I am going to loss my apartment over a stain!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

Last edited Wed Apr 10, 2013, 07:57 PM - Edit history (1)

The apartment complex I am in is doing a inspection on bathrooms, appliances, and flooring conditions on the 19th. If carpets need cleaned then they will charge over $100 to do it. It will be added to your rent. I am on HUD/VASH. They will not cover the cleaning cost. We don't have $100! If we do not pay by a certain time we are out.

Their is a couple of spots as well as the problems we all have in high traffic areas. A cleaning would be great, but we can not afford it. And now I risk my apartment over it!



ADD) Thank you all who have help come up with cleaning ideas! THANK SO MUCH!

[Moondog]

1. Can you rent one of those carpet cleaning gizmos from Home Depot or wherever?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

4. All I have is food stamps.

[Moondog]

6. OK, no then. Think about

cleaner / detergent stuff, scrub, rinse and when done put an old towel / rag on top of it with a weight on top for a day or so.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

15. I have Dawn.

I know it cuts grease. Could it cut dirt?

[Moondog]

20. It should. It's a

surfactant (detergent). One that is particularly good at cutting oil based stains (which is why the birders use it to clean off waterfowl caught in oil spills). Once the old Coca Cola is dissolved, shouldn't be much of a challenge. A little elbow grease. Blot it up. Use an old rag for capillary action. If you've got a day or two, should be OK.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

22. Got till the 19th!

Should be more that enough time!

Thank you!

And Thank You everyone with your ideas!

[Moondog]

23. Alrighty then. Good luck!

[Lars39]

40. Equal parts Dawn detergent and white vinegar

can get s lot of stains out. Let it soak in s bit first.

[libodem]

51. That is a good combo

Just used it on an antique painted cupboard, I repainted.

It worked great. My friend does eBay and she uses that and/ or Awesome to clean her stuff before she takes the pictures.

[840high]

66. I've done this - it works.

[Honeycombe8]

84. Then blow a fan on it, to make it dry out sooner rather than later?

This sounds like a good tip. I may try it.

[Sissyk]

2. LFR,

there are some pretty good spot cleaners on the market. Have you tried one of those? If nothing else, trie some laundry spot remover on a spot to be sure it doesn't lift the color. A bunch of the stain will come up if you let it soak.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

5. No money.

And it is soda. Can Soda come up with soap and water?

[Moondog]

7. Yes. Except maybe grape soda.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

11. This is Coke.

[Moondog]

13. Worst part will be the sugar. Should come up.

[Maine-ah]

70. do you have a shop vac

or know someone who does? One of the ones that can suck up liquids. I've used one after scrubbing a carpet stain out and it worked.

[Sissyk]

8. It should.

Try a spot. What color is your carpet?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

10. A funny brownish tan.

[Sissyk]

12. Don't laugh but

do you have any vinegar?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

16. Can get some.

food stamps still cover it as food.

[Sissyk]

18. Try it.

Try a small spot first and go from there.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

24. I remember my mom say to get rid of a stain in whites to use vinegar and baking soda.

But I think I better not use the baking soda. Don't want to bleach it!

But the vinegar should help!

THANK YOU!!!

[AnotherMcIntosh]

34. The vinegar is an acid. Do you really want to try this? You might check out more on the net first.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

35. If the Dawn do not work...

I don't have much else left.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

53. Go into a closet and do a test there first.

The only problem you may have with the dawn is a detergent residue which may be tacky and catch dirt after you think it's all gone.

I'd try the vinegar first. Mix it 1:4 with water and test a small section of carpet under a bed or in a closet. After its dry see how it looks. I don't expect you'll have any problems.

If the vinegar won't remove the stain try the Dawn and then rinse with a vinegar water, same ratio as above. Use as little of the detergent in water as you can to remove the stain. It is difficult to get it all out of the carpet without some type of extractor.

You could also use a tiny bit of laundry det instead of the Dawn, but on a cola stain I don't think that's necessary. They're not hard to remove unless it was a bright color.

Good luck, and you can PM me if you need help. I have almost 20 years of experience getting stains out of carpets on a budget.

[Mnpaul]

62. On the net

Step 4:
Pre-treat any remaining stains with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. For tough stains on light colored carpets, try a mixture of lemon juice and salt. First test any stain-removing mix, especially on darker carpets, in a hidden location, such as a closet. (See References 1)

Step 5:
Scrub the stain with the stain-removing mixture and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Use an old towel to dab up as much of the moisture as possible.
http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/clean-old-stained-carpet-naturally-2241.html

[Sissyk]

63. Will you let me know if it works?

Please pm me if not.

I love your voice lady. I love tthat you help the homeless. Me, too.

I want to help you.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

67. Will do!

I am just trying to figure out what shirt I can sacrifice. I don't have many.

No "rags".

[Loryn]

3. What about throw rugs?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

9. They want us to remove all that.

They want to get a good look.

They are doing this in all the apartments. Many of our neighbors are worried. Some over their bathrooms, others over their stoves. But most over the carpets.

[Loryn]

19. Oh my!

Every carpet is subject to wear and tear. There are some good carpet spot cleaners. I remember using one that came with a brush, and it worked pretty well. Not too expensive, I'm sorry, but can't remember the name.

[HipChick]

14. Have you tried vinegar?

I use it as a stain pre-treating...it works great a spot remover..also, if you are near a dollar store, they have some good pre-spot stuff

[Sissyk]

17. ha!

We clean alike!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

21. Sissyk just posted something about vinegar.

At this point l can't go back to the streets. An address is my only hope for a job!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

25. cheap hair spray might work. it gets ink out. don't know about coke. n/t

[Lady Freedom Returns]

26. I am willing to try anything!

The carpet was not in that good of shape when we moved in as it is. And we commented on it but they just shrugged at it. Now they are doing this.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

27. get a can of white rain. the old timey stuff that has all those chemicals in it. - -

did you have it in writing, the condition of the carpet when you took possession of the apt?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

29. We did have to fill out a peacie of paper of thing we saw when we came to look at the place.

I did mark on the condition of the carpet at that time. But they just shrugged it off.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

30. do not lose that paper. do your the best you can with the carpet. good luck.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

32. It is stapled to the lease!

And a copy of it, come to think of it, is with HUD/VASH!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

33. Good! next time take pictures and keep copies of all this stuff.

[TexasTowelie]

28. You might want to contact HUD about this.

This appears to be a cash grab by the apartment complex. If there are enough complaints they may strip the owners of their HUD eligibility.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

31. We have a HUD/VASH caseworker that comes once a month.

She is due this Friday. I'll show her the paperwork when she comes.

[union_maid]

52. I was going to say something like that

Speak to the HUD worker and also, if necessary, contact your local Legal Services office.

[MADem]

64. Very VERY good advice. nt

[Texasgal]

36. Do you have any laundry detergent?

Mix with a little water and use an old towel, scrub stain...let dry and repeat.

I hope it works out.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

37. I think I might have some tide left.

I have been very sparing with what little I got. But at this time, with what is at stake, I'll use the whole/ what's left of the bottle if necessary!

[Texasgal]

38. how big is the stain?

You shouldn't need much, just a little and add some water.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

39. Not that big.

Less than hand palm size.

[Texasgal]

46. Try the laundry detergent.

Seriously, this should work.

[rug]

41. The landlords getting amply paid from HUD.

Contact them and ask to see they contract HUD has with the landlord. Compare it to your lease.

Good luck.

[MADem]

65. It's unlikely they will want to lose a "HUD" tenant, either, assuming the tenant is well-behaved.

This "inspection" might be more towards trying to get people who haven't paid their rent in months on an eviction list for failing to comply with the lease, or something on those lines.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

71. Well we have been asked by guys at the office see us get the mail "What Apprtment are you in?" a ..

couple of times.
Once it was the one we signed the lease with!

We are very quiet and usually not hear in the daytime. We go to the Library Job help area a lot.

It is so nice that they library helps with job hunting here. They are closer and easier to walk to than the Job agencies are.

[MADem]

72. If they are getting a regular income stream from you, I can't see why

you'd be at the top of the list for harassment ... unless they want to turn your digs into luxury apartments and triple the rent, or something...?

Hope you find work soon.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

73. This inspection is on everyone.

So I'm not the only one worried. The list of what they are looking at is long and extinctive. Not really sure what they are trying to do?

They seem to be looking for everyone to fail. You know anyplace you live in for some time will not be pristine, but they want it to be. I wonder if they are expecting a big shot in and want to look super good?

[MADem]

74. Well, assuming everything in your house is OK,

notwithstanding reasonable wear/tear, you should talk to HUD if they give you any grief or try to shake you down.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

75. Oh I will!

See the HUD/VASH program through the VA has your caseworker come to your place every month. She is to be here Monday (She was going to be hear Friday but call to reschedule) and we plan to se how her the list. We have even got a copy off the door of a vacant apartment next to us to give her for her records.

[haele]

77. Or they're thinking of selling and want to make the place look good for buyers.

That happened at one 60-unit complex we lived in; they had "inspections" and requested everyone clean up - before they put the complex on the market.

The corporation that bought the complex was rumored to be using it to as either a friends of the family or as housing for their workforce (they were a large property development firm) and over the period of eight months began to kick out all the old tenents after they bought it, changing it to a "no pets" (funny thing, the new tenants the new owners moved in had pets - just not the old tenants) or claiming they were going to renovate apartments and needed people to move out. The "renovations" consisted of new paint, new windows, and new carpet - and told us the rent was going up $500 a month in the renovated apartments for the old tenants who might have wanted to stay. Funny thing, all the new tenants seemed to be paying the same amount (or less) than the existing ones, and they all acted as if they were in personal relations with each other, the new manager and the owners.

As for the renovations - they didn't replace any of the appliances, the cabinentry, or fixed anything from what I could see. I know this because by the time we moved out (they gave us thirty days because they were finally getting to "renovate" our side of the complex), I had been given a chance to see some of the "new apartments" they offered for us to move into if we thought we would want to get rid of our cats and pay $1600 a month for a 700 sq. ft 50-year old apartment in a termite-damaged complex that had "charm". None of the other old tenents took that offer either...

They even kicked out a quiet older widow who had been renting there since the building opened that the old owners had gotten some sort of a housing exemption and were recieving subsidies for her apartment just to keep her there. She had moved in as a newlywed, raised her kids, babysat for everyone in the complex, and buried her husband out of that apartment. She said she was moving in with one of her kids - I hope it worked out.

Last time I went past the place, it had really turned into a dump, and according to local crime statistics, there had been a significant increase in the area, especially at that complex. But, I imagine the new owners were able to profit off what they saved in labor costs and write-offs for their other businesses by subsidizing their workforce to live in that complex.


Haele

[progressiveinaction]

42. What about

selling your computer? Is it worth $100 or more? It might be worth it to save your living space.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

44. Checked before.

With the condition it is in no one will to offer more than $55.
You would think that they would take in account that it survived a EF-5 tornado.

[progressiveinaction]

48. That's $55 closer

I've been broke before. Speaking for myself and several others I knew that were broke when we were younger, if you are determined enough to find a little money for something important, it can be done.

I'd offer to mow a lawn or do anything it took short of stealing or prostitution.

[progressiveinaction]

49. And there is always wishadoo!

http://www.wishadoo.org/

[freshwest]

54. My first thought. Or ask Peggy. I sent money to her one time to help out a DUer. I can't volunteer

her help, but if you have a DUer in the area they can take our help. Or a thread in ATA?

I know you don't want to have to ask for all of this, but that is how I helped out before. I don't want you to lose your place.

I had a bad spill where I live, it was a smoothie with berries and greens in it and wow, was that bad. No only the sugar and color but it was thick with yogurt.

I have light tan carpet and just went crazy with towels, dish soap and water as soon as it happened. Since yours has had a while, get down on it and scrub hard. Don't forget the rest of the things suggested here.

Fortunately my landlord only inspects a few times a year and finds nothing wrong with me, and has even offered to shampoo the place for free just because I've been here for 6 years. I keep putting it off because we haven't had a day I can open the windows up to let it dry properly.

Good luck and hope the ideas work!

[Knightraven]

57. Wishadoo?

What can they do for her?

She is becoming a good friend of mine since I came to DU. I can't do much but I want to get her as much help as possible. She has had it rough and deserves to have and keep what little hope she has. Can these guys help?

[freshwest]

59. OneGrassRoot runs wishadoo and they make cash or other donations to DUers in need.

Wishadoo is a website here:

http://www.wishadoo.org/

Run by DUer OneGrassRoot:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=174406

There is Paypal or something at her site, she's been here at DU for years and has Skinner's permission to do this here to help people out. Why not message her to find out how to do it.

[Knightraven]

56. Wait and try the other cleaning stuff first!

That is the only thing you have left of any value and is a valuable aid in job hunting.

You told me that yourself not long ago.

Try the other stuff first. If that fails, then do what you must. But don't shoot yourself in the foot.

[freshwest]

60. I just posted information for you above regarding Wishadoo if all else fails.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

68. I'll wait to see what the advice can help with.

But if it can help me save this address....

[lunatica]

69. For most people computers are necessary!

They're no longer a luxury. Everyone wants people to apply online now and to send resumes as attachments. And jobs are now listed online.

Lots of people do their shopping online too. She should definitely keep her computer.

[haele]

43. From my time in the military and moving a lot, here's some cheap cleaning hints -

1) Spots in the Carpet/High Traffic areas - Dishwashing or laundry detergent will work with a scrub brush (or old tooth brush) and plenty of clean blot material (like a couple old tee-shirts or towels). Cut 3/2 with water (three parts water to two parts detergent), let soak for no more than five minutes, then scrub and blot with clean water until it comes up. (Two bucket or two mixing bowl method of clean and dirty is best) If it's seriously caked-on gunk, you'll need to follow through with the detergent mix/water blot about three or four times.
If you have club soda, finish off the final scrub/blot with that.
Let the floor dry completely.
Sprinkle down baking powder or borax and vacuum after you have cleaned the spots. Check the carpet several times during the day to ensure you have all the spots. If you can move furniture and hide some that just won't come out, do so...
It usually took me two days to get a carpet "cleaned" enough so that I wasn't charged cleaning against my security deposit if I hadn't lived in a location long enough to get the carpet condition waived because they would have had to replace it by law.

2) Tile floor/counter top/mirrors/windows/blinds cleaning - White Vinegar and water at 2 parts water, one part vinegar.
Wipe down. If you have a stain that needs scrubbing, use cheap toothpaste to get the stain out, then wipe spot with the vinegar mix to even out the look. For sealer/grout lines and corners in sinks and bathtub, a little bit of toothpaste and a lot of scrubbing with the toothbrush that will no longer be used will take up most hard water deposit/light mold stains; wipe over spot with the vinegar mix to keep the mold from coming back.

3) Walls - make a thin baking soda and water paste. Use an old towel or tee shirt to wipe on and scrub, especially near doorjams, outlets, and light switches. Wipe dry. Use dishwashing liquid to take off grease stains from the ceiling or wall near the oven.
The baking soda and water paste is good on appliances so long as they aren't stainless steel. More baking soda for harder stains. Soak oven elements that can be taken off (knobs, the drip pans, etc) in soapy hot water before you clean them, and remove any heating elements prior to cleaning the oven surface. For chrome fixtures, use the vinegar mix.

4) Knock cobwebs from the ceiling and quickly dust all existing lighting fixtures and vents. If you've got water stains on the ceiling, make sure you point it out as a structural problem if they want to mark it down; water stains in the ceiling are not your fault

5) Have a copy of your move-in paperwork with the move-in condition issues marked available to contest any problem they say you caused that was there before you moved in.

And think of all this effort as "spring cleaning".

And as you said the HUD caseworker is coming by, make sure you let her know what is going on, what your fears are, and ask her what your rights as a renter is under HUD.
In California, for any renter, normal "wear and tear" cannot be not a reason to kick a renter out, there has to be gross damage to the apartment or appliances prior to any eviction procedings.

Haele

[Lady Freedom Returns]

45. THANK YOU!

I'm not to sure about the laws here in AZ. But I know in MO it is a lot like what you mentioned.

[freshwest]

61. Thanks I am saving all those cleaning tips, too.

[Incitatus]

47. Is it possible to rearrange the layout so a couch and recliner are over the spots? nt

[redqueen]

50. Have you been in contact with your local or state Tenant Advocacy organization?

This may not be legal. Carpets have an expected lifetime and after that period (7 years here) they cannot charge you for cleaning or replacement.

That would be my first move, look them up and get their help.

[Knightraven]

58. Yes, check out what redqueen has stated!

Find out all you can. Don't lose hope!

[Newest Reality]

55. Have you ever used

Oxiclean? I've had some good results with that in concentration and it will not bleach the color out.

Also, there is something called GOOP, (there are variations with other names) when we used to paint and do work with greasy, oily dirty stuff, GOOP always worked in getting almost everything out. You let it soak in and then rinse it out. It also will not stain or bleach.

[grantcart]

76. I would ask the management ahead of time what their suggestion is.

They deal with the problem all of the time and probably have a tried and true approach.

Also they are used to people trying to get around them and would probably welcome someone coming to them with a straight forward

"What do you suggest works on spots and high traffic areas?"

I am betting the maintenance guy knows exactly how to do it and can be bought with a couple dozen chocolate chip cookies.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

78. Did ask.

They said for them to call their carpet guy and charge us via the rent or do it ourselves.

[sheshe2]

79. Is it okay, to PM, you?

sheshe

[Lady Freedom Returns]

80. You mean DU-mail?

Sure! No prob!

[felix_numinous]

81. Hey try hydrogen peroxide

seriously (sorry if someone already suggested) I had the same problem in a rental on A white bathroom rug. Keep pouring it on and wait a bit, and repeat until it goes away. I've seen coffee and red wine just bleach away right before my eyes. If it doesn't work, make sure the bottle is fresh and not expired!!

I remember seeing this being used on a color carpet too, but do a test first to make sure it doesn't bleach the carpet (I don't think it would, but doing a test on a piece of carpet can't hurt....)


GOOD LUCK LadyFreedomReturns!!!!

[harmonicon]

82. I can't say 100% for certain, but this sounds pretty illegal.

I'm quite sure that you don't have to let them in to your place. Does your lease agreement allow for this? If not, you can just say "no thanks."

[Lady Freedom Returns]

83. A long as they give a week or more warning they can. n/t