What Is Spot Cleaning?
Spot cleaning means treating only the part of the garment that has a stain on it. You must know how to use the right cleaning products for different types of stains and fabric and spot cleaning must be done correctly to prevent creating a bigger disaster. Spot cleaning is often done on intricate clothing, such as a beaded dress. Since the dress has beading on it, spot cleaning can remove the stain without damaging the beadwork. However, it will not work on all types of fabrics. Spot cleaning silk can often leave a “watermark” which looks almost as bad as the stain so heading to a professional is a better choice. Even when you plan to toss a garment in the washer, stains often require a spot treatment to make them disappear. Sometimes referred to as “sponging”, spot cleaning confines the stain to a small area and keeps it from spreading. It is important to follow the recommendations for removing specific types of stains. But, whether you are using a convenient stain removal pen at the office or working in a fully-stocked laundry room, follow these steps for best results when using whatever stain removal product that is suggested.
How to Spot Clean Stains on Clothes
Before you begin, use a spoon, dull kitchen knife or even the edge of a credit card to remove any excess stain matter—like a blob of gravy or butter—from the fabric. Never try to rub away the stain because you will just push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers. If the stain is all liquid, use a white towel or paper napkin to blot away as much moisture as possible. Keeping moving to a clean, dry area of the towel to prevent transferring the stain back onto the fabric. If you are in a pinch, a slice of white bread can be used to absorb oily stains. And, don’t worry about finding sparkling water to dilute liquid stains. Plain water works just as well and is readily available.
How to Spot Clean Upholstery and Carpets
The technique for spot cleaning upholstery or carpets is essentially the same. Obviously, it is impossible to place an absorbent cloth under the stain. But, you should still follow these tips:
Use a dull knife to remove any solid matter from the fibers. Do not rub the stain deeper into the fabric.Use a white cloth or paper towels to blot up as much moisture as possible.Follow stain removal tips for specific stains to avoid making the situation worse.Work from the edge of the stain toward the center to avoid spreading the stain.Use as little cleaning product and moisture as possible.Avoid direct heat when drying. Gentle air drying is almost always best.
