The best way to remove carpet stains depends on what caused the stains. For example, coffee and blood will not be treated in the same manner. Coffee stains require heat, but heat will make blood stains worse. Whether or not the stains are fresh also matters. Some stains that may be fairly simple to remove if they are treated early may become permanent if they are left too long.
Carpets are made from different materials, as are different products. One soft drink may have different dyes and ingredients than another. This makes it difficult to be authoritative regarding exact measures to remove carpet stains. There are, however, some tips that can increase the chances and some techniques that have generally proven to be successful.
Immediate attention is one of the most important tools to remove carpet stains. Many people consider it rude or inhospitable to attempt to remove carpet stains in the presence of guests. Feeling this way can be costly or it can result in a permanent reminder of the occasion.
Spilled liquids generally need to be blotted out of the carpet. This means a clean, non-colorfast cloth should be repeatedly pressed into the carpet. Rubbing and scrubbing can be disastrous stain removal techniques. In some cases, this will enlarge the stain. It can also damage the fibers of the carpet and cause the stain to set in.
Blotting spilled liquids with water first is a good beginning. Other techniques can be attempted afterward. These include using vinegar to remove coffee stains and meat tenderizer to remove blood stains.
When home remedies do not work, a commercial stain remover may be used. It is important to note, however, that these are not guaranteed solutions. Many of them are only designed for certain types of stains. Others are not suitable for certain types of carpet. Use of these items should be restricted to the stain.
When any type of treatment is applied to remove carpet stains, it is important to avoid allowing it to spread to the surrounding area. To make sure too much is not used, it is a good idea to place the cleaner or treatment in the middle of the stain. Then, use a cloth to work it toward the edges.
To remove semi-solid carpet stains, such as those caused by mud or icing, a person should first try to remove the bulk of the material. This can be done using a spoon or a soft brush and dustpan. Afterward, it is a good idea to repeatedly blot the area with a wet cloth thereby removing more of the stain and loose material. Cleaning agents, a shampooer, or a wet/dry vac can be helpful afterward.