Carpet Stain Removal

As a homeowner, keeping your space in tip-top shape is paramount. If you have carpets in your home, caring for them should be one of your top priorities.

Damage to carpet often stems from the lack of maintenance, resulting from some homeowners who lack the knowledge of how to properly clean their carpets.

Dirt and stains are often the main causes of permanent or temporary carpet damage, so you need to be aware of the right ways to care for your carpet.

Carpet stain removal can be a challenge, given the different types of stains that can plague your carpet. As a homeowner myself, I have a few tips to share that can help you remove common stains from your carpet.

Removing Carpet Stains

 

Before you get your hands dirty, you need to know the type of stains that you’re dealing with. Some stains will require more in-depth treatment and special cleaners, while some may not require much effort.

There are some common stains that can harm your carpet if not treated in a moment’s notice. Here is a list of some of the stains you may come across:

  1. Tar/Asphalt
  • Use a table knife to scrape up as much as you can without spreading it.
  • Soak a piece of cloth or rag in Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and use it to blot the stain. Make sure to rub in the same direction. If you rub in circular motions, you may harm the twisted yarns.
  1. Shoe Polish
  • Use a rag (soaked in Isopropyl rubbing alcohol) to wipe up the stain.
  1. Chewing Gum
  • Freeze the stain by covering it with an ice bag for a few minutes.
  • Use a spoon or table knife to scoop up the gum.
  • Use a towel to blot.
  1. Wine
  • Blot the spill as soon as possible.
  • Combine ¼ teaspoon of white vinegar, 32 ounces of water, and non-bleach detergent to neutralize the wine stain.
  1. Ink
  • Combine water and ¼ teaspoon of vinegar.
  • Blot with a paper towel.

NOTE: Blot instead of wiping. Wiping may cause the stain to spread.

  1. Tea/Coffee
  • Blot the excess with a paper towel, then neutralize with a mixture of one cup of cold water and one tablespoon of ammonia.
  • Blot dry.
  1. Blood
  • Combine a cup of water and a tablespoon of ammonia in a spray bottle.
  • Spray on the area, then use a clean white cloth to blot. If that doesn’t work, try mixing 4/5 cup of water with 1/5 cup of chlorine.

NOTE: The chlorine mixture should NOT be used on dyed carpets, or the ammonia on wool-blend or wool.

  1. Vomit
  • Clean up the initial amount with a spoon.
  • Use paper towels to blot the leftovers.
  • Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with a cup of water in a spray bottle and use it to spray the area.
  • Blot dry as you clean.
  1. Grease
  • Lay a paper towel flat on the area.
  • Iron on warm. The grease should stick to the towel.
  1. Paint
  • Clean up the initial spill with paper towels and use a table knife or spoon to remove the excess paint.
  • Gently rub the area back and forth with a rag (soaked in Isopropyl rubbing alcohol). Don’t rub in a circular motion.

Verdict

While carpets are great for decorating your home, removing stains can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several different effective stain removal procedures for different types of stains.