Common Spill Remedies

Here are some remedies for common household spills. Please note that they are suggestions only. Pre-existing conditions such as dirt in the floor covering, and specific dyes in certain floor coverings can produce unwelcome results. Some stains will be permanent. When in doubt, please contact a professional carpet care company that have experience with natural fibre products.

Three Golden Rules:

1. Attend to all accidents immediately.

2. Never mix different commercial cleaning solutions.

3. Never ever use a concentrated laundry detergent or household product which may contain bleach or colour fixing agents.

Liquid Spills

Place a clean towel or colourfast cloth over the spill and tread down with your foot. If the stain is still apparent you will need to repeat the process and apply one of the remedies outlined below.

Solids

First remove solids with a spoon or similar implement, taking care to avoid pressing solids into the fibres. Moisten the affected area with a diluted wool wash or mild detergent and soak up this liquid with a cloth as outlined above. You may have to consult the remedies outlined below.

The general procedure with all of these solutions is to sponge or mist the affected area with the suggested cleaning agent and absorb it using a colourfast cloth or paper towel. Repeat this method for each step listed in the particular remedy. Remember to blot the area after each step.

Suggested Agent Combinations

All cleaning agents are cold unless otherwise stated.

BEER

Step 1: 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water.
Step 2: 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 3: 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water
Step 4: Plain water

BLOOD

OLD STAINS
Step 1: 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water
Step 2: 20% ammonia and 80% water
Step 3: 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 4: Plain water
NEW STAINS
Cold plain water mixed with a little salt

BUTTER

Step 1: A hot iron (below 100°C) on a cloth
Step 2: Solvent, white spirits or dry cleaning fluid
Step 3: 20% dishwashing detergent, 5% white vinegar and 75% water
Step 4: Plain water
Step 5: Plain water again

CHOCOLATE

Step 1: See scraping
Step 2: Solvent or white spirits
Step 3: 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 4: 20% ammonia and 80% water
Step 5: 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 6: 2% dishwashing detergent, and 98% water
Step 7: Plain water

COFFEE

Step 1: 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water
Step 2: 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 3: 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water
Step 4: Plain water

FAECES

Step 1 Remove all solids
Step 2 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water
Step 3 20% ammonia and 80% water
Step 4 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water
Step 5 Water

MUD

Step 1 Let it dry
Step 2 Scrape off and vacuum
Step 3 If necessary - 20% ammonia and 80% tepid water
Step 4 Plain water

NAIL POLISH

Step 1 Dab with acetone
Step 2 Plain water

PAINT (ACRYLIC)

Step 1 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water,
Step 2 20% ammonia and 80% water
Step 3 Plain water
Step 4 Solvent or white spirits

PAINT (OIL)

Step 1 Solvent, white spirits or turps
Step 2 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 3 Plain water

RED WINE

IMMEDIATELY sponge the stain with 50% white vinegar and 50% water
IF LATER;
Step 1 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 2 20% ammonia and 80% water
Step 3 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 4 2% dishwashing detergent and 98% water
Step 4 Plain water

OIL BASED SAUCE

Step 1 Solvent or white spirits
Step 2 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 3 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 4 Plain water

SHOE POLISH

Step 1 Solvent or white spirits
Step 2 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 3 Plain water

TEA

Step 1 5% dishwashing detergent, 50% vinegar and 45% water
Step 2 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 3 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 4 Plain water

URINE

Step 1 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 2 20% ammonia and 80% water
Step 3 50% vinegar and 50% water
Step 4 5% dishwashing detergent and 95% water
Step 5 Plain water

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