Carpet stains can be off-putting at best and can come in a wide variety of forms. Whether it’s from wine, tea, pet urine or vomit, it can be mind boggling just trying to figure out how to get stains out. If you’re prone to a spill in your home, the process for removal can be similar in most instances. Whatever the cause however, you will want to remove any stains and smells as soon as possible to prevent them becoming permanent.
Before you consider finding a professional carpet cleaner in Adelaide, be sure to be prepared for the worst with everything you should know about removing carpet stains below.
Removing Basic Stains
If there’s a spill, you’re more likely to be successful in removing the stain by acting quickly. Be sure to firmly remove any excess as soon as possible with a fork or spoon to ensure the cleanable spill doesn’t become a permanent stain. Be careful not to use too much pressure so as not to damage carpet fibres and dab gently with a plain fabric or paper towel. Be patient and use plain fabric or neutral coloured paper towels with no prints to blot gently, working from the outside edge towards the centre of the stain.
Spray any remnants with a carpet stain remover by following the manufacturer’s instructions for application. You can alternatively, use a homemade carpet stain solution or vinegar solution however, whichever carpet cleaner solution you use, be careful not to damage the carpet by over-wetting the stain.
Following the application of a carpet cleaning solution, proceed to blot the stain from the outside in, using a white absorbent cloth. Repeat this with cold water until the stain is no longer transferring to the cloth and is dry. A great tip for optimising drying is to cover the damp area with half an inch of thick layered cloth or paper towels and weigh them down with a heavy object.
Red, Red Wine
When it comes to the biggest cliche in carpet stain removal history, dropping a glass of red wine can look like a calamity. It’s important that when this happens, to blot the spill with a damp cloth or paper towel to try and remove as much wine from floor as possible. Any wine that does remain should also then be diluted using cold water and a towel.
Be sure to apply enough stain remover to coat the stain and let it stand for at least 5 minutes. Then using cold water, remember to blot again with another damp paper towel and repeat the procedure until necessary. Tests run by expert carpet cleaning services in Adelaide have shown that multiple rounds are necessary to completely remove red wine stains, while it’s much easier to remove recently spilled wine within 5 minutes, than if it were left overnight.
Urine
Dog and cat urine are common stains and can be a real headache to deal with. These stains are potent in smell and a steam cleaner should never be used to treat urine spots. It’s advisable to instead firstly treat the area the same as you would with other spots and spills. Blot with a colour-safe and neutral material to absorb as much wetness as possible.
After this, you can use a stain remover specially designed for messes by pets, also known as enzymatic cleaners. Be sure to remember to blot and not to scrub when working in the solution, and to repeat the process until the stain and odour has been completely removed.
Tea or Coffee?
Tea and coffee can be a tricky one if you’re not careful. Try mixing 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of dish soap. As usual, be sure to blot the spill first before then applying the solution. It’s important to let the solution sit for a few seconds before carefully working it in with your fingers. Finally rinse the stain with water and then blot, and repeat until the stain is completely removed.
Vomit
Removing vomit can be one of the worst stains to deal with, and if you don’t act quickly enough it’s highly likely your carpet will be ruined. You should first of all, remove any excess solid matter by using a fork or spoon to gently lift any solids away. If you’re not careful you can risk working it deeper into your carpet fibres.
Following this, you can then treat the area with plenty of stain removal solution and let it sit for 5 minutes before blotting with a damp cloth or paper towel. Once again, be prepared to repeat this procedure if needed.
Chocolate
If the chocolate has hardened use a dull knife to scrape away as much chocolate as possible. If the chocolate is still melted, place a resealable plastic bag filled with ice on top of the area to harden remnants of the chocolate stain before removing them.
Once all the excess has been removed from your carpet, you can vacuum to suck up any loose flakes or pieces. Using a solution consisting of a quarter teaspoon of washing up liquid and warm water, apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for 5 minutes, before blotting the stain again until it’s disappeared.
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your carpet remains sparkling clean for years to come.
