Blood is also considered a protein based stain like urine and feces. Luckily most blood stains are small and do not have enough volume to deeply penetrate the fibers of most textiles. Let the blood dry and sit on top of the fibers for easy removal. If the blood does not penetrate the fiber there is a good chance that the spot can be successfully treated. Large amounts of blood on the other hand can prove rather difficult and sometimes impossible to remove. If there is enough volume to fully saturate carpet and backing, professional attention is needed. Only synthetic textiles like Nylon, Olefin or Polyester have the ability to partially release the proteins found in blood. Wool, Cotton and Jute can be permanently stained the instant that the blood penetrates the fiber. Cleaning sometimes does help if the level of contamination is reasonable but miracles should not be expected.

HELPFUL TIP:

First stop the bleeding. Next don’t touch the spot at all. Do not scrub, dab or blot. Let the blood dry and bring the contaminated rug in for cleaning.

Spending time at home with all the drapes drawn and the lights low can be depressing. Nothing lifts the spirits like throwing open the curtains and letting that beautiful sunshine pour in. What could be wrong with that?
Just as too much of a good thing like sunlight can be bad for your skin, it can be hard on your home textiles and furniture as well. Textile damage can be caused by heat, humidity, chemicals, polluted air, and many other factors. It's such a complex dance of cause-and-effect that different areas of your home may be better or worse for your textiles. Unfortunately, the effects of sun damage and fading cannot be reversed.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Accept the fact that some fading will occur.
Keep drapes closed during the most direct and intense sunlight of the day, if possible. Using miniblinds will also help.

Move furniture and rugs around regularly -- every month, if possible -- to keep any one piece of furniture from getting so much sun that the fading becomes obvious.

For wall-to-wall carpet, move furniture to different areas regularly and close drapes during most intense sunshine hours.

Both coffee and tea are quickly becoming two of America’s favorite beverages for drinking and spilling. Both of these trendy treats can pose some unique problems when exposed to soft textiles like carpeting, area rugs, or upholstery. Loaded with a heavy organic compound called Tannin, coffee and tea can usually be treated with varying levels of success depending on the material that has been contaminated.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Gently blot up any excess liquid with white absorbent towels. Never scrub!

Only treat with cleaning products specifically designed for coffee and tea. Other products will set the stain.

Call a IICRC certified Carpet cleaning service.

By far the most common household spots we see come from our four legged family members. Just like humans, all pets’ bodies are different, making it impossible to predict the outcome of any one pet spot. A large combination of variables will ultimately determine how successful any treatment will work.

HELPFUL TIPS:

First, gently remove any excess solid or liquid waste. Liquid waste should be blotted with a white towel. Solid waste should be gently scooped away.

Second, allow the remainder of the solid waste to completely dry and then gently agitate the remaining solid waste until loose. Then remove loose waste with a vacuum.

Third, treat both solid and liquid waste spots with an enzyme based spotter designed for pet use. Do not blot up the enzyme based spotter allow it to dry. Set up a cleaning appointment.

Filtration lines are dark lines that slowly appear anywhere there is a condensed air flow. These problem areas tend to be around floor vents, along base boards, and under doors. Filtration lines are formed when a porous textile has a large but condensed volume of air passing through it or across it. As the air flows through or across the porous textile, air born dirt becomes trapped in the fibers creating dark areas. For the most part, filtration lines can be lightened up and sometimes removed with aggressive professional cleaning techniques. Filtration lines can also be prevented by limiting the air flow in the areas that are being soiled.

HELPFUL TIP:

Have the filtration lines professionally treated. Change furnace filters and have the duct work cleaned.Limit excessive air flow under walls and around vents. Keep interior doors open

Red wine can be a rather difficult spot to treat and successfully remove. Much like coffee and tea spots, red wine is heavily saturated with organic compounds called tannins. These naturally occurring compounds are very sensitive and must be properly treated on the first attempt or the spot will become a permanent stain. The other part of red wine that can prove difficult to remove is the reddish blue dye that is produced by the red grapes commonly used in making this type of wine.

HELPFUL TIPS:
Gently blot up any excess liquid.
Do not treat with anything.
Make an appointment with an IICRC carpet cleaning service.
Sometimes white wine can be used to help restore a red wine spot.