That spill on your light carpet doesn't have to be the end of your carpet’s life. Instead of trying to hide the stain by covering it with a rug or furniture, first try our carpet cleaning tips to remove the stain and restore your carpet back to new!
Jump into Action. The longer a liquid or substance sits on the carpet, the more likely it is to leave a stain that proves difficult to remove. The fibers of the carpet absorb excess liquid and can expand. If the stain is dry, the liquid has been absorbed by the fibers and buried deep into the carpet. This is why the quicker you act to clean the spill, the less likely it is to stain. Once you have discovered a stain the first step is to grab a cup of cold water and a clean cloth or towel. Avoid using hot water as it can set the stain. Begin by blotting the area with the towel. Once you have absorbed what you can, start pouring some of the water over the stain until the entire area is moist. If the stain is still wet, the goal is to make the stain diluted with water. Next, take your clean towel and blot, do not rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the carpet fibers, giving it that “fuzzy” appearance after you have cleaned. Blot the area by pressing the towel firmly into the carpet, absorbing the excess cold water you just poured on. Repeat this step with fresh towels and more water if necessary.
Noteworthy Tricks. If you have a stubborn stain these common household items will make the job just a little easier. Perhaps, you were able to visibly remove the stain, but the odor is still present. In this case, a baking soda paste will be your best friend. Simply mix baking soda with some water until you get a good consistency. Next, spread it over the stain and allow it time to dry. Once the area is completely dry, vacuum over the area to suck up all the dry residue. Baking soda is known to absorb stains and odors, and once dry is easy to remove.
One of the most difficult stains to remove is wine or beer. In this case, having club soda handy will help, as carbonation is known to help lift the stain to the surface. You can pour the club soda on the stain and blot the area with a clean towel like the method previously described. Another handy trick for a stubborn wine stain is to make your own cleaning solution. Before you go and purchase the expensive stain remover online, first try mixing one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of dish soap, and two cups of water. It works best if this mixture is in a spray bottle. Simply spray the mixture onto the stain and blot with a towel to absorb. Repeat this until the stain has lifted. (Pro Tip- when blotting use a white towel so that the colors from a dyed fabric do not leak onto the carpet).
Keep these techniques and tricks in your back pocket for your next spill. If you are having trouble, give our cleaning team a call, who may have more specific instructions based on the nature of your stain. Of course, our professional cleaning team is available to help with any of those stubborn stains that may require extra attention.
Blog post written by: Aysha Martin
