Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
and Stain Removal with Natural Choices' Products
CARPET/UPHOLSTERY SOILS AND CLEANING
Loose Soils
Loose soil can usually be removed with a vacuum cleaner or manual extraction.
Loose soil, whether on the surface of the pile or concentrated on the
backing can be relatively easy to remove by mechanical action and vacuuming.
Sticky Soils
Sticky soil is a different situation and sometimes a dilemma. Sticky substances
cling to the pile and are often dried out and hardened on the pile and
driven into the backing where they dry or solidify. Water soluble soils
can be removed with an effective product like Clean and Free Floor Cleaner. Solvent
prespotters are sometimes used to remove items like tar, gum, paint and
cosmetics. The problem with solvent prespotters and micro-emulsions which
contain solvents is that they may affect the carpet dyes and protective
coatings. The carpet/upholstery manufacturer's cleaning procedures and
recommendations should always be consulted and followed. Anytime a new
carpet is installed, pieces or remnants should be saved for testing for
possible chemical damage prior to cleaning. If remnants are not available,
it is advisable to test an unknown product to insure dye stability in
a corner, in a closet or under a desk where it will not be seen if color
change occurs.
Stain Removal
Stain removal is another dilemma in carpet /upholstery cleaning. Stains
from coffee, tea, wine, juices, and many foods and organic materials
are removable with OXY-Boost. Stains
from inks, pigments, tar, paint, shoe or furniture polish, crayons, lipstick
and gum will require a solvent cleaner or dry cleaning fluid. Stains
from urine or excrements can be effectively removed with OXY-Boost.
Vomit is particularly difficult because of stomach acid which may cause
damage to the carpet. Redying may be necessary.
Removal of Odors and Bacteria
Odor is another difficult problem. Bacteria and sometimes mold and mildew
are generally the source of odor in carpets. Each of these are living
organisms that thrive in moist environments. Once excess moisture is
removed, the smell may decline or even vanish. This does not mean that
the problem is eliminated. These organisms leave spores and sometimes
encapsulated offspring behind ready to spring to life again whenever
adequate moisture and nutrients are present. Pet odors are mostly from
dander, territorial marking, urine and feces. Application of OXY-Boost will
eliminate most problems. Anti-microbial products may be necessary to
disinfect and kill all living bacteria. Success in removing urine odors
from carpeting requires three things; remove urinary salts, kill the
bacteria and eliminate the moisture. This is not as easy as it might
seem. Because urinary salt crystals can penetrate deep into carpet fiber
and backing, it is difficult to break down and remove all of the crystal
build-up. If all the urinary salt crystals are not removed the bacteria
will return and whenever moisture is present, the bacteria will thrive
and the odor will return. Existing bacteria can be killed, but houses
cannot be kept germ free and new bacteria will return. OXY-Boost along
with Clean and Free Floor Cleaner used in an extraction machine will work well at removing
some of the the crystals and bacteria (an enzymatic product will do a
better job on heavily stained carpets and upholstery). Carpet shampoo
alone may not be as effective.
USE IN CARPET CLEANERS AND SHAMPOOERS
OXY-Boost can
be used as a booster with Clean and Free Floor Cleaner to
increase cleaning power and stain removal. Use 1 ounce each of Clean and Free Floor Cleaner and
OXY-Boost per 1 gallon of warm water to make cleaning solution. Add
OXY-Boost just
prior to use.
CARPET STAIN REMOVAL
May be used for stain removal or as a pre-treatment before general cleaning
of carpets:
- Dissolve 1/2 ounce of OXY-Boost in a quart of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray solution onto stain until wet.
- Leave standing for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat spraying if any drying occurs.
- Blot with cotton or paper toweling.
- Dry and lightly brush cleaned area.
- Unused solution can be poured down the drain. (In fact, solution will help to clean and deodorize your drain). Solution cannot be saved for more than 12 hours.
UPHOLSTERY STAIN REMOVAL
Dissolve 2 to 3 ounces of OXY-Boost per gallon of warm water (1/2 ounce
per quart of water), spray on stain, scrub and allow at least 20 minutes
contact time, (respray to keep damp), wipe with damp cloth and dry with
hair dryer.