Dye / Color Removal (Kool-Aid or Artificial Colors)
Carpets dyed in the mill have a very stable dye. This is necessary to prevent color from being removed during use. When something is spilled, the dye is not as stable as the carpet’s dye. Therefore, during the color removal process the undesired color should be removed first. Once the stain is removed or the carpet begins to lose its natural color, the process should be stopped.

Apply a solution made of 50% ammonia and 50% water to the unwanted dye. This area should be damp, not saturated. Dampen a white terry cloth towel with the same solution. The process is trying to generate steam, therefore, it is important the towel stays damp. Place the towel over the affected area. With an iron on the highest setting, place it on the towel. Hold for about 15 seconds and check the area. The color should be drawn into the towel. Rotate the towel and repeat the process, if necessary. Note: This process may scorch the iron.

Wax / Crayons
Place a brown grocery bag over the area of wax. With an iron on medium, apply the iron to the bag over the affected area. Check periodically. The iron should draw the wax into the bag. Change bags, as necessary, if removing large amounts of wax. After the wax is removed, if color remains see: dye / color removal.

Mystery Spots
Peroxides: Found in acne medication, makeup and some lotions, this agent will discolor and often remove color from carpets. Damage from a product like benzoyl peroxide is not seen immediately and usually not discovered until months later. This is because it is activated with water either from humidity or cleaning.

Browning or Yellowing: Carpet may turn brownish or yellow in color, usually because the carpet’s pH is out of balance. To correct this, mist a solution of one part vinegar with two parts water over the area. Gently rub the area and allow to dry. The carpet should return to its natural color. Repeat if necessary.

Insecticides: Many professional insecticides will cause gradual fading of dye. This reaction occurs naturally and is not influenced by cleaning. Also, over-the-counter flea control products with Diazanon, Vaponite or Malathion might effect dye color.

Plant Food: Spills or leakage from plants containing fertilizer might cause a loss or change in color, possibly even dry-rot of carpet. These problems develop near the backing and progress toward the surface over the course of several months or years.

Warning: Remember a stain by nature is permanent. Trying to remove a stain may create a worse situation. Please call Adelman for help prior to attempting these procedures.

Solution Two: ¼ cup vinegar, ¾ cup cool water

Solution Three: One tablespoon clear ammonia, ½ cup cool water

Solution Four: 100% mineral spirits

Spotting Procedures

1) Remove excess material.
For dry material, such as mud, remove as much solid material as possible either through vacuuming or by scrapping the affected area.
On liquid spills, blot up as much liquid as possible.

2) Always blot, never scrub the spot.
Always blot to prevent damage to the fibers for both carpet and furniture. Aggressive scrubbing will cause fiber distortion.

3) Work the spot from the edges to the middle.
Apply small amounts of the mixture to the spot. Gently blot the spot
using a white cloth working from the outer edges to the middle. This will prevent the spot from spreading into the surrounding area. Keep
repeating this process until the spot has been removed or until the spot
will no longer transfer into the cloth.

4) Test the area first.
It is always a good idea to test the carpet or furniture in an
inconspicuous area before spotting. Some fabric may bleed or suffer
color loss from the spotting procedures.

Spot Removal Guide

Alcohol / Beer
Blot. Solution One.

Animal Accidents
Solution Two, let completely dry. Apply Solution Three. If odor persists, call Adelman.

Baby Formula
Blot. Solution One.

Blood
Solution One. If spot remains, Solution Three.

Burns
Trim the tips of burned fibers with a scissors. If the damage is extensive, call Adelman.

Chocolate
Solution One. If spot remains, Solution Three.

Coffee / Tea
Solution One. If spot remains, Solution Two. See note about wicking.

Crayon
See: Advance Removal Techniques

Fruit Juice / Jelly / Artificially Colored Beverages
Remove remaining material. Blot, as dry as possible. Solution One. Rinse and blot. If color remains, see advanced spot removal guide.

Furniture Polish
Solution Four.

Glue
Removing glue is completely dependant on type. Many manufacturers will give detailed removal instructions. Follow their directions carefully. If help is not available, call Adelman.

Grass
Solution One. If spot remains, Solution Two. Blot dry. Solution Three. Rinse area using Solution One. Repeat if necessary.

Graphite
Vacuum Only. Call Adelman.

Gravy
Remove remaining material. Rinse using cool water. Blot. Solution One.

Grease
Remove remaining material. Solution Four. Rinse using Solution One. Repeat if necessary.

Gum
Chill with an ice cube. Scrape off as much as possible. Solution Four.

Ice Cream / Milk
Flush area with warm tap water. Blot dry. Solution One.

Ink
Blot. Solution Four. If ink remains, use isopropyl alcohol. Note: isopropyl alcohol will thin the ink and may create a larger spot.

Iodine
Moisten the area with a few drops of white vinegar. In a mixing glass or warm water, stir in one teaspoon of sodium thiosulfate (hypo-crystals). This can often be found in photo supply stores. Apply a teaspoon of the solution to the area. Blot. Repeat as necessary. When finished, rinse with cool water.

Mildew
Mildew is very hard and often impossible to remove even with professional techniques. Call Adelman for recommendations.

Mud
Let dry. Scrape or vacuum off as much as possible. Solution One.

Nail Polish
Solution Four. If polish remains use nail polish remover (acetone). Note: nail polish remover may dissolve some fibers. Pre-test an area first.

Oil / Tar
Remove remaining material. Solution Four. Rinse using Solution One. Repeat if necessary. If spill is large, call Adelman.

Paint – Latex
Blot. Solution Four. If paint remains, use a latex remover like Goof Off or Oops. Note: carpets are constructed with latex, so follow directions carefully.

Paint – Oil
Blot. Solution Four.

Sugar / Candy
Scrape off with a dull knife. Blot with cool water. Solution One.

Tomato Sauce
Blot. Solution One. If color remains, see advanced spot removal guide.

Wax / Crayons
See advanced spot removal guide.

Vomit
Blot. Solution Two. Rinse Solution One.

Wine
Blot. Pour table salt on area. When dry, vacuum. If spot remains, try Solution One & see advanced spot remove guide.

Wicking
Sometimes spots may reappear after cleaning or spotting. This problem is called wicking. If this happens, simply respot the area and place a dry white cloth over the area with a weighted object like a phone book on top of the cloth. Leave the cloth in place until the area is completely dry.

Advanced Carpet Cleaning Solutions