How to Remove Carpet Stains Effectively

Removing stains from carpets effectively can be difficult and frustrating. And for parents with children and pet owners deal with carpet stains more frequently than average. So how do you remove stains once they are embedded?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• mild detergent
• white vinegar
• spray bottle
• water
• UV light (optional)

1. Clean carpet stains when they happen. Parents and pet owners know that this may not be entirely possible, and you may find stains hours after they have happened. Once you see a stain, start cleaning it up – the longer it sits the harder it will be to remove.

2. Water-soluable stains (water based paint, soda, juice, milk, pet urine, etc) can be removed with a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar and 30 ounces of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle with a funnel and label the outside of the container.

3. Non-soluable stains (wine, mustard, blood, vomit) can be removed with 1 tablespoon of mild detergent and 30 ounces of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle with a funnel and label the outside of the container.

4. Use towels to soak up excess moisture – this is essential for cleaning up stains caused by spilling beverages, and for keeping the stain from spreading.

5. Always blot, never scrub. Scrubbing stains will only embed them deeper into the carpet and spread the stain.

6. Pet owners should keep a UV light (or black light) on hand. Pet accidents can soil and ruin a carpet. If you think your pet had an accident turn the lights down or off and walk through with the UV light. Any urine stains will glow under the light – making finding stains easier on you. Also, you will know when the area is clean when it no longer “glows.” This way you know your carpet is clean and your pet is less likely to have an accident again.

7. If a stain is already dry, spray on the stain remover and wait. Allow the stain remover to soak into the carpet. At this point, you will not be able to remove all the staining on the first attempt. Wait 15 minutes blot the stain and repeat, then allow to dry. Once dry see if there is any stain left, re-clean the area. It will take multiple attempts to clean a dried in stain. In some instances you may need to rent a steam cleaner or call a professional depending on how bad the stain is or how deeply it is embedded.

8. If homemade stain removers do not work, you can easily purchase cleaners at the store. Make sure it is for the type of stain you want to remove, and your type of carpet. Follow the instructions exactly, and do not rub the remover into the stain. If you rub the stain you end up embedding it deeper into the carpet.

9. Large or dried in stains that are embedded deep into your carpet may need a heavy duty steam cleaner to remove them. If this is the case, rent a cleaner or hire a professional, and let them remove it for you.

[goodselfme]

on 4/19/2009 Thank you for the ways to remove and keep the carpet fresh and free of stains too.