If there’s something in life that’s almost guaranteed, it would be carpet stains. At some time or another, no matter how careful you are, someone or something is going to create a mess on your carpet. Whether it’s spilled food and drinks, pet accidents, or dragged-in mud, stains on carpets can be unsightly and frustrating to deal with.
As professional carpet cleaners, you can bet we’ve seen a lot of stained carpets in our travels, some much worse than others, but the good news we’re bringing is you don’t need to call us every time a spill happens. With the right techniques and products, you can actually remove many common carpet stains yourself and save some money in the process.
Before going any further, it’s important you understand different types of carpets may require different approaches. For example, wool carpets should not be treated with bleach or strong chemical cleaners as they can damage the fibres.
It’s always best to check with the manufacturer or a professional before attempting any stain removal on your own.
Now, let’s get into our top 10 expert tips for removing carpet stains and keeping your carpets fresh and clean.
The sooner you address a carpet stain, the better chance you have of fully removing it. If left untreated, stains can set into the carpet fibres and become much harder to remove.
When dealing with a wet stain, it’s important to blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel instead of rubbing it. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the carpet and make it harder to remove.
For fresh spills, soda water can be an effective solution. Simply pour some onto the stain and blot with a cloth until the stain disappears
Before reaching for harsh chemical cleaners, try using natural solutions like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice to remove stains. These can often be just as effective and are gentler on your carpets.
It’s important to test any new cleaning products or solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet before using it on the stain. This will ensure the product does not cause any further damage or even discolour to your carpet
For sticky substances like gum or wax, place an ice cube on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. This will harden the substance and make it easier to remove
If the gum or wax has already dried onto the carpet, you can carefully shave off the top layer with a razor or sharp knife before using a cleaning solution.
Avoid using hot water or heat to remove stains as you could inadvertently cause them to set into the carpet fibres
When using cleaning solutions, be careful not to oversaturate the carpet. Too much moisture can lead to mould growth and damage to the carpet padding.
Of course, if the stain is particularly stubborn or you’re hesitant to tackle it yourself, just call. We know what to do with stains and we’ve got all the right gear to effectively move even the toughest ones.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can go a long way in keeping your carpets looking fresh and clean. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas, as they are more prone to stains and ask us about protective treatments to prevent dirt and stains from embedding into the carpet fibres.
While regular vacuuming helps to remove dirt and surface stains and it’s possible to treat many stains yourself, our professional deep cleaning service goes a step further by extracting embedded debris and revitalising the fibres of your carpet. While you don’t need us to attend to every spill and mishap, professional cleaning should be done at least twice a year to keep your carpets in their best condition.
We’re always ready to be of service with our expertise and high-quality equipment, so don’t hesitate to contact us for all your carpet cleaning needs. We hope these tips will help you maintain cleaner carpets in between our visits, but remember, if you’re uncertain of a stain and removing it, we’re only a phone call away to answer your questions and offer our professional advice.
