How to Remove Carpet Stains
Carpet Stains
Most of the newer carpets we see today have been treated with stain resistant coatings. This can help prevent carpets from staining to a certain extent, but they are not fool proof. It is inevitable that spills will occur and the longer it is allowed to sit, the more permanent they will become. It is essential to clean up spills as soon as they occur. There are also some tips that can help remove stains and spots from rugs and carpets.
Blot it Up
When a spill of any kind occurs, the first course of action is to carefully blot it up. It is best to use a clean white cloth which is made of absorbent materials such as terry cloth. Do not wipe the spill, but blot it by pressing downward so that the cloth will absorb the liquid out of the carpet. If there is anything solid in the spill carefully scrape it away using a spoon, a blunt spatula or a bone scraper. Using a knife or sharper object can damage the fibers of the carpet. Remember to never brush or scrub a stain as it can harm the carpet fibers as well as make the stain set into the rug.
Vacuuming
After initially blotting out the stain or spill, vacuum up any solid pieces. It is best to use a vacuum that has a hose as the upright type of vacuum which used a rotating brush can end up spreading the stain. Using the end of the hose end on the vacuum cleaner, start on the outer edges of the stain and work gently to the middle. This will slowly reduce the stain’s diameter and also help prevent the stain from spreading. Remember to never use water to clean substances such as soot or toner from carpet as it will spread the stain and imbed it into the carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Solutions
There are many different solutions which can be used to clean stains from carpets. Different solutions, even homemade ones, will be effective on certain stains. No matter what type of solution is being used to clean up a stain it is important to color stain the carpet to prevent damage. Apply a few drops in an inconspicuous place and press a clean white napkin or towel over it for a few seconds. Then check the carpet and the towel to see if any color transfer occurred. If you notice that there was color transfer, use a different solution and try the color test again. Once it is certain that the solution will not damage the carpet, use it according to the directions on the container.
Once the spill is completely removed, rinse the area with clear water. Apply just enough water to remove the carpet cleaning solution, but not too much water. Getting the carpet too wet can cause further damage and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Apply some water to the area and then carefully blot it out using an absorbent white cloth. If needed, weight the towel down with heavier objects such as books and keep changing out the towels until the area is dried.
Blot it Up
When a spill of any kind occurs, the first course of action is to carefully blot it up. It is best to use a clean white cloth which is made of absorbent materials such as terry cloth. Do not wipe the spill, but blot it by pressing downward so that the cloth will absorb the liquid out of the carpet. If there is anything solid in the spill carefully scrape it away using a spoon, a blunt spatula or a bone scraper. Using a knife or sharper object can damage the fibers of the carpet. Remember to never brush or scrub a stain as it can harm the carpet fibers as well as make the stain set into the rug.
Vacuuming
After initially blotting out the stain or spill, vacuum up any solid pieces. It is best to use a vacuum that has a hose as the upright type of vacuum which used a rotating brush can end up spreading the stain. Using the end of the hose end on the vacuum cleaner, start on the outer edges of the stain and work gently to the middle. This will slowly reduce the stain’s diameter and also help prevent the stain from spreading. Remember to never use water to clean substances such as soot or toner from carpet as it will spread the stain and imbed it into the carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Solutions
There are many different solutions which can be used to clean stains from carpets. Different solutions, even homemade ones, will be effective on certain stains. No matter what type of solution is being used to clean up a stain it is important to color stain the carpet to prevent damage. Apply a few drops in an inconspicuous place and press a clean white napkin or towel over it for a few seconds. Then check the carpet and the towel to see if any color transfer occurred. If you notice that there was color transfer, use a different solution and try the color test again. Once it is certain that the solution will not damage the carpet, use it according to the directions on the container.
Once the spill is completely removed, rinse the area with clear water. Apply just enough water to remove the carpet cleaning solution, but not too much water. Getting the carpet too wet can cause further damage and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Apply some water to the area and then carefully blot it out using an absorbent white cloth. If needed, weight the towel down with heavier objects such as books and keep changing out the towels until the area is dried.