A stain is much harder to remove the longer it sits. Whether it’s water or food, try to clean it up as soon as possible.
For old stains, a great solution is hydrogen peroxide. It works on just about anything but be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first. Call professional Joondalup Carpet Cleaners for your carpet cleaning needs.
Identify The Stain
Identifying the type of stain is the first step to successful carpet stain removal. This helps determine the proper cleaning formula that will prevent re-staining and soiling. Some stains are more difficult to remove than others. Knowing what type of stain you are dealing with is also helpful in determining how long the stain has been on the carpet and what caused it to occur.
Spots should be treated promptly to prevent them from soaking into the carpet fibers. The longer a stain sits, the more it penetrates the fibers and the harder it is to clean. In addition, a stain that has penetrated the fibers may start to re-attract dirt and debris to itself as it dries. This can cause the spot to appear as if it is reappearing, even after proper cleaning.
The most important thing to remember is to blot the spot with a paper towel, cloth, or chamois cloth to soak up as much of the liquid as possible without rubbing. Rubbing can permanently damage the carpet.
For water-based stains, mix equal parts of white vinegar and cold water and apply to the spot with an absorbent cloth. Blot until no more liquid comes up and the area is completely dry.
To treat oil or grease stains, sprinkle the area with baking soda, cornstarch, or powdered chalk. This will help to absorb the excess grease before applying a carpet cleaner solution. Next, use a soft-bristled brush to work the cleaning solution into the carpet fibers and carpet backing. Rinse the area and blot with a dry cloth until it is completely dry.
Stains that are dye-based, like make-up, wine, or pet urine can be difficult to remove from the carpet fibers. Mix a solution of one tablespoon of mild dishwashing soap with a cup of water and spray the solution onto an absorbent cloth. Blot the spot, rinsing the solution and blotting dry each time until the stain is completely removed.
For a permanent solution to the stain, use borax. Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with two cups of warm water and apply to the spot. Blot the solution into the carpet fibers and allow it to dry completely before vacuuming.
Prevent It
First, it’s important to get as much of the stain out of the carpet as possible. Scrape up any solid bits of the spill and blot the rest of the liquid out — never rub or scrub, as this can spread the stain and cause it to soak deep into the fibers. Use a cloth, paper towel, or even a sheet of newspaper to absorb the liquid, being careful not to soak the padding under the carpet as this can breed mildew.
Next, apply a solution that will remove the stain, and blot again. If you’ve got a water-soluble stain (think: berries, sodas, food dyes, milk, some paints, mud), a simple solution of a quarter teaspoon of non-bleach detergent mixed with 32 ounces of cool water should do the trick. Spray the detergent solution onto a white cloth and dab, not rub, on the spot. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
If you’ve got a non-soluble stain, such as blood or wine, you’ll need to pre-treat the spot with a solvent like denatured alcohol. Make sure to wear rubber gloves as the fumes are very strong, and blot – never rub – the spot until it’s dry. Once it’s dry, place a clean white towel over the spot and weigh it down with a heavy object to prevent the carpet from wicking moisture back into the stain.
Reappearing stains can also be prevented by putting a sheet of cardboard over the stain overnight and then covering the board with a piece of plastic wrap. This will draw up the moisture and keep it from soaking into the fibers, and if there is a stain beneath it, it’ll be easier to lift it with a vacuum cleaner.
Parents can also keep grease stains at bay by sprinkling the spot liberally with baking soda, which will not only remove the stain but eliminate any odors associated with it. This works especially well on organic stains, such as pet messes and spilled milk. Allow the baking soda to sit for 12 hours before attempting to vacuum it up, as this will give the enzymes plenty of time to work their magic.
Remove The Stain
If a stain has already set in, the best approach is to act as quickly as possible. As soon as a stain occurs, use an absorbent cloth to lift any solid matter, then blot the remaining liquid. Never rub a stain; aggressive rubbing can drive the dye deeper into carpet fibers, causing it to become permanent.
If the stain is a water-soluble substance such as berries, soda, food dyes, ice cream, milk, or washable ink, apply cool water to it with a clean cloth. Blot the area, being careful not to soak the carpet backing. Oversoaking can damage the backing of your carpet and even cause it to rip or delaminate.
Greasy and oil-based stains can be particularly stubborn. For best results, remove any excess material with a knife or spoon, then blot the remaining stain. For grease, try covering the spot with powdered chalk or baking soda, then letting it sit for an hour or two. This will absorb most of the grease, making it easier to remove with a commercial or homemade cleaner.
Blotting is also a good approach for rehydrating dry, set stains. Mix a cleaning solution using cold water and laundry detergent, or hydrogen peroxide (test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first). Liberally spray the mixture over the stain, then blot it. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
Salt is an unexpected stain remover. The secret to its magic lies in the fact that it can bind with liquids, lifting them away from carpet fibers. To use salt on a fresh stain, sprinkle it generously over the area and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Then blot it up with a damp cloth or paper towel.
For wine stains, mix a paste of three parts baking soda to one part cold water. Apply the paste over the stain, and massage it into the carpet fibers. Then, as the paste dries, vacuum up any residue. If you notice any stains reappearing, start over again with the paste method. This should help get rid of those pesky red wine stains on your carpet.
Clean The Area
If you want to keep carpet stains from occurring in the first place, make sure to vacuum often enough to prevent dirt and grime from becoming trapped in the fibers. You should vacuum about once a week for every person living in your home, though it may be necessary to do so more frequently if your carpet is located in a high-traffic area.
You should also blot spills as soon as they occur, removing any liquid as quickly as possible to reduce the staining potential. Using paper towels or rags that you don’t mind getting wet, blot the stained area thoroughly. Make sure not to rub, as rubbing will push the stain deeper into your carpet fibers.
Once you’ve blotted the area, use a cleaning solution that is appropriate for your type of stain. Water-soluble stains such as tracked-in mud or food and beverages are easy to treat with a water-based cleaner, while oil-based spots require dry solvents like d-Limonene spotters.
Always be sure to pretest your cleaner on a small section of your carpet or an out-of-the-way part of the room before applying it to the stain. It’s important to follow all of the product’s directions, especially when it comes to how long the stain needs to sit before rinsing.
Another simple and effective way to clean up a spill is by using club soda. “Club soda acts as a natural carpet deodorizer and works just as well as the commercial products you can buy,” says green-cleaning expert Leslie Reichert. Apply a generous amount of the club soda to the affected area, then blot until the stain disappears.
Similarly, hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat blood stains on carpets. If the mark has already dried, sprinkle it with a little baking soda before spraying it with hydrogen peroxide. This will help break down the blood and help lift it from your carpet.
You can also make a natural carpet cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water to create a nontoxic, safe stain remover. Simply spray the mixture onto the stain, let it soak for 15 minutes or so, and blot with a damp cloth until the spot is gone.