We posted a little while ago about how to remove carpet stains in general (You can find that here.) For the next few weeks we want to take that a step further and share with you how to clean specific stains that might need special care. You will still need to use the steps from the above mentioned post, but this will be a more specific guide.
Look for these posts every Tuesday, with the hashtag #TuesdayTips. We’ll look forward to seeing you around here more often! 🙂
Originally written and posted by This Old House.
Water-Soluble Stains
alcoholic beverages
berries
colas
excrement
food dyes
gravy
ice cream
jelly
milk
mud
washable ink
wet or latex paint
Use a simple cleaning solution made up of 1/4 teaspoon of nonbleach detergent (or white vinegar) mixed with 32 ounces of water.
Here’s the process:
1) Remove any solid matter first.
If there is food, mud, dirt, ect. be sure to remove it before you treat the stain. If it is a dry substance you can vacuum it, otherwise use something to scrape it up and dispose of it.
2) Blot the stain, do not scrub.
With a white cloth (to prevent the possible bleeding of colors,) blot the stain by pressing the cloth onto the area to remove as much liquid as possible. Do not scrub!Scrubbing can permanently damage the carpet fibers. It can also cause the stain to soak deeper into the carpet, even down to the carpet padding, making it much harder to remove.
3) Treat with a mild detergent.
At this point, you can apply a mild carpet cleaning product.
*You may have to repeat steps 2 and 3 a few times if you have a really stubborn stain.
4) Dry
After you treat the stain, extract as much water as possible. The best way to extract water is by using a hand-held carpet cleaning tool, or a wet-dry vac. If you don’t have one either of those, you can blot with a dry towel. (Try placing a dry towel down on the area and weighing it down with a heavy object, replacing the towel when it feels wet.)
Another Tuesday Tip: Bookmark this page so that you can find us if you need this info later on!
As always, if you have any questions about cleaning or caring for your carpet. Please call us, we’d love to help! Just email office@miracle-carpet.com, or call (731) 587-3346 9am- 5pm M-F.
