When installing a new carpet we anticipate enjoying its beauty and comfort for a long period of time. However, the carpet is exposed to the wear and tear of everyday living which brings with it unexpected spills and accidental stains.
The most important thing to remember is that any spill must be treated immediately. This will prevent the stain from settling into the carpet. Once the stain penetrates into the carpet it will prove much more difficult to remove.
Any liquid spilled on the carpet should be absorbed promptly. A paper towel or clean soft cloth should be used to blot out the spill. Never rub or wipe the spill as this will cause the stain to spread and penetrate the carpet fibers. Once the liquid is blotted out, the stain should be treated with a cleaning solution.
Various cleaning solutions are available to handle different types of stains. A simple and handy solution is one prepared by combining one fourth teaspoon of a liquid detergent with one cup of warm water. Dip a soft clean cloth in the solution and gently wipe the stained area. Do not scrub or rub the area but use blotting motions in order to work the solution into the stain. Once this is completed, blot the stain with clear lukewarm water to rinse out the detergent and cover with a paper towel or soft dry cloth until the stain has dried.
If the stain has not been removed, a more intensive solution can be prepared by combining one teaspoon of a liquid detergent with one cup of hydrogen peroxide. Blotting the area with a sponge or soft clean cloth dipped in this solution and drying with a paper towel or soft cloth should completely remove the stains. Please note that this solution is suitable for most stains including oil based stains but should not be used on coffee, tea or urine stains.
Another simple solution that can be prepared at home is one combining one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water. Once this solution is applied with a soft white cloth it should be gently rinsed with clear water and allowed to dry by covering the stain with either paper towels or a clean dry cloth.
In addition to the home-made solutions, commercial cleaning aids are available. These include products such as OXY, Bissel, and Z-Lex carpet spot and stain removers. These products not only remove stains but also include anti-soiling agents such as scotchgard to protect the carpet against future staining. Also on the market are special cleaners to remove pet stains. These not only remove the stains but also deodorize the carpet leaving a pleasant fragrance after use. Dry cleaning solvents may also be useful especially when trying to remove stains caused by candle wax or chewing gum.
Please remember whenever any solution is used on the carpet, whether it is a home-made solution or a commercial cleaning agent, it is best to try out the solution on a small inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure it does no harm to the fibers or the color of the carpet.
About the Author:
If you have any stains and you don't know what exactly you can do we can offer you the best solution for any carpet cleaning issue.
Denver Carpet Cleaning specializes with cleaning problems for carpets and furniture.