Stains usually occur from accidental spilling, pet paws, and infrequent tidiness. There are, fortunately, sure ways to make your carpeting look almost as good as new, from do-it-yourself methods to using professional services.
This piece will look into the common types of carpet stains, how to treat them yourself, as well as when it’s best to use the services of a professional cleaner.
Let’s begin!
Why Different Stains Need Different Approaches
While certain stains are oil-based, some are water-based. That’s why the cleaning technique and supplies mostly depend on the sort of mess you are dealing with.
In fact, water-based stains are usually simpler to clean since they do not deeply get into the strands. Often, the secret is a basic blotting with water and a light detergent.
Conversely, oil-based stains need a more serious strategy. They stick hard to fibres and become even harder to remove with time.
Unfortunately, if you employ the incorrect technique, you run the risk of setting the stain or perhaps even damaging your carpet. That is when knowing your type of stain becomes really important.
How Carpet Fabric Plays a Role in Stain Removal
Carpets are made of synthetic or natural fibres. Check your carpet type before cleaning, as it affects stains and chemical reactions.
Usually, synthetic fibres allow the stains to stay on the surface longer, giving you more time to treat them. Especially when it comes to ordinary household stains like food or drink spills, these fibres are often easier to clean.
Wool and some other natural materials require different methods of carpet cleaning. Although wool is a luxury commodity, it has highly absorbent capabilities.
When dealing with a wool carpet, avoid applying harsh chemicals since they rapidly damage the fibres. In this case, call in a professional carpet cleaning company for the best possible results.
Best DIY Stain Removal Methods for Common Carpet Stains
There are several DIY methods to try before resorting to professional cleaning assistance. Here are the most common stains and how to treat them yourself.
Red Wine
Many people dread dealing with the notorious red wine stain. However, they’re sure ways to remove it if you act fast.
Start with a dry cloth and wipe the area. Soak as much liquid as you can. Then, gently blot the discolouration using a combination of water and a tiny bit of dish soap.
Another approach is neutralising the red pigment with white vinegar.
Coffee and Cola Stains
A morning coffee or afternoon cola can be pleasant. But when spills from these happen, they leave dark stains on your carpet.
If the spill is fresh, blot it gently with a clean cloth. This will soak up the liquid. Afterwards, mix warm water with dishwashing liquid. White vinegar is also an option. Then apply. Dab gently to lift the mark.
Once the stain is treated, sprinkle baking soda over the damp area. This will help absorb any leftover moisture. It will also neutralise odours.
Let the baking soda dry completely. After that, vacuum it up.
To finish, blot the area with a dry cloth or towel. That way, you will remove any lingering dampness. Repeat the process if needed. Some stains can be very stubborn.
Grease Stains
Though quite challenging, grease stains from food can be removed. In this case, dishwashing liquid will dissolve the oils from the stain.
So, apply a little mixture with water, and then blot away. With grease stains, patience is crucial since it takes several blotting rounds to remove the stain completely.
Pet Stains
When dealing with pet urine or vomit stains, quick action helps stop odours from developing. Therefore, any extra liquid should be blotted by using water and vinegar.
For fresh stains, basic home remedies can also be successful, yet they are not as effective on older or more resistant marks.
When to Call in the Pros
Many stains can be eliminated with do-it-yourself methods. Still, it is advisable to call a professional carpet cleaner once in a while.
Here’s why you might need them by your side:
Proper Carpet Supplies
The wrong cleaning solutions easily ruin naturally-made carpets such as wool. Thus, they will know the type of product that is safe for your carpet.
Removal of Pet Stain and Odour
Pet pee can soak into the padding under your carpet and create an odour even after you have cleaned the surface.
Thus, carpet cleaners use hot water extraction to remove these stains and their smells from deep inside your carpet, making your property smell fresh.
If the stain is too difficult, a specialist can alternatively handle it.
Allergies
Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic reactions. If you are susceptible to allergies, know that regular carpet cleaning eradicates allergens from the fibres.
Additionally, it guarantees that your carpet stays fluffy and appealing. It maintains its appearance and feel.
Moreover, they regularly use environmentally safe cleaning products that are gentle for your carpet yet effective against stubborn stains.
Keep in mind that DIY methods cannot fully address this issue since they mostly eliminate surface-level stains and dirt.
Mould
This is a common problem. You will notice the smell first, but it will be followed by green and grey patches in your carpeting.
Mould typically develops underneath the carpet. So, you can check your carpet for mould by picking it up and examining the underside.
If this is the case, you have to call a carpet cleaning service immediately or replace the carpet altogether to avoid serious health repercussions.
Conclusion
So, there you have it!
We hope by now you know stain cleaning isn’t all that hard. All you need is the right knowledge and to act promptly. The above-mentioned tips work for any type of carpet, so make sure you use them to clean your floor coverings in the correct manner.
Remember, if you’re having difficulty or unsure how to proceed with cleaning a stain, you can always consult carpet cleaning professionals.
Happy cleaning, and best of luck to you!
