Bleach Spill - First-Aid
Need-to-Know Info
We Recommend Calling Your Local Pro ASAP
We Recommend Using a White Vinegar-Water Solution
1 Part White Vinegar
mixed with
1 Part Water
mix at time of cleaning.
We recommend a mild detergent solution
1/4 tea-spoon dish detergent
mixed with
1 quart of water
mix at time of cleaning.
A clear, non-bleach liquid dishwashing detergent such as Dawn, Joy, or clear Ivory is recommended.
Do not use detergents that are cloudy or creamy, because they may leave a sticky residue.
You spilled some bleach on your carpet. Now what?
Prompt attention to bleach spills is essential. Bleach spilled on carpet can quickly result in spots of lightened color. You will have to neutralize the bleach in the carpet fibers immediately, before you can repair the color. You can easily neutralize bleach with the vinegar-water solution, and give it a good rinse with the detergent-water solution. (See Need-to-know section on this page for the "recipes".)
Remember: At all times, BLOT, never rub or scrub carpet — a fuzzy area in your carpet may result. When blotting, work from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the spill.
- Gather these materials:
- Vinegar-water Solution (see recipe on this page)
- Detergent-water Solution (see recipe on this page)
- Container to Mix Solutions
- White Paper Towels or Cloth Towel or Rag
- Protective Gloves
- Cool Water
Follow these
Recommended Steps:
- Provide adequate ventilation!
- Pour the vinegar-water solution over the bleach spill on the carpet. Make sure the fibers are completely wet, but not SOAKING.
- Blot the carpet with white paper towels or a dry cloth.
- Rinse the vinegar out of the container, and prepare the liquid dish soap solution.
- Pour the mildly soapy water over the spill area, but again — do not soak the carpet.
- Leave the soapy water in the carpet for five minutes.
- Blot up the soapy water with a dry towel.
- Pour clean water over the area to rinse it, and blot that up with a dry towel.
- Repeat the rinsing and blotting until there are no more suds or vinegar smell in the carpet.
- Blot the carpet with an additional dry towel until the carpet is dry. Vacuum the carpet to fluff the pile fibers.
- Call a professional to determine repair/dyeing needs.
