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When it comes to carpet, one thing is undoubtedly true: stains happen. Despite your very best intentions, you're bound to run into trouble with stains from time to time. The difference between maintaining clean, like-new carpeting and ending up with dirty, dingy flooring lies in knowing what to do in the event of a stain; the following information can help.
The Basics
There are many different ways to clean a stain. Before delving into them, though, it helps to know a few basic points. First, you should try to handle carpet stains as quickly as possible. The longer they sit, the tougher they're going to be to remove. Second, you should make sure to soak up the excess of whatever's gotten onto the carpeting right away. Third, never rub at a stain - always blot. Rubbing at a stain will force it deeper into the carpeting, which will make it that much more difficult to remove.
Have a Stain? Start with These Steps
Have a Stain? Start with These Steps
Regardless of what type of stain you've got on your hands, there's a tried-and-true method that you should always try first. Most of the time, these steps will take out the stain and return your carpet to its previous pristine condition.
1. Mix one cup of warm water with two tablespoons of pH-balanced dish detergent. Make sure that the ingredients are well-blended. Apply the solution to the stain by blotting it on gently.
2. Combine 2/3 cup of warm water with one cup of white vinegar. Apply this to the stain and let it sit for a while. Use clean paper towels to gently blot it away.
3. Repeat the preceding steps until the stain is completely gone. At that point, place clean paper towels over the area until it is totally dry.
If That Doesn't Work, Try This
Although the previous steps work most of the time, there are always exceptions. If you're unable to completely remove the stain using that strategy, try this one next:
1. Blot the stain with dry paper towels until it is as dry as possible.
2. Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with a couple of drops of dish detergent; blot this solution onto the stain.
3. Use a dry cloth or a dry sponge to blot the solution back off. Repeat these steps until the stain is completely removed.
Special Situations
The preceding techniques are designed for basic, everyday stains. Special circumstances call for special strategies, though. Knowing what to do in the event of stains involving chocolate, grease, oil, coffee, ink or other especially troublesome substances can help you keep your carpet in tiptop shape. Basic tips about handling certain substances are highlighted below.
Red Juice, Wine, Ink, Tea or Coffee Stains - First, blot away the excess right away. Grab a bottle of club soda; gently blot it onto the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. After allowing it to sit for a minute, blot it back up gently. Repeat those steps until the offending stain has been completely eliminated. After that, use fresh, clean water to rinse away the cleaning solution; allow it to air dry.
Candle Wax Stains - Nothing can make carpeting more unsightly than candle wax drippings. Luckily, there's a fairly straightforward way to handle the problem. First, scrape away as much of the wax as you can with a dull knife. Next, lay a clean white paper towel over the wax. Run a warm clothes iron over the paper towel - the wax will transfer from the floor to the towel. If you're left with an oily-looking residue, follow the next set of steps.
Grease and Oil Stains - The newest carpeting in the world can be rendered totally unattractive by grease and oil stains, which is why it pays to keep dry cleaning solvent on hand. Blot some solvent onto the stain, and then rinse it away. If that doesn't completely work, add a little baking soda and let it be absorbed. Finally, vacuum the floor.
Chocolate Stains - Scrape away as much of the chocolate as possible. Combine one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of dish washing liquid. Gently blot it onto the chocolate stain, then gently blot it back off again. Rinse the area with water and blot it once more.
As you can see, it pays to have the right supplies on hand when you have carpeted floors. The vast majority of the time, stains that seem absolutely tragic can be handled with ease hardwood flooring. The trick is knowing what to do, what to use and how to use it.Source
