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To remove certain stains from upholstery and carpet, you often resort or opt to use solvents especially when there is no other way already. But what is it, and where can you find it, and is it environmentally safe? These solvents are generally petroleum based, and are therefore not great for the environment both because they come from a nonrenewable resource, but also because of some of the chemicals they contain within them. In addition, there is generally a pretty powerful smell when you use these solvents. Therefore, always work in a well-ventilated area when applying them. The most prevalent uses for these solvents is for cleaning greasy and oily stains from carpet and upholstery, which cannot be washed in a washing machine or thoroughly doused in water Further, dry cleaning fluid is often used to try to remove ink stains, which are caused by oil based ink. (There is also water based ink, which you need to remove in a different way.) Dry carpet cleaning solvent is also used as a last resort for other stains when nothing else seems to get them out. If you use it on carpet or upholstery, which are surfaces where you cannot wash the whole item, you still need to rinse out as much of the solvent as possible from the surface after you have removed the stain. make sure to test the solvent in an inconspicuous location so you can make sure it will not harm the fabric, upholstery or carpet. To do this blot with a white cloth that is slightly wet, and wick up and remove as much of the solvent as possible this way. If you don't remove it completely it can sometimes leave a ring around the treated area. Home Made Solvents If the ready-made products don't work, you can also try making your own cleaning solution at home. Mix ¼ tsp of liquid dish washing soap with 1 cup warm water. Do not use detergents that have bleach in them. Spray the soap solution on the stain. Extract the stain using your steam vac or shop vac, towels, or any piece of cloth. Rinse the stain with warm water and repeat the process until the stain is removed. This works especially well with old pet stains. Another homemade solvent consists of a cup of water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia. Apply, extract, and repeat. Alternatively, you can try mixing a cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water and applying using the same procedure. Tips for Using Solvents When cleaning new or old stains using solvents, work from the outside of the stain towards its center. This prevents you from spreading the stain and doing more damage to the carpet. The process should involve applying the solvent, blotting it with a cloth, rinsing, extracting the solvent, and repeating the procedure until the stain is completely removed. Always make sure that you do not leave any solvent residues behind and let the carpet dry as soon as you are done cleaning. If the stain has reached deeper into the carpet, dry it quickly with a fan to prevent any leftover stain from working its way up to the carpet's surface. Check out Auckland Carpet Cleaning for detailed tips and reliable assistance
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