How To Remove Any Type of Carpet Stain
Step-by-Step Guide to Carpet Stain Removal
Have you ever worried that your favorite carpet is ruined forever by pesky stains? We’ve all been there. Your kids track in mud that turns into a murky brown splotch. The new puppy has an accident leaving urine stain across the room. You host a dinner party and a guest spills red wine right on the cream shag rug.
It’s frustrating when our light and clean carpets end up marked and dirty. But don’t despair, most stubborn stains can be removed with a little elbow grease and cleaning know-how. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to get out even the toughest, set-in stain to restore your carpets to their original glory.
Carpet Cleaning and Stain Removal Basics
Before you break out the supplies, there are a few universal tips to keep in mind whenever you tackle tough stains:
- Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fibres.
- Blot stains gently using a white cloth or paper towel. Never scrub aggressively as this can push the dirt deeper into the carpet pad.
- Work slowly from the outer edge of the stain inwards so you don’t risk making it bigger.
- Carefully follow the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations for products and methods. Using the wrong solutions could void warranties.
The Two Main Types of Stains
To remove a stain effectively, it helps to understand what type it is first:
Water-Soluble Stains
These stains dissolve when mixed with water. They include:
- Mud
- Food and drink spills
- Washable ink
- Blood stain
- Urine
- Wet paint
Non-Water Soluble Stains
These types don’t budge when water is applied. They include:
- Oil and grease stains
- Wax and gum
- Nail polish
- Chocolate
- Wine
- Coffee
- Pet stains
Matching the right DIY cleaner or professional solution to the type of stain is key for removal success.
DIY Cleaning Agents for Water-Soluble Stains
For stains that dissolve in water, try these effective homemade cleaners first:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This classic duo works wonders to lift stains and deodorize carpets.
How to:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of sodium bicarbonate over the stain.
- Spray vinegar diluted with a little water onto the pH booster. It will fizz and bubble as it works.
- Let sit for several hours until hardened.
- Vacuum up the mix when dry.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap, and Water
The oxygen bubbles in peroxide cleaner help lift stains off carpet fibers.
Mix:
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons destainer
- 1 tablespoon clear, unscented dish soap
Gently dab the solution into the stain with a clean rag. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before blotting area with water and patting dry.
3. Store-Bought Carpet Cleaner
Look for an enzyme-based cleaner or general carpet stain remover at your local grocery or hardware store. Always check that the pH is 10 or lower.
Spot test in an inconspicuous area first before treating stain according to product instructions.
4. Rent a Carpet Cleaner
For large stains, renting an industrial machine gets carpets cleaner than any DIY method. Be sure to use a carpet shampoo solution designed specifically for use in machines.
Conquering Non-Water Soluble Stains
Stain that don’t dissolve in water call for solvent-based cleaners. Here are the best treatments for common tricky stains:
- Grease and Oil – Apply dry cleaning solvent or alcohol and blot with cotton pads. Repeat process until lifted. Finish by sprinkling corn starch over the area to absorb any remaining oil. Hoover up after half an hour.
- Wax and Gum – Hardened wax and chewing gum can be chipped off carefully using a credit card or dull table knife. Place ice cubes in a bag over the residue to freeze. Once hard, shatter residuals with a spoon and vacuum particles.
- Nail Polish – Dip a cotton pad in non-acetone nail polish remover and gently dab. Avoid acetone-based removers on carpet.
- Pet Urine – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz on the area and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Blot with white paper towels. Sprinkle baking powder generously over the area once dry. Hoover after several hours. It will help neutralize urine odors.
- Chocolate – Make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons dish soap with 1 tablespoon vinegar and some warm water. Carefully scrub paste into the stain with a toothbrush. Rinse with clear water and blot dry with a microfibre absorbent cloth, working from the outside towards the middle.
- Wine – Drizzle some white wine over the surface to dilute the pigment. Blot with white towels. Make a solution of a cup of water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon laundry detergent, and 1 tablespoon alkaline salt. Apply to stain and continue blotting every 5 mins with a sponge.
Tackling Old Stain
The trick to getting rid of stubborn, older stains is rehydrating them first because dry spots are harder to remove.
Here are some tips for success:
- Identify stain type first if possible. Take note of color, smell, texture.
- Lightly scrape crusted material on top first.
- Apply warm water and massage it into the stain with a spoon handle.
- Once damp, blot moisture out with clean cloth.
- Follow technique described above based on type.
- Repeat process patiently over hours or days if needed. Time and persistence pay off!
Call the Professionals For the Best Results
While DIY stain removal can work wonders, sometimes you need to bring in expert reinforcements. If you have attempted every method possible and your carpet still has visible staining, don’t replace your floors just yet!
Your local professional carpet cleaning service has powerful steam cleaners, truck-mounted systems, and heavy duty removal chemicals to restore even the most soiled and damaged carpets. Trained experts can treat spots, perform deep cleaning, and sanitize the entire floor area.
Most carpet manufacturers actually require professional hot water extraction every 12-18 months using approved cleansing agents in order to uphold stain-resistant warranties too.
Don’t tear out your carpets – call in the pros to make them look good as new again instead!
