7 Simple Ways to Remove Carpet Stains
Whether someone spilled a drink, a dog couldn’t make it outside, or a weird spot just appeared, you don’t have to tolerate carpet stains.
While carpet removers are a viable option, why spend money on a chemical spray when you probably have all of the ingredients you need in your home already!
If you have a particularly difficult stain, jump down further in the article to see if we covered it there. If not, here are seven ways to remove different types of stains from your carpet.Methods for Removing Carpet Stains
Water
To start out with, use water. Then work your way down the list until one of the methods eliminates the stain. Soak a clean rag with water and dab the stain.Dish Soap
Simply mix a cup of water with a few drops of dish soap, then use this mixture to dab the stain. This is a gentle method, though it can still get the job done.Vinegar
Add a few teaspoons of vinegar into two cups of water. Dab this solution on the stain, and when you are finished, clean it up with clean water.Dish Soap and Vinegar
If neither dish soap nor vinegar worked on their own, try making a solution that uses them both. Add several drops of dish soap to your vinegar mixture, and continue dabbing at the stain.Baking Soda
Particularly tough stains may not come up with these ingredients. Try sprinkling a pinch of baking soda over the affected area of your carpet. Leave it until it is soaked in, then spray the stain with the same vinegar mixture from above. This should create a sort of paste. Once it has all dried, vacuum the contents up.Commercial Cleaning Products
If all of these options fail to remove the stain, it may be time to invest in professional-grade cleaning products. There are many great options on the market, simply follow the directions on the bottle and the stain should disappear.Professional Cleaning or New Carpets
- After all of this, if there is still a pesky stain on your carpet, you may need professional assistance. Once they inspect the stain, if they can get it off, then great! If not, you may have to invest in replacing the carpets or leaving the stain.
Common Tricky Carpet Stains and How to Remove Them
Coffee Stains
Coffee stains (especially ones that have been around for awhile) are going to be tough to get out. Because of this, it takes some particularly strong cleaning agents.
One that is surprisingly effective is beer. Just pour some beer on the stain and leave it for a few minutes. Dab it up, then repeat until the stain is gone.
Ink Stains
A leaky pen can create a noticeable stain. To get them out, try using cornstarch and milk. Mix them together to make a paste, then cover the stain.
Once it has dried completely, brush the leftovers and vacuum up what’s left. If that doesn’t work, try using WD-40 followed by traditional carpet cleaner together.
Oil & Grease Stains
Oil stains are tough because water and water mixtures will have no effect on them. Instead, use shaving cream. Rub the cream into the stain, then wipe it off with a wet cloth once it has dried. Repeat this process until the stain is gone!
Getting Gum Out of a Carpet
Gum in the carpet is never fun, especially if it gets worked into the fibers. However, there is hope for getting it out, even if it has dried up. Fill a bag with ice cubes and place it over the gum until the gum has frozen solid.
Next, scrape away at the gum with a spoon until all of the pieces are dislodged. Once the gum is gone, wipe the carpet with a dish soap solution if there is any staining.
Nail Polish Stains
If nail polish or any other paint gets on a carpet, it is best to act quickly. To remove the stain, pour a small amount of nail polish remover on a clean rag and dab the stain. Repeat this process until the stain is gone, then sponge the spot with a damp rag.
Be careful not to use too much nail polish remover, or it can bleach the carpet. Some people recommend making a solution with dish soap and water to dilute the nail polish remover so it isn’t as harmful to the carpet.
Prevent Stains Before They Happen
Ultimately, the best way to rid your carpets of stains is to keep your carpets protected in the first place. If your house is going to be exposed to potential harm, whether that is construction, renovation, or even just a get together with lots of food, it is best to be proactive.
A great way to keep your carpets safe is with carpet protection film. This self-adhesive plastic film is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure the safety of your carpets.
TapeManBlue is a trusted brand of carpet protection film you can rely on. If you want to protect your carpets today, learn more about our carpet protection products.
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