Carpet stains are unavoidable. But there is one way to avoid them: keep your carpet clean. Vacuuming and using a carpet cleaner make your house more appealing and extend the rug’s life. In addition, when you vacuum or use a carpet cleaner, you’re reviving your carpet’s lustre and removing dust and allergens.
But even with regular healthy cleaning, one thing can undo all your work—carpet stains.
When you have carpet at home, expect to have stains. Your pet dog can have accidents, your kids can spill ice cream, and a guest can drop some wine on the carpet. These can ruin your rug unless you know how to remove carpet stains.
There are several ways to clean carpet stains. You don’t have to buy expensive cleaners too. Instead, everyday household items like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and white vinegar are some of the safe remedies for your carpet woes. Keep reading to learn how to get carpet stains out like a pro!
How to Remove Carpet Stains
In the game of carpet stain removal, speed does the trick. That means the faster you act, the less time it takes for the stain to set and stain. You can use a spoon or fork to remove the solid part of the mess. Just remove it gently so as not to damage the carpet fibres. Dab the liquid gently with a clean cloth. Blot, not wipe!
For tougher stains, here is some surefire way to remove them.
Coffee Stains
When you spill coffee on your carpet, act fast! First, blot as much liquid as possible using a clean white cloth. Work from the outside-to middle so that it doesn’t spread further into other areas, and don’t rub or scrub. Next, pour some cold water over the stain, followed by dabbing motions to dilute any remaining chemicals before they have time to set into place correctly (warm/hot waters can cause this).
Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap are a perfect pair for removing tough stains. Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 teaspoon in a small bowl, then combine it to create your unique cleaner solution by adding water or other liquids as desired!
You can use this same recipe on carpets that have been stained because most fabrics don’t resist these powerful cleaners. But, again, ensure you test an inconspicuous area before applying directly onto the surface so there aren’t any surprises later down the road.
Rinse the rest of the residue with cool water and dry it with a clean cloth. Grab your wet/dry vacuum to get the remaining residue.
Red Stains
The first step to getting the red stains out of your carpet is to know whether you have a natural or artificial dye. You see, there is a difference between removing a red wine stain and a cherry popsicle stain. You will have the best cleaning approach once you know what you are dealing with.
For red stains, the worst offenders are frozen treats and red juice drinks. They have solid dyes, and the colours can set quickly. You need to remove them as soon as possible. It needs reducing agents that have sodium metabisulfite as an ingredient.
Again, blot as much liquid as possible using a clean cloth. Once you’ve removed all the liquid, apply the reducer to the stained part. Finally, get a clean wet cloth and place it over the stain.
Pour the reducing agent and let it soak the stain. Apply heat using a dry iron in a low-medium setting. Gently press it over the spot. The stain should transfer to the white towel quickly. Repeat the process and rinse it in clean, cool water. Dry the carpet with a clean towel.
Red Wine Stains
If there is a tough stain to remove, it’s red wine. However, you can remove carpet stains from red wine with the right approach. First, blot the fresh spill with a clean cloth and soak up as much wine as possible. Next, pour some cool water onto the stain and continue blotting. The water will dilute the wine.
Make a paste using a 3-1 ratio of baking soda to water in a bowl. Apply the paste to the red wine stain using your fingers. Wait for the paste to dry and vacuum up the residue. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. If there are remaining stains, rehydrate and repeat. Remove the moisture using a clean cloth or a wet/dry vacuum.
Urine Stains
Your beloved pets can mess with your carpet, leaving a potent, obnoxious odour. The first instinct might be to grab your steam cleaner. Don’t! It will only make the odour and stain set on your rug.
Soak up the urine with a paper towel or dry cloth. Press into the stain firmly to remove as much urine as possible. Mix equal white vinegar and water and pour it over the urine. Work the solution deep into the carpet with a scrubbing brush. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area.
Remove the residue with a vacuum once the baking soda has absorbed the excess moisture.
Greasy and Oily Stains
What constitutes oily and greasy stains? Peanut butter, mayonnaise, or food grease. All of them can ruin the carpet if not treated right away.
Remove the excess liquid and solid from the grease or oil stain with a butter knife. Don’t push the stain deeper into the carpet. Instead, sprinkle the colour with cornstarch or baking soda and let it sit to absorb the oil and grease. Then, work the powder into the carpet fibres using a soft-bristled brush. Let the powder sit for 15 minutes and vacuum.
Make a cleaning solution using a tablespoon dishwashing agent and two cups of warm water. Brush the cleaning solution into the carpet fibres. Repeat the process until all the stains are gone. Rinse the area with a wet cloth and let it dry.
Wrapping It Up!
Whether you have a fresh spill or an old stain, it is easy to remove carpet stains if you know what you are doing. You have all the cleaners you need right in your pantry.
Are you still struggling with a stubborn carpet stain? Then, it’s time to call in the pros. Tough stains need reinforcements, and Effly can help. We offer deep cleaning, house cleaning, upholstery and carpet cleaning services. Contact us, and your carpet woes will be gone in an instant!
Julie is a passionate writer a mother of three kids and a dedicated cleaning enthusiast, eager to share valuable insights and practical tips on maintaining a clean and organized home. With a deep understanding of the challenges of maintaining a tidy living space, Julie has spent years honing its expertise in cleaning methods, organizing techniques, and sustainable practices.