Carpet Care: Carpet Stain Cleaning Tips
Posted: Wednesday, November 24, 2010
by Pamela Garner
http://cleaningsecretsinfo.com
Sometimes your regular carpet care routine just isn't going to cut it because, let's face it, accidents happen. The best way to deal with accidents is to deal with them immediately. If a stain is dealt with when it is still fresh you have the possibility of removing the entire stain. If it isn't dealt with until the next time you feel like vacuuming and cleaning, it may not be able to be removed at all.
Remove as much of the stain as possible with blotting or scraping before applying a cleaning product. Be careful not to spread when doing this. Rubbing can spread the stain.
Always test new cleaners in a small, discreet area of the carpet before using them on the whole carpet.
Never rashly rub at a carpet stain. Though it may relieve some of your frustration, it may cause the staining material to smear and become permanent. Rough rubbing also weakens the fiber causing your carpet to wear out quicker.
Never use an iron or a hair dryer to dry a carpet stain. This will seal the stain permanently on your rug!
Using just water can help on most stains that you are able to get to immediately. Water and vinegar can also be helpful. When using any store bought products, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions and follow them exactly.
Here are instructions for a water/vinegar solution that can be used on many stains:
- Make a solution of one part of white vinegar and one part of water.
- Apply to the stain using a spray bottle to saturate.
- Allow the stain to sit ten to fifteen minutes.
- Use a sponge to clean in a gentle rubbing motion. Be careful not to spread the stain.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Brush the pile back into its natural direction.
Using layers of white paper towels, place paper towels on top of the area, and place a book on top of that. Allow them to sit like this until the carpet has dried.
Blood stains
Blot off excess blood. Rinse the stain in cold water, then rub in moistened cornstarch. Let the area dry and then brush any residue that is left off.
Wine stains
Pour hydrogen peroxide over the stain and blot it away. If this doesn't work, mix luke warm water and vinegar. Blot and then use a sponge to scrub the rest away.
Another option: When red wine is spilled on your carpet, dilute it with white wine, then clean the spot with cold water and cover with table salt. Wait ten minutes, then vacuum up the salt.
Alcoholic beverages, urine, and chocolate
Quickly dilute the spot with cold water. Absorb the excess liquid. Then mix 1 teaspoon mild detergent, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 quart warm water. Apply the solution to the spot, and let the carpet dry. Vacuum gently. (With chocolate, scrape the excess chocolate off before applying the solution.)
Coffee stains
Blot the excess out if the stain is fresh, and then create a mixture of 2/3 cup of luke warm water and 1/3 cup of white vinegar. Apply with a sponge. Blot and rinse.
Egg stain on carpet
First, scrape off as much of the egg as possible. Then mix warm water, a little dish detergent, and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Put some of this solution on the stain and blot it up until the area is dry. Repeat one or two times with the rest of the solution.
Vomit
Treat vomit quickly (after giving aid to whomever vomited, of course!) Blot up as much as possible, then dilute immediately with baking soda and water or with club soda. Apply a solution of 1 part ammonia and 10 parts water. Rinse with cold water, let dry, and then vacuum.
Gum
Use ice to harden the gum and then a dull knife to scrape it off.
Mud
Allow the mud to dry completely and then brush or scrape off as much as possible. Mix 1 teaspoon mild detergent, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 quart warm water. Apply the solution to the spot. Let the carpet dry. If the stain remains, apply dry-cleaning fluid and blot dry. When the spot is completely dry, vacuum gently.
Deep Cleaning your Carpet:
Sometimes this is the only way to deal with a particularly large or difficult stain. Deep cleaning can either be done by a professional company or by renting (or buying) a steam clean machine.
So be quick, be careful, and show those stains who's the boss.
Pamela Garner hates to clean. Her answer? Develop a "Speed Cleaning Secrets" system to make it as painless as possible. You can see more tips on carpet care at her site www.cleaningsecretsinfo.com. While you are there, check out her free email minicourse on speed cleaning.
Original Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_Garner
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