Expert: Steve Braun - 3/6/2008

Question
My dog chewed up a black chalk pastel on the beige rug. I got most of it up, but there is a grey stain there now. Any ideas? Can send a picture if you want...and/or if it's possible. Thanks.

Answer
I plagiarized this but it's the best I can come up with since you don't have access to the same products I use professionally!

1)      Vacuum thoroughly Use vacuum with beater bar and good suction.
2)    Prepare suggested cleaning solutions below
3)    Pretest the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of carpet to ensure it does not discolor or damage the carpet.
4)    Using only the foam, apply to surface of carpet where stain is.
5)    Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the spill for at least five minutes. Do not rub foam into carpet.
6)    Vacuum area thoroughly using a wet vacuum.
7)    Rinse with cold water. Blot dry with clean cloth. repeat #6.
8)    If you can still see the stain, repeat the process until either the stain is removed or the stain no longer transfers to the cloth.


Cleaning Solutions for Chalk

Sudsy Foam

   * Mix 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent in 1 cup warm water.
   * Using whisk or beater, whip the solution until you have created a sudsy foam.
   * Use only the foam on the carpet.

It may be necessary to increase the amount of detergent to get enough suds to create a foam.