Removing Ink From Carpet

School's back in session and for many of you that means it's time to reclaim your house (at least for a few hours every day).   It also means homework, tests, and lots of running errands and to school functions. Sometimes when it hasn't been that long since our carpets have been cleaned we get that pesky spot that we just want to go away. This week I will tell you how to use common household products to get rid of one spot out of your carpet that's very common, ink. Be sure to read  ALL the below instructions before you try this. It never hurts to first try in a closet or somewhere nobody will see with any spot cleaner you try.

Removing Ink (Ballpoint) From Your Carpet   Remove as much of any foreign material as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife.   Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, white paper towel or cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no color is transferred to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate into the backing as this will destroy the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface only, rub in one direction at a time. Never us a circular motion to remove spot as this may destroy the texture. Stop if spot is removed. If not, go to the next step.   Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn and Joy.) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.   Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.   Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.   If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick. Important - ALWAYS read and follow the care instructions and any warnings provided by the carpet or upholstery manufacturer. Carpeting and upholstery with natural fibers and/or certain dyes or finishes may require special treatment. If in doubt contact Overturf's Cleaning for advice/service first. NEVER PROCEED with any stain removal instructions without knowing the exact nature of the stain involved. NEVER USE any retail products to remove stains from carpet or upholstery without seeking the advice of the manufacturer or you could void your warranty.

Caring for Your Oriental Rugs

How to Care for Your Oriental Rugs

For every day care & protection of an Oriental or Area rug, always do the following:

• Rotation – To insure even wear, your rug should be rotated once a year. Depending on the traffic, you may decide to rotate anywhere from every six months to two years.
• Vacuuming – Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Don't wait any longer than once a week to vacuum. Be sure not to vacuum the fringe with your beater bar! Use the end of a vacuum hose from a canister vacuum.
• Padding – A quality pad under your rug protects it from dirt, wear and slippage. Overturf's Cleaning can help you order a high quality rug pad.

Spot and Spill Procedures - Be sure to safely and immediately clean up spots and spills before they set.

- First, soak up any excess liquid by blotting with a clean, white absorbent material. Do not brush or rub the stain.
- Next spot-clean with a mild detergent white vinegar-water solution. Do-not over wet.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water and a small amount of vinegar. Avoid wetting the rug’s backing.
- Blot dry until most of the moisture has been absorbed. Allow to air dry. A fan or cool hair dryer can be used to speed up the drying process.

For stains that do not come out using these methods, ask our Sarasota rug cleaning specialists.

(941) 301-9555
Overturf’s Cleaning
www.CleaningManatee.com