Spot cleaning
Different stains require different treatments. Here are some tips on how to deal with the most common ones. For comprehensive maintenance instruction please download Burmatex® carpet tile maintenance guide.
Stain | Treatment |
---|---|
Asphalt/ Tar | White spirit or solvent spot remover followed by dry foam carpet shampoo or hot water extraction |
Alcoholic drink | Luke-warm mild detergent solution |
Ballpoint ink | Water then solvent spot remover |
Blood | Apply cold water first, then a strong solution (1 teaspoon in ½ pint of water) of biological washing powder in cold water, if stain persists. (Enzymes will digest majority of the stain) |
Butter | Scrape off, apply solvent spot remover followed by dry foam carpet shampoo |
Candle wax | Scrape off, apply solvent spot remover followed by dry foam carpet shampoo |
Chewing gum | Apply freeze spray chewing gum remover, scrape the residue, then carpet shampoo |
Chocolate | Cold water followed by dry foam carpet shampoo |
Coca Cola | Water or mild detergent solution |
Coffee, cocoa or drinking chocolate | Wash immediately with cold or warm mild detergent solution, followed by solvent spot remover to remove residual fat |
Cigarette burns | Scrape off carefully using a sharp short bladed knife, then treat with a lukewarm mild detergent solution. In the case of a severe burn on Burmatex® carpet, a leather punch (1½” diameter) can be used to cut out the burn and then the area filled by a circle from the carpet remnants |
Egg | Cold water followed by a solution of biological washing powder or mild detergent solution |
Excrement | Mild detergent solution |
Felt marker | Wash immediately with water and if necessary with solvent spot remover |
Fat, oil or grease | Solvent spot remover followed by mild detergent solution |
Fat containing foodstuffs | Lukewarm biological washing powder solution (1 teaspoon in ½ pint of warm water). If stain persists after drying, solvent spot remover can be used |
Ink | First water then solvent spot remover |
Jam | Lukewarm water, mild detergent solution |
Lipstick | Solvent spot remover followed by mild detergent solution |
Milk | Solvent spot remover followed by dry foam carpet shampoo |
Nail varnish | Acetone (not nail varnish remover) |
Oil paint | Apply white spirit immediately. Old oil paint stains are very difficult to remove |
Plasticine | Scrape off then use chewing gum freeze spray. Scrape again, then use solvent spot remover |
Rust | See specialist cleaner for removal |
Red wine | Apply cold water first, then a solution (1 teaspoon in ½ pint of water) of biological washing powder in cold water |
Shoe polish | Solvent spot remover or white spirit |
Soot | Vacuum then treat with dry foam carpet shampoo |
Tea | Lukewarm mild detergent solution |
Urine | Diluted white vinegar solution (acetic acid) followed by mild detergent solution. For old stains consult a professional cleaner |
Vomit | Mild detergent solution then treat with diluted protein spot remover |
White wine | Water then mild detergent if necessary |
spot remover kits
Spot remover kits are available from Prochem Ltd. and their distributors (tel: 0208-974-1515).
Solvent spot remover is a generic term for proprietary preparations, which can be obtained at local hardware shops. Compositions can vary so due care to the instructions on the label should be taken.
on-site cleaning
Hot water extraction is recommended provided the carpet/carpet tile has been properly installed with the correct adhesive. If necessary, contact Prochem for details on equipment, chemicals or cleaning problems on 0208-974-1515.
Download Burmatex® carpet tile maintenance guide.