Most people have had the experience of coming home after a long day, only to be greeted by a nasty carpet stain.
Whether it’s from a spilled drink or tracked-in mud, these stains can be difficult to remove without the proper knowledge and tools.
To prevent your carpets from becoming stained, it is essential to remove spills immediately.
With these five easy tips, you can clean even the most stubborn carpet stains in no time.
So don’t let that unsightly blemish ruin your flooring. Follow these simple steps, and get rid of them for good!
How to Clean Stubborn Carpet Stains
You can remove nearly any kind of stain by following five quick steps.
Before you get started, make sure you have a bottle or jar to mix a quick cleaning solution, a clean cloth, and a standard vacuum cleaner.
Step #1: Blot the Stain Immediately
As soon as you notice a stain, use a paper towel or clean rag to blot up as much of the spilled liquid as possible.
This will prevent more of the liquid from seeping into your carpet, making it harder to remove.
Blotting with absorbent material is better than wiping because you can absorb more liquid and get closer to the stain, making it easier to remove.
Step #2: Use a Simple Cleaning Solution
To clean carpet stains, use a mixture of one teaspoon dish detergent and 1/4 cup white vinegar in two cups of lukewarm water.
Mix the solution thoroughly; there should be no suds.
As Spotless Vacuum explains, the great thing about white vinegar is that it’s a natural carpet odor eliminator, making it a great choice for removing bad carpet odours.
Important: Always test any new cleaning solution on a small patch of hidden carpet first, just in case it may cause damage.
Step #3: Apply the Solution With a Clean Cloth
Pour a small amount of the cleaning solution onto a freshly washed and dried cloth or sponge, then dab at the stain with gentle pressure until it begins to absorb.
This will drive the liquid further into the carpet’s fibers so you can easily flush out any dirt and grime.
Focus on saturating the stained area with the soap solution, while using another clean section of your material to absorb it up.
This will prevent the spreading of the stain and will allow you to clean it more effectively.
Once you’ve worked the solution into the stain, grab a fresh cloth and blot away any excess liquid to prevent it from spreading.
Repeat if necessary until no more dirt or residue can be absorbed by the cloth. Dab gently so as not to smear the stain onto surrounding areas.
Step #4: Rinse the Carpet Thoroughly
After removing the stain, rinse the area with water until all the soap solution has been removed and your carpet appears completely clean.
Make sure to rinse as much of the soap off as possible because if any remains, the spot may reappear after it dries.
Step #5: Allow the Area to Air Dry
This is an essential step to keep your carpet looking new. If the spot remains damp for too long, it may attract dirt and cause discoloration that is difficult to remove.
Let the spot air dry entirely, before checking if you need to treat it with something else.
Then give the area a quick vacuum to remove any leftover debris and freshen up your carpet.
Why You Need to Vacuum After Removing a Stain
It is essential to vacuum after you have the carpet cleaned because the shampoo and cleaning solutions used in the process can get trapped in the fibers of your carpet.
These residues can attract dirt and dust, which will soil your carpets more quickly than if you had not cleaned them at all.
Vacuuming after cleaning also helps to fluff up the carpet fibers, making them look their best.
Never vacuum wet carpet though. Moisture can damage the motor and may even cause an electric shock. Wait until the carpet is fully dry.
Last Resort: Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner
Always start with the simplest option first. That way if it doesn’t work, you know for sure what didn’t work and don’t have to waste time or money on a difficult solution.
If the steps listed above don’t work at all, it may be time for a carpet cleaner.
There are many carpet cleaners available today that are made especially for pet stains or other types of stubborn stains.
You can find them to buy online or in many local stores. Just make sure to read the directions carefully before using any carpet cleaner.
You can also find portable carpet cleaners that are small and easy to use.
All you have to do is fill some water into the solution, mix it with the carpet shampoo and bring it along with you so you can clean carpets wherever you are.
And if all else fails, you can always call a professional. Most services offer both steam and dry cleaning (what’s the difference?) that will remove most stains from any carpet.
Conclusion
Cleaning stubborn carpet stains doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
With just a little bit of elbow grease and patience, you can remove nearly any stain from your home in no time at all and keep your carpets looking fresh and new.
The main things to remember are to treat the stain as soon as possible and vacuum up any remaining cleaning agents after they’ve dried.