tech tip Carpet Use these key steps to increase your spot removal success rate. By: The Cleaning & Maintenance Management Staff Removing Spots From 1. Blot up any excess liquid with a clean absorbent towel or cloth. If there are solids present, scrape up excess with spatula, and disin-fect area/tools as needed. 1 Food Spots (sauces, condiments, soft drinks) 2. Once the spot has been iden-tified, choose the appropriate carpet cleaning chemical. Always follow manufacturer directions and recommenda-tions. 2 Tannin Spots Oily Spots (tar, grease, ink) Protein Spots (blood, vomit, feces) (tea, coffee, red wine) 3. Apply spotting solution spar-ingly to the spot or, even better, to a white cotton towel to control amount of solution and provide even application. Enzyme Spotter Acid Spotter 4. Blot the spot with a clean cloth to remove dirt and residue. Make sure to blot and not rub or scrub to ensure that the spot is adsorbed, not spread. Dry Solvent Spotter Alkaline Spotter Spotting solutions should be chosen based on the type of spot and the compatibility to the carpet fiber itself. Troubleshooting Tips Maintaining a consistent carpet care program will help decrease the difficultly in removing spots. Excess soil in carpet makes spots more difficult to remove. Low-moisture: Keeping moisture, either water or chemical, to a minimum will assist in faster drying and limit the possibility of spots wicking to the surface. The quicker the better! Getting to spots immediately is essential. Most can be removed with a general, all-purpose cleaner if they are addressed quickly. Timing is everything. 3 4 10 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • November 2013
CMM – Archives November 2013: 10
