Keeping your carpet clean and free of stains can prove to be a challenging task– which is why removing stains and spots can prove to be an important (and sometimes time-consuming) task. As a carpet cleaning service in Warren, a few of our most frequently asked questions include: how do we remove pesky stains from carpet without ruining the fiber or coloring, what DIY methods work and which ones should we avoid and what are the best methods for treating common stains like blood, soda, and pet stains.
We figured the easiest way to address these common questions was to compile a list! Here’s a few of our do’s and don’ts when it comes to treating spots and stains in your carpet.
Common Do’s and Don’ts of Removing Stains in Carpet
1. Blood. At the first sign of blood stains, act fast by rinsing away as much as you can with cold water. Next, make a solution using 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in cold water. Store bought solutions like Oxi-clean also work well for tough blood stains.
2. Ink. Dip a clean cloth in isopropyl alcohol then gently dab the stain. Make sure not to rub too hard. Nail polish remover may also work. Whichever solution you choose, be sure to test a small area of the carpet first and rinse the spot when you’re finished.
3. Pet Stains and Odors. Pick up or blot away as much of the stain as you can first, then use a specialty carpet cleaning solution that contains ammonia and is specifically marked as safe for pets. You can also try a solution of warm water and vinegar followed by baking soda sprinkled on the stain. Do your best to avoid scrubbing the stain or treating it with a hot steam cleaner (this will set the stain and make it harder to remove later). Keep in mind that a professional pet urine odor removal treatment is necessary on a yearly basis to keep pet urine, stains, and dust away for good.
4. Water Soluble Stains. For vomit, wine, or chocolate, use a solution of 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon ammonia or 5 parts water with 1 part chlorine bleach. For wool-blend carpet, use only gentle soap and water.
5. Wax, Oil, Fat and Gum. Place ice over gum or wax to freeze it, then chip away the pieces using a knife. For wax, fat, or oil, place a paper towel over the stain then iron over it so the stain sticks to the towel.
6. Glue. Gently apply rubbing alcohol to the stain using a cotton ball. When the glue is wet, wipe it away using a soft cloth.
7. Coffee. Absorb as much of the stain as you can, then use a solution made up of 1 ¼ cup water and ¼ cup bleach. Rinse the area afterward then blot it dry. For carpet that’s discolored by bleach, use only a professional carpet stain removal company.
8. Food, Cola, Dyes and Alcoholic Beverages. Make your own cleaning solution using white vinegar or try a store bought stain remover like Oxi-clean or Resolve.
9. Latex Paint Or Washable Ink. Use a solution of ¼ teaspoon white vinegar in 32 ounces of water to remove the stain and repeat as necessary until it’s gone.
Carpet Cleaning in Warren, MI
Some carpet stains can’t be removed using a DIY method while others may require an extensive amount of time treating the spot. Keep in mind that Short Stop Chem-Dry can remove some of the toughest stains with our revolutionary cleaning method for carpet cleaning in Warren, MI.