Carpet Cleaning Tips for Tough Stains
If you want to get rid of carpet stains, these three simple steps will do the trick:
Remove excess ASAP - Scrape off any excess solids with a spoon or a butter knife as soon as possible so your cleanable spill doesn't turn into a permanent stain.
Apply a carpet stain remover - spray any remaining stain with a carpet stain remover, following the manufacturer's instructions for application. You can also clean the carpet with a vinegar solution.
BLOT stain away - using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot from the outside in. Repeat until the stain no longer transfers to the cloth. Blot with cold water, then blot dry.
For common carpet stains, try these solutions:
Blood - to prevent a blood stain from becoming permanently affixed to the fibers of a carpet, use cold water or club soda to blot the stain with a clean cloth. Continue the blotting process until the stain has been successfully removed.
Candlewax - to eliminate candle wax from carpeting, hold an ice pack onto the wax until it solidifies. Delicately crumble the wax, then suction the remains. Utilize a carpet cleaner according to the manufacturer's guidelines or douse a white cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol. Pat the spot dry.
Chocolate - start by using a dull knife to remove as much of the chocolate from the carpet as you can. If the chocolate has melted, put an ice-filled bag over the area to harden it up, then scrape away any leftovers. After vacuuming up any bits, make a cleaning solution by mixing 1/4 tsp of liquid dish soap with 1 cup of warm water. With a cloth, gently apply the mixture to the stain from the edges inward, then leave it for five minutes before blotting the spot until it is gone.
Coffee or tea - to eliminate coffee and tea stains from carpets, combine 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. First, dab the stain, then apply the mixture. Allow it to rest for a couple of seconds prior to delicately working in the blend with your fingertips. Rinse the discoloration with water, pat it dry, and repeat until it is eliminated.
Dirt - prior to attempting any treatment, make sure to let the dirt or mud stains on the carpet dry fully. Gently scrape away any leftover residue and vacuum the affected area. Prepare a cleaning solution by combining mild dishwashing liquid, warm water, and white vinegar, and then let it sit on the stain for 10 minutes. Use a white cloth or paper towel to blot the stain afterwards.
Wine or juice - to remove any type of beverage spill, including red or white wine, or grape juice, begin by spraying the area with club soda. Utilize a clean microfiber cloth to absorb the stain and repeat until the mark is fully gone.
Cleaning carpet stains might sound daunting, but with the right technique and cleaning solutions, stubborn spots lift out easily. No matter what kind of spill you're dealing with, the process for removing carpet stains generally remains the same. If all else fails, call Total Care! We can help!
