Quick Tips for Carpet Stains

Knowing the ins and outs of carpet CPR is a really good skill when accident occur. When spills and other stain-causing events happen, you need to get right on it and know what you’re doing. Accidents are inevitable, we’re only human. But it is knowing how to respond to them that is most important.

It isn’t always easy to jump right on a spill or other accident the minute it happens. You also need to deal with the fact that carpets are a magnet for dust, dust mites and bacteria. So, there are measures to be taken that are beyond your efforts. Bring in a carpet cleaning company every 12 to 18 months.

The Quick Tips for Carpet Stain Removal

• Drink spills: Whether clear or coloured, drinks can leave stains on your carpet. Blot the spot with a dry towel, but do not rub it. Prepare 1 tbsp of dishwashing soap, ¼ cup of white vinegar and water. Let that sit on the area for 10 minutes, then blot dry with a towel.
• Blood: Many people find that dealing with blood at all is abhorrent, but it is pretty easy. You do need to address it right away. Use cold water, not warm, and mix in 2 tsp of dishwashing liquid and blot it with a paper towel. Rinse with cold water and repeat until clean.
• Pet urine or feces: For whatever reason, be it an accident, or for delivering a message, our furry babies sometimes let it go on the carpet, especially when young. In that event, blot the moisture up and apply a pet stain product. Many of them use special enzymes for odour removal. You can also use a solution of warm water and white vinegar, or water and detergent. Just let your mixture soak into the fibres for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• The coffee casualty: Begin by drying the spill with a towel. Spray on water, white vinegar, and a non-bleach detergent. Rinse and repeat. If you use a carpet cleaner, make sure it isn’t so harsh that it causes the carpet to lose colour.

New Treatments for Old Stains

Restoring stained carpet requires the right products and the right technique. Here are some quick dos and don’ts to old stain removal.

• Never scrub a carpet stain, the stain will move more deeply into the carpet. Blot the stain instead.
• Always use a white cloth so that the colour from the cloth doesn’t rub off on the carpet.
• Work from the outside in.
• Try water and dish soap first. It is safer.
• If the stain is tougher than that, try water, vinegar, and dish soap.
• If the stain is tougher than that, try baking soda and vinegar.

Water-Soluble vs Non-Water Soluble

Water-soluble stains are easier to clean, and any stain is easier to clean if you know what it is. Soluble stains include milk, latex paint, juice, berries, etc. Non-soluble stains include wine, blood, enamel paint, etc. As always, when trying a product, start small and in an unseen spot.

Cleaning4U, the Carpet Experts

We serve Vancouver and surrounding areas like North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby, we are the go-to professional cleaning company. Contact us for a free walk-through. We’ll listen carefully and offer some helpful tips, like above.