How To Remove Stains From Carpet

Feeling defeated by that stubborn stain? We’ve all been there. 

Whether it’s a mysterious muddy footprint, a wine-soaked carpet, or a pet stain that just won’t quit, carpet stains can be a real pain. But the good news is no matter what kind of carpet stain you’ve got on your carpet, we’ve got a solution. As expert carpet cleaners we’ve spent years battling these pesky stains, and today we are here to share our secrets with you.

Let’s talk about the toughest stains and learn to clean them. No matter how hard is the stain, we’re determined to remove it. We’ll break down the science behind stain removal in simple terms, so you can easily apply these techniques to your own home.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work! In this post, we’ll explore various simple household carpet cleaning methods. By following these tips, you’ll be able to extend the carpet’s life.

Different Types of Carpet Stains and How to deal with them?

Carpets are expensive and when you accidentally spill something over it, we know you feel like it’s gone. But that’s not true! We have every way to clean stains of every type. Let’s learn about them one by one:

Coffee or tea

Your morning routine can sometimes wreak havoc on your precious investment. But things can be different when you know what to do right away. First of all, let’s us tell you one thing, as you might have heard or assumed, coffee or tea stains are not permanent as long as you treat them quickly. 

If you ever get any dire, dark coffee/tea spilled over the carpet, just act fast, as tannins in it can soak deep into fibres. 

So, the first thing you should do is blot the spill with a clean, absorbent cloth. Press the cloth firmly on the stain, but be gentle. Let it absorb as much liquid as it can. Don’t rub as it can spread the stain and damage the carpet fibre. 

Then, dampen a clean cloth with cold water and start blotting the stain with it again. This will dilute the stain. Continue doing this until the cloth no longer picks up colour.

Now, mix a solution of mild detergent and cold water. Dip a cloth piece into it and blot the stain. Then, rinse the area with cold water to remove the solution.

In the end, use a dry paper cloth to absorb the moisture. A dryer can come in handy in speeding up the drying. 

Make sure you are not using hot water during carpet cleaning as it can set the stain.

Wine/Juice

In this case, as well, you need to act fast. Just start blotting the spill with a clean cloth. You have to follow the same steps as we mentioned in removing the coffee stain.

Chocolate

Remove the chocolate stain from your carpet by taking off as much chocolate as you can using a blunt knife or spoon. 

Next, dab the stain using a clean cloth that is dampened in cold water. Make sure you are dabbing without rubbing. Mix up mild detergent and cold water, dip a clean cloth into this solution, and blot the chocolate stain.  Afterwards, rinse out the area with cold water. 

Use a dry cloth or paper towel will completely dry the area. In this case, also you should avoid using hot water.

Dirt

To remove a dirt stain from your carpet, you should start by vacuuming the area to remove any loose particles of dirt. Sometimes, this simple process lifts the stain right out. But for more stubborn stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth. Note that rubbing is likely to push the dirt deeper into the fibres, so it’s not advisable. 

Once the stain is lifted from the carpet, rinse with clean running water and blot dry with a clean towel. For extremely stubborn stains, use a diluted white vinegar solution. Be sure to mix the solution and test it on a concealed area of the carpet first to avoid any potential discoloration.

Gum

Gum is sticky and really tough to pull out from the carpet fibre. Some find it the trickiest cleaning procedure. But don’t worry. Just follow as we say. 

Apply ice until the gum becomes hard, and then use a butter knife or spoon to chip it off from the carpet fibres when frozen. Then, if there’s still some residue left, you might dissolve that by using a mix of water and white vinegar. Blot out the area with a clean cloth and let it dry in the air. 

Pro tip: Try not to use hot water, as that will forever set the stain.

Urine

Pet owners know that urine stains are particularly tenacious and leave a lingering odour. In order to remove a urine stain from your carpet, you need to act quickly. 

First, gently blot up the excess urine with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Then, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Generously spray the stain with the cleaning solution and allow it to penetrate the fabric for a few minutes. Afterward, use a clean cloth to gently dry the treated area.

Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area to eliminate the odour. Vacuum after several hours. Persistent odours require the help of an enzyme cleaner which has the ability to break up urine proteins. These kinds of cleaners are readily available in supermarkets. You can follow the same procedure for pet odour removal. 

Ink Stains

In most cases, it is hard to remove ink stains once they have dried. However, here are a few techniques that might work. Fresh ink stains can be blotted using a clean, damp cloth. Older stains may require rubbing alcohol or hairspray. Apply the product on the stain and wait for some minutes before blotting dry. Professional cleaning services might be required for some stubborn ink stains.

Grease Stains

Grease stains can be effectively removed from carpets through these steps. Begin by applying blotting on the spot to absorb as much of the grease as possible with a clean, dry cloth. Then, use dish soap and warm water to prepare a solution. Apply the solution over the stain, let sit a few minutes, and proceed with blotting the stained area dry with a cloth. If the stain lingers, then you can’t help but seek assistance from a professional carpet cleaner.

Nail Polish Stains

Nail polish removal can be carried out using rubbing alcohol or acetone combined. Care should be taken to use it on an invisible corner of the carpet, first testing it. Pour the substance into the nail polish area and let it sit on the carpet for some time before blotting out the residue with a towel. Carry out this exercise for several cycles until the colour disappears.

Unsure about cleaning the carpet yourself?

It’s okay to feel uncertain about cleaning the carpet, especially when stains are too hard, and the carpet is too expensive. In such a case, you can rely on a professional cleaner. Here are the top reasons why it’s better to choose professional cleaning services:

1. Professionals know how to deal with the toughest stains.
2. They use some effective cleaning methods that would take good care of the carpet’s longevity.
3. All the bits of your carpet are diligently cleaned.
4. Professional cleaning gives back the new freshness and appearance of your carpet.
5. Professional cleaning keeps the allergens, bacteria and pollutants away from the carpet.

Are you seeking professional help? Fill out this form and learn the carpet cleaning prices associated with various types of methods. Your first consultation is free!