Carpet Spot Removal Procedure for Fruit Flavored and Sport Beverages

Spills of fruit flavored and sport beverages usually contain acid dyes that can be
removed from carpet using an alkaline detergent solution; either a specialty carpet spot
removal product or a solution made with a mild, liquid dishwashing detergent. Prior to
using any solution, ensure that it will not void any carpet warranties.

While no carpet is completely stain “proof,” new stain-resist carpet treatments
allow most spills to be removed when immediate action is taken and directions are
followed carefully.

1. Immediately blot the spill with a dry, white towel, absorbent plain paper towel, or
cloth. Do not scrub the area. Scrubbing can cause distortion of the carpet face
fiber. Work from the outer edges to the center of the spill to prevent spreading.
Continue to blot with clean towels to remove as much of the spill as possible.

2. Make an alkaline detergent solution of one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing
detergent in one quart (32 ounces) of warm water. Never use a stronger
concentration. Never use an automatic dishwasher or laundry detergent of any
type as it may contain an optical brightener or fluorescent dyes that may
adversely affect the carpet color.

3. Pretest any spot removal solution in an inconspicuous area of the carpet to make
certain it will not damage the carpet fibers or dyes. After applying several drops
to the test area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for ten seconds. Examine the
white cloth for color pickup, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change
occurs, select a different cleaning solution.

4. After successfully pretesting the cleaning solution, apply a small amount of the
solution to a white cloth and work gently into the spill. Do not scrub. Most
detergent solutions require adequate time to begin lifting the stain. Allow the
detergent solution to remain on the spill for eight to ten minutes before attempting
removal.

5. Blot, do not scrub the spill, working from the edges to the center to prevent
spreading the stain.

6. Repeat the application of the detergent solution as long as the spill continues to
transfer to the cloth. This transfer from the carpet to the cloth may be a slow
process - be patient. Complete removal of the spill may require several
applications of the solution.



7. After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly
with warm water, lightly agitate, and blot until all the solution has been removed.
Repeating the procedure several times may be necessary before all foaming has
disappeared. Any detergent left in the carpet will cause rapid soiling.

8. When the detergent solution is completely removed, neutralize the area with a
solution of one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Afterwards, rinse
with warm water and apply a ½ inch layer of white paper towels to the affected
area. Weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Change paper towels as needed to
absorb and remove all the moisture.

9. If the spill remains after repeated removal attempts, contact a carpet cleaning
professional. Cleaning professionals are knowledgeable about spot removal from
carpet and have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning
solutions to remove stubborn spills.