Carpet Cleaning Solutions for Stubborn Stains
It’s a sad but a true fact of life – carpets get stained. Whether it’s coffee, food, drink, pet mess, dirt, or mess from your kids, carpet stains are inevitable. The good news is that there are many common home carpet cleaning solutions for these stubborn stains.
Knowing which cleaning solutions to use for certain types of stains can be a lifesaver and make those stains disappear quickly and easily. That’s why we’ve put together this guide about carpet cleaning solutions for stubborn stains.
Understanding Carpet Fibres
Before you start cleaning your carpets, you must know the type of fibre used in carpeting. Different cleaning solutions are formulated for different types of carpet fibres, so you want to ensure you are using the right cleaning solution.
Many carpets are typically made of synthetic fibres, for example: polyester, olefin, or nylon. However, some carpets are made of wool or other natural fibres. Wool and natural fibre carpets require special cleaning solutions and extra care since they can be easily damaged.
General Cleaning Solutions
For general stains and messes, you can use several cleaning solutions at home. A good, all-purpose carpet cleaner can be found at your local store. Simply spray the cleaner on the stain, rub it in with a clean cloth, and then use a blotting motion with a dry cloth to remove the excess cleaner.
If you are dealing with organic stains such as food, coffee, or pet accidents, you may want to use a mild dish soap mixed with water to clean the stain. However, remember that dish soap can fade the colour of some carpets, so test a small spot first to ensure it won’t damage your carpet. Alternatively, you can also try using a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.
Another alternative is using an ammonia-based cleaning agent or a de-greasing detergent which is typically best for oily, greasy spills. However, both of these options should be used cautiously since they can damage fabrics, so be sure to test a small area first.
Stubborn Stains
Sometimes, stains just won’t budge, no matter how hard you scrub or what type of cleaning solution you use. If this is the case, you can try one of the following:
- Rubbing Alcohol – apply some rubbing alcohol directly to the affected area and then rub it in gently before removing the rest with a cloth.
- Club Soda – pour the club soda directly onto the stain and then use a scrub brush to work the soda into the fibres of the carpet. Let it settle for a while and then use a cloth to remove it.
- Baking Soda – just like club soda, baking soda can help lift and remove stubborn stains. Sprinkle the baking soda directly onto the stain and then use a stiff-bristled brush to work it into the fibres. With this you’ll want to let it settle for a few minutes before blotting it with a dry cloth.
Preventative Care
In an ideal world, prevention is better than cure so the easiest way to deal with carpet stains is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and professional cleaning can help to keep your carpets looking like new.
When treating stains, be sure to act quickly and blot, don’t rub. Rubbing the stain can spread it further and make it worse. Always use the least aggressive cleaning solution first, and if the stain isn’t coming out, then move on to something stronger.
Conclusion
With the right cleaning solutions, you can remove stubborn stains from your carpets in no time. Be sure to arm yourself with knowledge about the type of fibre in your carpet and the different cleaning solutions available so you can get rid of even the most difficult stains.
Knowing how to clean a carpet at home can save you time, money, and headaches. By taking some time to learn more about the different carpet cleaning solutions, you’ll be prepared to tackle any stain that comes your way and prevent disaster from striking.
