Most Common Stains on Carpet and How to Clean Them

December 27, 2018

Following simple rules, such as banning food from your living room, are great ways to reduce spills and stains on your carpet. However, life is full of unpredictability, and your carpets will sometimes bear the brunt of an accident from an errant child or dog. Adopting a few practical techniques can help minimize the damage these accidents can bring.

Most Common Stains on Carpet

Mud Stains

Mud is a common carpet stain culprit. Even if you diligently try to wipe your shoes clean when you come indoors, it’s hard to get every bit of mud. Allow the mud to dry so that you can easily vacuum most of the remaining dirt. After vacuuming, you can use water and dish soap to blot the stain with a sponge. You may need to use some elbow grease if the stain is stubborn.

Drink Stains

Coffee, wine, and soda leave behind noticeable stains on carpet and can become permanent if not dealt with promptly. Your first action should be to blot up as much liquid as you can before it dries. Use rags or paper towels, making sure to replace them as needed to avoid spreading the liquid further into the carpet. Mix water and vinegar together to use as a cleaning solution with a sponge. If the mixture doesn’t help, you may need to use a specialized product for the specific stain or hire a professional carpet cleaning company.

Marker and Ink Stains

If you have children, don’t be too surprised when your carpet becomes the backdrop for your child’s latest artistic masterpiece. Stains from markers and ink can sometimes be removed with rubbing alcohol and water. Gently dab the stain with a towel with only a small amount of the cleaning solution on it. It will likely take several applications before you begin to see results. After the stain disappears, simply clean up with a wet towel.

Chewing Gum and Wax Stains

Chewing gum and candle wax can create stains that are difficult to remove. Freezing the source of the stain is the usually the first step. You can accomplish this task by using a can of air, typically found at electronic stores. You can also apply an ice cube to the wax or gum to freeze it. After you’ve successfully frozen the offending substance, try to break it with the handle of a screwdriver. Once the bulk of the substance is gone, you can use soap and water to clean up any remaining stain on the carpet.

Even if you maintain a list of strict rules about food and shoes in your house, carpet stains are still a possibility. Although you can fix many stains on your own, professional help is sometimes needed when you face a stubborn stain. If you’re having trouble with a stain in your carpet, contact Hydro-Clean today for professional assistance.

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