How to clean up Spills on the Carpet - SERVPRO of The Mountains

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's techs are familiar in dealing with common home and workplace spots/spills. Contact SERVPRO of The Mountains to speak with our trained staff.

Accidental spills on our carpets or upholstery are inevitable.   Beverages, food, pet accidents and other normal life events can be contributors.

Proper and speedy spot cleaning can save the day.   Time is of the essence.

At all steps be sure to blot the area but never rub or scrub.   Scrubbing a spot will usually spread the very substance we are trying to remove.   It can also damage carpet fibers creating a shadow effect.

Blot the area immediately with a towel or other absorbent material.  Continuing blotting by using the clean dry towel until all puddled liquid is removed.   Once no liquid is being transferred to the towel, you can move to the next step.

If the liquid is a natural item such as beverages, food or human “spillage”, then water should first be used to rinse the area.   If the liquid is man made such as ink, grease, or paint, then a solvent based cleaner must be used.   See our article “Out Spot Out”.

A small amount of clean water, usually proportional to the amount of liquid spilled, can be spritzed onto the area.    Your fingertips or small sprayer can be used.

Continuing rinsing and blotting this area with a clean dry towel until the liquid being transferred is clear also.

The affected area should now appear damp but not discolored.   If there is visible discoloration, a cleaning agent should now be utilized.   But 80% of the time, clear water rinse will be sufficient.

Speed the drying of this area by using ceiling fans or positioning a portable fan on the damp area.  Quick drying will reduce staining and potential odors.

Usually within 24 hours, the spot should be dry to the touch and visibly clean.

If any discoloration remains after drying, see our article on “Out Spot, Out”

Of course, your SERVPRO professional is always available to consult and provide professional carpet cleaning services that can assist anytime a spill gets out of hand!