Emergency Tips

Emergency Tips Page

First and foremost, Don’t Panic!

Accidents will definitely happen and almost all can be resolved.

If something does get spilt on to your carpet, act as quickly as possible to prevent permanent tanning.

So always be Prepared

Swish Wash recommends having the following items to be at hand for dealing with spillages as quickly as possible:

Clean white absorbent cloths or towels
Surgical Spirit (usually available from local Chemists)
Detergent Solution – One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woolens, to approx. half a pint (0.3 litres) of warm water
Detergent Vinegar Solution – Add one teaspoonful of white (not fish & chip malt type) vinegar to the Detergent Solution
Ammonia Solution – One teaspoonful of branded household Ammonia (available from hardware stores) to one cup of warm water

General Tips

• Do not over wet the carpet to the backing material
• Always test any solution/detergent on an inconspicuous area of carpet prior to treating a stain
• Scrape or blot up any excess prior to treating
• Blot, never rub or scrub, this could possibly strict the carpet
• Do not use inappropriate detergents on carpets or upholstery i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, household bleach, disinfectants)
• Always work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading
• Always apply the cleaning fluid to the absorbent spotting material not directly onto the carpet or fabric
• Encourage quick drying carefully use a hairdryer on mild heat to assist. Not a hot air gun
• Deal with stains as quickly as possible for increased chances of success
• Keep the fabric or carpet as dry as possible.

For Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods, Urine

1. Blot up any surplus spillage
2. Use Detergent Vinegar Blot up any surplus spillage Solution, a little at a time
3. Always work from the Use outer edge of the stain
4. Frequently blot with dry cloths
5. See below for final rinse procedure

For Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Egg, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks, Vomit

1. Scrape up excess with a blunt knife
2. Use a Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge
3. Blot dry
4. Follow up with Ammonia Solution
5. Blot dry
6. See below for final rinse procedure

For Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum, Oil, Ointment, Shoe Polish

1. Scrape up any excess with a blunt knife
2. Use a Dry Cleaning Solution (Surgical Spirit followed by Detergent Vinegar Solution
3. Blot dry
4. See below for final rinse procedure

For any unknown Stains

1. Use a Dry Cleaning Solution (Surgical Spirit) followed by clean luke warm water.
2. Scrape up or blot surplus spillage
3. Use a Dry Cleaning Solution (Surgical Spirit) followed by clean luke warm water
4. Blot dry If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent Vinegar Solution
5. Blot dry
6. See below for final rinse procedure

Final Rinse Procedure (applicable to all above methods of stain removal)

1. Mix one-part white vinegar and four-parts water
2. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained area
3. Blot dampened area (NEVER rub) to remove excess moisture
4. Spread white kitchen towels or absorbent cloth over the affected area and place a weight, such as a heavy weight on top
5. Leave overnight and repeat if necessary
6. Whilst the stain removal guide is basic, it should help prevent expensive DIY stain removal damage. NB there can never be a guarantee of complete removal of a stain, but the correct routine will give your professional cleaner, when called in, the best possible chance of success.

Lets Refresh: Act Quickly. Scrape up solids, blot up liquids. never rush or panic, take your time, which will pay dividends in the end. Mix the solution accurately and test it out on an out of the way unseen piece of carpet. Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre. Dab or blot rather than scrub or rub. And, most importantly, NEVER OVER-WET.