Basic Spot Removal Techniques

Understanding a spot is key to successfully removing it. Knowing what caused the spot and getting to it quickly can help immensely in getting it out. Most spots are caused by a spill of some kind, tracking soils in from somewhere (usually outside), or from an accident (like vomiting). Following these recommended steps will help get spots out, even if you don't know what caused the spot in the first place.

These are the same steps we, as professionals, use to get even the toughest of stains out. If you follow these steps and still can't get the spot out, please give us a call! We have additional treatments that can be used to get stains out, and the sooner we get to them, the more likely we can remove them, saving your carpet. Not following these steps, or waiting too long, can cause permanent damage to your carpet, where patching or replacing are the only options.

Step 1: Remove as much as you can
Step 2: Use Water
Step 3 (everything but urine): Zr Clean™
Step 3 (urine): ZeroStink™
Step 4: Zerorez® Spot Remover™
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Step 1: Remove as much as you can

The first step is to get as much of the spill up as you can. Using a clean wet/dry vacuum or a carpet shampooer can ease this step. Using paper or white terry cloth towels to get as much of the bigger stuff out, if there is any, or trying to soak up as much of the spill as possible will ease the next steps. DO NOT SCRUB! Blot, Do not Scrub, this will cause permanent, irreversible damage to the carpet.

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Step 2: Use Water

Use water to remove as much as possible. We want to avoid using harsher cleaners, if we can. Using warm water (<200f), gently spray or lightly pour water onto the spot, and if possible, use a clean wet/dry vacuum to suck out the water you are pouring onto the carpet. Using a towel to BLOT (not scrub!) is an alternative to the vacuum. For deeper, liquid stains, put the end of the vacuum hose straight down on to the carpet, and slowly pour water around the edge of the hose. This will help flush deep down spills. Repeat as necessary.

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Step 3 (everything but urine): Zr Clean™

Zr Clean™ helps to loosen harder to get soils. Oily substances, greases, and other, non-water-soluble spills can be removed with our Zr Clean™ All-Purpose Cleaner™. After rinsing with water, spray Zr Clean™ onto the spot, let it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum out (with a wet/dry vacuum) or blot gently with a clean towel.

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Step 3 (urine): ZeroStink™

ZeroStink™ is our proprietary system for removing odor and stains caused by urine. Getting to the spot as fast as possible is critical to getting the stains and odors out of a urine spot. After Step 2 is complete, lightly saturate the area with ZeroStink™. For heavier soiled areas, use more ZeroStink™. Let dry. ZeroStink™ is designed with encapsulating polymers, so as it dries, it may "wick" up, and create a yellow spot or a crusty spot on the carpet. Thoroughly vacuum (with a regular vacuum) the area to remove this spot. Treating the area with ZeroStink™ Enzyme™ after treatment can also remove odors and stains. If a yellow stain remains after thorough vacuuming, try repeating Step 2. If it is still there, the stain may be permanent, call us for a professional stain removal evaluation.

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Step 4: Zerorez® Spot Remover™

Zerorez® Spot Remover™ is used for even more stubborn stains. This is a proprietary blend of neutral cleaners and volatile dry solvents (vds) that help to remove stubborn stains like ink, grease, and oil. Simply apply a small amount of the Spot Remover™ to a white terry cloth towel and gently BLOT (not scrub!) the spot. Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes, then repeat Step 2. If spot remains, repeat this step, and then repeat Step 2. If stain remains, call us to schedule a professional stain removal.