieces. Vacuum thoroughly WITHOUT brush agitation. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Any remaining color can usually be removed by blotting with Alcohol. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Crepe Paper Dye / Felt Pad Dye

• Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Dandruff Shampoo

• Frequently contains sulfur compounds which may turn the fibers permanently brown. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Duco® Cement

• Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Egg (Raw)

• Immediately scrape off all excess. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Ether

• Caution - Ether is extremely flammable and will severely damage the integrity of the carpet backing. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Towel used will be very flammable until it has dried. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Fabric Softener

• Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Food Coloring / Kool-Aid®

• For dry food dyes such as some Easter egg dye powders, THOROUGHLY vacuum before proceeding with any wet techniques. Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day.  If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Furniture Polish

• If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If wax or solid, scrape up. Blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Furniture Stain

• If liquid, blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If down in the backing, it is highly unlikely that you will get all of the stain out. The fibers will probably be permanently stained. If dry, blot with a non-flammable dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona® or Energine® on a white towel. Do not pour directly on the carpet or you will destroy the latex glue holding the primary and secondary backing together. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Gentian Violet

• Blot with Alcohol. Blot with a solution of 1/4 of a cup of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel. If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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Grape Juice

• If a heavy spill, apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day. If any stain remains, blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of HOUSEHOLD ammonia per cup of water. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Apply a one-half inch layer of WHITE (no printing) paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy object and remove the next day.

• If stain is still present, make a pint of very hot water containing 2 ounces of Rit Dye's Color Remover or White Wash (obtainable in most discount stores and fabric stores). Place a thin dry towel on the stained area. Pour the hot pint solution directly onto the towel. Keep hot by placing on the wetted area a pan of hot water. Remove after 1/2 hour. NOTE: While rare, this solution can bleach out the carpet dye. Blot with lukewarm water with a white towel. Blot dry with a dry WHITE absorbent towel.

• If you are unsuccessful removing this stain, please call Hydro-Clean (410-737-0088) for professional removal!

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