Janitorial & Sanitation Reference Library · Wall Charts

Carpet Spot Identification Chart

How to identify a carpet spot by its type and match it to the right spotter family, with the basic blot-and-test method.

Ref JS-0212

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Carpet spots fall into a few families based on what they are made of. Each family responds best to a certain type of spotter. Using the right spotter first gives the best chance of removing the spot without setting it or damaging the carpet. If you do not know what the spot is, start with the mildest method and work up.

How to identify

Look: color, shine, crust, or a raised gummy spot.
Feel: sticky, oily, hard or crusty.
Smell: urine, coffee, food or solvent.
Ask: staff or occupants often know what was spilled.
Location: coffee near break rooms, grease near kitchens, gum near entrances.

Spot type to spotter family

Spot type	Examples	Spotter family	Notes
Water-based	Soda, juice, mud, many food spills	Neutral or mild detergent spotter	Blot, rinse with water
Oil and grease	Grease, lipstick, tar, cooking oil	Solvent (dry) spotter	Use sparingly; can harm backing
Protein	Blood, milk, egg, vomit	Enzyme or protein spotter	Use cool water; heat can set protein
Tannin	Coffee, tea, wine, cola	Tannin or mild acid spotter	Treat early; old tannin stains are hard
Gum and wax	Chewing gum, candle wax	Freeze or gum remover; gel solvent	Freeze and chip gum; lift wax with heat and a towel
Rust	Rust from furniture feet	Rust remover	Follow label; test first
Ink and dye	Pen, marker, dye	Ink or solvent spotter	Work slowly; dyes may not fully come out
Urine	Pet or human urine	Enzyme or odor control product	Treat the backing and pad, not just the face

Use spotters made for the carpet fiber. Follow the spotter label.

Key points

Blot, do not rub. Rubbing spreads the spot and distorts the pile.
Work from the outside edge toward the center.
Test the spotter on a hidden area first for colorfastness.
Apply spotter to a towel or lightly to the spot. Do not soak the carpet.
Rinse out spotter residue. Residue attracts soil and the spot comes back.
Wool and other natural fibers need products labeled safe for them.

Common mistakes

Using hot water on blood or other protein spots.
Using a strong alkaline spotter on wool.
Over-wetting the spot so it wicks back up as the carpet dries.
Leaving spotter residue in the carpet.
Using a solvent spotter on latex-backed carpet in large amounts.

Governing standards: No standard governs carpet spot types. Follow the carpet maker's care guide, industry cleaning practice and the spotter label.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

More in Wall Charts

← All Janitorial & Sanitation sheets