How to Guide to Carpet Cleaning: Carpet Stain Removal

Carpet stain removal is easy

Carpet stain removal is an important part of carpet cleaning and maintenance, whether by hand or using a carpet cleaner. A number of stain removal methods are outlined below:

Instructions

1. Sprinkle some baking soda over an alcohol or soft drink spillage, and leave it on for a few minutes. The baking soda will absorb the spilt liquid, drawing it from the carpet fiber. Vacuum away the baking soda, and then use a wet towel to blot away any residual stain, blotting gently (not scrubbing) in the same direction as the nap.

2. Make a solution of 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon neutral detergent (such as Dreft or Lux), and 4 cups of warm water. Use this to get rid of beverage, food and pet stains.
   First, vacuum the carpet and then use a damp sponge to apply the solution. Blot away the excess liquid and allow to air dry.

3. Use dry cleaning solvent to get rid of oil, grease, wax or tar stains. First, apply some of the solvent to a small area of the carpet to test for color fastness. You may need to use steam along with this solvent to get rid of a candle wax stain.

4. Clean up mud, soil or general dirt stains using a mild solution of ammonia. Allow the mud to dry, brush it, and then use a damp sponge to apply the ammonia solution. Let the area dry.

5. Dry up water spills using a hair dryer. Set the dryer on "Warm" and direct the warm current of air to the wet area, on both sides of the rug.

6. Apply dry cleaning solvent and paint remover to get rid of lipstick, shoe or furniture polish, paint, crayon, enamel and ball point ink. You can substitute lacquer thinner for the paint remover.

7. Get rid of glue stains using a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol. This may also be used for enamel and shoe or furniture stains. Isopropyhl or denatured alcohol may be used.

Tips & Warnings

• Dab or blot the stain removal agent on the stained spot - never rub, as this will only make the stain larger. Work from the outer edge of the stain in towards the center.