The key to successful spot removal is getting to it as quick as possible. Keep this page bookmarked, or make a copy of it so you will be able to refer to it when you need it. Be sure to let your friends and family know about this spotting guide so they will be able to use it as well.  See Stainmaster's site for more information. General Tips on Spot Removal: 1.  Scoop up as much of the spill as possible, with a towel or spoon. 2.  Blot the spot, don't rub or scrub, using a white towel.  Colored towels may cause dye transfer to the carpet.  Gently press clean cloths into the area to remove moisture.  Scrubbing can damage the fibers and spread the spot.  It is better to work from the outside in. 3.  Apply lukewarm, NOT HOT, water to the area and blot until the surface stops transferring to the cloth. 4.  If you can still see the spot, make a Detergent Solution by adding ¼ teaspoon dishwashing liquid to one cup warm water.  Don’t use too much soap, because it’s difficult to rinse out of the carpet. 5.  Apply the detergent solution, let sit 2-5 minutes, and then rinse with clear lukewarm water.  Repeat until all the detergent is removed.  Ideally, an extractor would be used to remove the excess water.  (see Equipment section)  6.  Place layers of white towels on the spill to absorb any remaining liquid.  Weight down the towels with a non-staining, weighted object (i.e. gallon of water).  You can let it sit overnight to help the spot wick to the towel.  7.  When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the texture. 8.  If you can see the spot after all this, repeat steps 3 through 7.  It means the spot penetrated deep into the pile and has wicked up to the surface.  NOTE:  9.  If, after this, the spot is still there, you may choose to call a professional cleaning company.  Depending on the type of spot and time frame, they may be able to assist you.  However, if too much time has passed, it may be a stain. Remember: -The tips provide are a general spotting overview.  For specific types of spills, refer to the chart, or call a professional cleaning company.  READ ALL LABELS BEFORE USING PRODUCTS FOR PROPER USE – DO NOT MIX CHEMICALS OR CLEANERS. -What you see on the surface of your carpet can be misleading.  If you have a spot the size of a quarter on the surface, you could have a spot the size of a frisbee on the backing of the carpet. -Check the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the life of your carpet’s warranty. -Carpet protection, often known as Scotchgard, can be applied to your carpeting to make it easier to clean up spots and spills.  Tools/Equipment: -Beware products that contain optical brighteners – these are intended to lighten fibers, and when those fibers are exposed to UV light, they will appear lighter and brighter than the surrounding fibers. -It is best to use lukewarm water; using hot water could set some stains -Use white cloths or towels to blot up spills; using colored towels could inadvertently transfer color from the towel to the carpet. -Extraction is important to avoid leaving excess moisture in the carpet and to remove all of the cleaning agent.  If residue is left in the carpet, it attracts soils and may leave a brownish area at the site of the spot.  If spots and spills are a regular occurrence in your home, as well as regular carpet cleaning, you might consider investing in a quality machine for small spots.  Information adapted from Stainmaster's website.