Memorial Day is almost here! The cookout season will officially begin and so does the task of removing “Barbeque Sauce” stains from your carpet. In Drums Pennsylvania, the smell of chicken, ribs, burgers and other delicious items will permeate the air along with my wife’s voice asking how the ketchup mysteriously got spilled on her kitchen area rug.
When trying to remove these types of sugary sauces from your carpet it’s best to clean the spot while it’s still fresh. Unfortunately many spots and spills on the carpet go unnoticed until they dry up and the most damage has been inflicted. If the spot is fresh, use a spoon and scoop up as much of the mess as possible. If the stain is dry, use the back edge of a spoon to gently scrape the dry excess matter away. Do not rub aggressively; doing so can distort the twist and lay of the carpet yarns leaving a permanent mark.
Mix a teaspoon of liquid dish soap with 8 ounces of warm water in a clean spray bottle and lightly moisten the affected area. Use a white towel and blot the area checking your towel to see if there is any transfer. You should continue to moisten and then blot until the spot is removed or until there is no more transfer into the towel.
For more stubborn stains sprinkle enough baking soda on the area to cover the spot. Apply a small amount of white vinegar with a spray bottle to produce a bubbling reaction. Let the area work for about a minute or so and try blotting again looking for any transfer. Repeat if necessary. After you are done spot cleaning the carpet rinse the area thoroughly by spraying on some plain water and blotting dry.
Always remember to check your warranty information first, pre test your cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area and watch a short video called “Common Household Carpet Spot & Stain Cleaning Tools and Tips” before you start. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyZR8fhipK8 If the spot still remains contact your local IICRC-Clean Trust certified carpet cleaning company. To schedule a FREE cleaning estimate, Hazleton PA and Berwick PA residents can call on Services Etcetera Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by visiting www.nepacarpetcleaning.com.