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How to Dye a Spot on Carpet
by Justin Sanders
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Overview
From pet stains to juice, even the smallest spot on your otherwise clean and beautiful carpet can feel like a cruel, discolored eye mockingly staring at you every time you walk by. Despair can set in. The perfectionist in you may be tempted to just throw the thing out, to start anew with a fresh carpet---but don't give up just yet! A good carpet is hard to find, and you don't want to part with yours over a single blemish, do you? Out vile spot!
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Step 1
Act quickly. No matter what the material producing it, the longer a spot is left untended, the more likely it is to stain your carpet.
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Step 2
Clear the area of all solids. Use a vacuum on crumbs and other hard materials. Use a spoon to scoop semi-hard, gelatinous solids into the trash.
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Step 3
Blot the spot with extra-absorbent paper towels or a dry, white towel. Continue blotting until the spot is also dry. Avoid frantically scrubbing the spot as this will only smear the stain and fray your carpet.
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Step 4
Visit the Carpet and Rug Institute online at www.carpet-rug.org and enter your stain-causing agent (India ink, motor oil, etc.) into the website's easy-to-use "spot removal computer." You will be paired with the optimal cleaning solution for your particular predicament, along with excellent treatment tips.
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Step 5
Test the selected cleaning solution before application. Apply a very small amount of the solution to a clean, out-of-the-way area of your carpet to make sure it doesn't damage the material or remove ink (see reference 2.)
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Step 6
Dip your towel in the selected cleaning solution and gently blot the stain, starting on the outer edge and working inward to keep it from spreading.
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Step 7
Repeat Step 7 until color ceases moving from the carpet to your towel. You may have to repeat it several times. Don't give up!
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Step 8
Rinse the area with cold water once the stain is entirely gone. Blot the wet spot with a new, dry white towel until the cleaning solution is entirely removed and the spot is dry.
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- 2 dry, white, absorbent towels or several paper towels
Water
Carpet cleaning solution
- 2 dry, white, absorbent towels or several paper towels
- Water
- Carpet cleaning solution
- Some stain-cleaning solutions must be purchased at the store, but many can be made from common household products. If you do have to go to the store for solution, be sure to blot the spot dry before you leave.
- Some stain-cleaning solutions must be purchased at the store, but many can be made from common household products. If you do have to go to the store for solution, be sure to blot the spot dry before you leave.
