If something gets spilled on your carpet, take prompt action to prevent staining.

Call Dorset Carpet & Furnishing Care FREE on 08000 920 736 for advice and prompt remedial action.

Here are some DIY solutions which can help.

You will need some clean white absorbent cloth or tissue and the 4 basic solutions listed below.

1. Dry cleaning Solution - surgical spirit.
2. Detergent Solution - One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woollens to 0.75 litres (a half pint) of warm water.
3. Detergent and Vinegar Solution - Add one tablespoon of white (not malt) vinegar to the Detergent solution.
4. Ammonia Solution - One teaspoonful of branded household ammonia (available from hardware stores) to one cup of warm water.

1. Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, Liquid Foods and Urine.
   Blot up surplus spillage. Use detergent vinegar solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry cloths frequently. See below for final rinse procedure.
2. Chocolate, Sweets, Blood, Glue, Ice Cream, Milk, Soft Drinks and Vomit.
   Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a detergent solution starting at the outer edge. Blot dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
3. Solids, Fats, Tar, Chewing Gum. Oil, Ointment and Shoe Polish.
   Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry cleaning solution followed by Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.
4. Unknown stains.
   Scrape up or blot surplus spillage. Use a dry cleaning solvent followed by clean luke warm water. Blot dry. If further treatment is needed, use either Detergent or Detergent and Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse procedure.

1. Simply mix one part white vinegar and four parts water.
2. Pour mixture into spray bottle and spay over the stained area.
3. Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture.
4. Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) over the affected area and a place a weight, such as a book, directly on top. This will help the moisture residue to soak into the towels.
5. Leave overnight and repeat if necessary.
6. Call Dorset Carpet & Furnishing Care FREE on 08000 920 736
   for further advice.