Carpet stains can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with, and sometimes it may seem like an impossible task. From muddy shoes and spilt drinks to pet accidents and general wear and tear, it can be challenging to keep your floor coverings looking their best.
And while some stains can be hard to remove and require professional carpet cleaning, there are some methods you can use to clean them safely and effectively on your own. Here we will explore some of the most common groups of stains that can occur in pretty much any household. So, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Water-Soluble Stains
Water-soluble stains are usually the easiest to clean, and they can be removed with the help of water-based cleaning solutions. Some substances that leave such marks are mud, jelly, milk, gravy, ice cream, carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages. As with the rest types of carpet stains, the best approach is to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Regardless of what you have spilt, follow these steps to remove water-soluble stains:
- Use a paper towel or clean cloth and blot up any excess. Be gentle and don’t rub, as this can make it worse and spread the spot.
- Gently apply a water-based cleaning solution and blot again, working from the outside edge towards the centre.
- After the stain is cleaned, rinse the area with water to remove the cleaning solution. If necessary, repeat the process once again until the spot completely disappears.
- Let the carpet dry before walking on it or placing furniture.
You should always test the cleaning solution on a small, hidden part of the carpet, as some detergents can damage the fibres and cause discolouration.
Protein-Based Stains
Some of the most common protein-based stains include blood, sweat, bodily fluids, dairy products and food. Because of the enzymes, these types of stains get darker when exposed to heat or acid, grabbing tightly onto the carpet fibres and becoming difficult to remove. However, there are some useful techniques you can use to get rid of them:
- Blot the spot with a clean cloth to remove as much as possible but avoid rubbing the fabric, as this could spread the stain.
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a cup of water with one tablespoon of ammonia. For wool carpets, you can use dishwashing detergent or a commercial cleaner.
- Spray the cleaning solution on the stain and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the area with cold water and ensure you have completely removed the cleaner.
- If the stain remains, repeat the steps until everything is cleaned, and after that, dry out the carpet.
Oil-Based Stains
Cleaning oil-based stains, such as those from grease, cooking oil or lipstick, can seem impossible. But with the proper carpet cleaning techniques and a bit of patience, you can successfully remove even the most stubborn stains and make your luxury carpets or rugs look like new again.
The most important thing is to act as quickly as possible so you can clean the stain before it causes permanent damage. Start by removing as much of the grease as possible but be careful not to spread it or rub it deeper into the fibres. Use cornstarch or baking soda to cover the spot and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the grease. Then, vacuum the area thoroughly to remove the absorbent material and any remaining grease. If the stain persists, apply a dry-cleaning solution to a clean cloth and blot the spot. Don’t forget to test the solvent on a hidden area of the carpet to make sure it won’t cause discolouration. If necessary, repeat until the oil stain is completely removed.
Cigarette Burns
A burn mark on the carpet, whether it is caused by a cigarette or a hot iron, is always an eyesore, and it can be difficult to remove it. However, if it is only a light surface burn, there are some easy steps you can take to remove the marks and restore your carpet’s good look.
- Carefully cut away the burned carpet fibres with scissors, a razor blade or a knife as you try not to damage the surrounding area.
- Find an area of the carpet that is not visible, such as under the sofa, and cut some healthy fibres to replace the damaged ones.
- Put some glue on the burned part and place the healthy fibres. After the glue dries, trim the area so that it is even with the rest of the carpet.
Glue Stains
We all know that removing glue from carpets can be a challenging task, especially if it has already dried. But don’t worry, here are some tricks you can try to get rid of the glue and make your floor coverings look like new again.
- Scrape as much of the glue as you can with a spoon or dull knife. If it is still wet, you can use a clean paper towel to absorb it.
- Take a cloth or sponge and put some acetone or nail polish remover. Gently pat the glue stain, working from the outer edges towards the centre.
- Mix together a small amount of dish soap and warm water, and apply it to the stained area with a cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain until the glue comes off, then rinse with clean water.
You should be able to clean some of the most common glue stains on your carpet by following these steps. However, you can use a commercial adhesive remover if the stain is particularly stubborn.
Chewing Gum
It can be an absolute nightmare when chewing gum gets stuck in your carpets or area rugs. Not only can it be difficult to remove it, but it can also damage the fibres and ruin your floor coverings. However, there are a few methods that can help you remove the sticky substance.
One of these methods is to use ice. Simply put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and place them on the gum for a few minutes. This will harden the gum and make it easier to scrape it with a butter knife. Remove the pieces and gently rub the spot with a cloth dipped in a mixture of mild dishwashing detergent and vinegar. After that, use a clean towel and blot the area dry.
Alternatively, you can use vinegar or rubbing alcohol. To soften the gum, apply a small amount of the solvent and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, gently blot the gum with a paper towel or cloth until it comes off the carpet. If the gum is not completely removed, repeat this process a few times.
Nail Polish
- Take a clean cloth and absorb as much as you can. Avoid rubbing the area, as this may spread the nail polish and make it more difficult to remove.
- Apply a nail polish remover to a clean cloth and dab it on the stained area. Make sure it won’t damage the carpet by testing it on a small part that is normally not visible.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth until the nail polish starts to loosen. Repeat the process if the spot is still visible.
- After the nail polish stain is removed, rinse the area with water and dry it out with a clean towel.
Conclusion
Knowing some carpet cleaning tips and tricks is always useful. After all, no matter how hard you try to protect your floor coverings, at some point, they could end up stained. But with the proper cleaning techniques and a bit of patience, you can remove even the most stubborn stains and maintain the perfect conditions of your carpets.