Stain removal can be easy if you know the right way to do it. Photo: Flickr
Stubborn stains are one of the most common reasons why people throw away their carpets after very short use. If you want to prolong the life of your rugs you need to take proper care of them and deal with spills and other accidents the best possible way. Knowing the adequate stain removal method will help you prevent it from becoming permanent and ruin your carpet.
3 of the Most Common Mistakes When Dealing with a Stain
The best thing you can do to prolong your carpet’s life if to try to prevent stains in the first place. Put doormat at every entrance to trap mud and avoid it getting into the rug’s fibres. You can also place a smaller rug under the dining and coffee table. This way if someone spills their beverage or drops their food, it gets onto the mat instead of on the carpet. However, accidents do happen and it is good to avoid these 3 mistakes, when dealing with them:
Use a slightly damp sponge to prevent spreading the stain on your carpet.
- Don’t over-soak the spot with water and cleaning solution. This way the stain will spread and you will end with a bigger area to clean.
- Never rub the stained spot on your carpet. Although it may seem the best move, energetic scrubbing will push the dirt deeper into the textile fibre and make it more difficult to remove.
- Don’t soak the spot if it has dried up, especially if it is mud or soil. When dealing with dry stains, scrape off excessive dirt with a dull knife, and run a vacuum onto the spot to extract as much of the substance as possible.
These 5 steps will help you remove any stain! Photo: Flickr
The Most Effective Method to Remove Stains from Carpet and Rugs
There are kinds of spills and stains that take more time to remove than others. Most foods like grease, chocolate and fruit juice are difficult to remove. Same applies for beverages like coffee or wine. However, if you act quickly and follow the steps below, you will be able to clean even the most stubborn stains from your carpet.
Step 1
Remove as much of the excessive dirt from your carpet as soon as you can. If the stain is semi-solid or thick, like cream, or sauce, scrape it carefully with a dull knife. In case the dirt has already dried up, vacuum the spot to extract as much of the substance as possible. If the stain is wet, take a clean, dry towel and gently blot the carpet to pull out the liquid.
Step2:
After you are done with the first step, dip a clean towel in cold water, squeeze it well, and blot the area to loosen the stain. Never use hot water, as high temperature can make some spills more difficult to remove. For example eggs and dairy products coagulate when they get in touch with warmth.
Prepare all the cleaning supplies you will use ahead. Photo: Flickr
Step3:
Choose appropriate stain removal product for your carpet. In some cases, you can use your ordinary liquid dish detergent. Test the product on a small inconspicuous spot of the carpet first. If there is no colour bleeding or other harmful reaction it is safe to use the cleaner. Prepare thick foam by whisking together the product and cup of lukewarm water. Apply the foam onto the spot and leave it for a few minutes to let the cleaning agent do its job.
Step 4:
Dip a clean towel in cool water and start blotting the stain in order to remove the cleaning product and rinse the spot. Repeat a few times until there is no more suds, or colouration onto the carpet.
Step 5:
Take a dry towel and blot the area to pull out the water. After this allow the rug to dry completely before stepping on it. Don’t be tempted to use a hair dryer to make this step faster, as directed heat can deform some types of carpet fibres. Follow these steps to remove any type of dirt from your textile flooring. With some stains, you might need to be patient.Repeat the 3rd step twice, or more to clean the area completely. However, if the spot is too old, or if you are not sure if you have the right product to remove it, it is best to call professional carpet cleaning company.
