Put an ice cube in a plastic bag and
place over wax to harden it. Scrape off surface wax with dull knife.
Cover stained area with several layers of paper toweling
and press lightly with a warm (not hot) iron until all wax is
removed. Be careful not to melt fibers with iron. Shampoo, let dry,
then vacuum.
Chocolate/cocoa
Carpet
Blot liquids with a clean absorbent towel and scrape up solids with the dull edge of a knife. Sponge lightly with cool water and
blot several times. Apply diluted carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum.
Coffee, cola or tea
Carpet
Mix one teaspoon of a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of lukewarm water. Blot. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with
two-thirds cup of water. Blot. Sponge with clean water. Blot.
Grease
Carpet
Remove excess by blotting with a clean absorbent towel. Apply a spot cleaner or a dry-cleaning solvent according to product directions. (Test in an inconspicuous place to make sure carpet color is not removed.) If dry spot cleaner is used, vacuum before continuing. Apply 1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum.
Ink (ballpoint)
Carpet
Remove excess by blotting up with a clean absorbent towel. Apply a spot cleaner or a dry-cleaning solvent according to product directions. (Test in an inconspicuous place to make sure carpet color is not removed.) If dry spot cleaner is used, vacuum before continuing. Apply 1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum.
Paint
Carpet
Water-based, wet: Work as quickly as possible so the paint does not have a chance to dry. Remove excess paint by blotting with a clean absorbent towel. Sponge with cool water and blot several times. Apply 1 teaspoon liquid white dishwashing detergent mixed in 1 cup warm water or a solution of 1 part carpet shampoo to 4 parts water with a brush or towel. Rinse and repeat as many times as necessary to remove all the paint. Let the area dry thoroughly. Vacuum.
Oil-based, wet: After removing excess paint, carefully apply turpentine or paint thinner and blot repeatedly. Shampoo, let dry, then vacuum.
Oil-based, dry: Check with paint store for possible commercial water-based or oil-based paint removers or contact a commercial carpet and rug cleaner for advice. Dried paint is
almost impossible to remove.
Wax
Carpet
Sponge a very small amount of dry-cleaning solvent onto the stain. Blot. Mix one teaspoon of a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of lukewarm water. Blot. Sponge with clean water. Blot.
Wine
Carpet
Mix one teaspoon of a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of lukewarm water. Blot. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. Repeat detergent step. Sponge with clean water. Blot.
All Stains
Upholstery
The care label that came with your upholstered furniture is your best guide. If you can't find it, check to see if your furniture has a cleaning code on it. The code
may be printed on fabric samples, on a label under seat cushions or on hang tags.
The code will use these letters: W, S, W-S or X.
W: Spot clean the upholstered fabric using the foam of a water-based cleaning agent, such as a mild detergent, or a commercial non-solvent upholstery shampoo. Use it sparingly and avoid over-wetting the fabric, which can cause a
permanent circle to occur. Apply the foam with a soft brush in a circular motion. After the upholstery fabric dries, vacuum it.
S: Spot clean the upholstery with a mild, water-free solvent or dry-cleaning product. Use sparingly and in a well-ventilated room. Never use a water-based solvent cleaner; it could cause spotting or excessive shrinkage.
W-S: Spot clean using either a water-based or solvent cleaner.
X: Stain should be cleaned only by vacuuming or light brushing.
When the upholstery fabric has an overall soiled look, call a professional furniture cleaning service.
Information on carpet cleaning from University of Illinois, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service and Michigan State University Extension. Information on upholstery cleaning adapted from NC State University/A & T State University Cooperative Extension.
