It’s happened to the best of us. A slip, a trip, a fall, and suddenly the item we were holding is splattered across the floor. If we’re lucky, it’s an easy fix, not so lucky if it was a glass of red wine on a brand new carpet. Every stain is different, containing different properties that will require unique cleaning solutions. A professional cleaner, for example, will have over 30 different chemicals and solutions to tackle your carpet stain woes.
To handle the issue on your own, it is essential to focus on what is possible. Large stains need professionals. A few tiny spots, however, could be handled by you, but only if you follow this guide:
Steps to Always Take When Removing a Stain
- Blot Don’t Rub the Stain
- Research How to Clean Each Stain
- Patch Test Your Cleaning Solution
- Clean Stain ASAP
Top Stains and Their Removal Tactics
Though not extensive, here are just a small glimpse at some of the stain removal steps you will need to take, depending on the stain source.
Paint
- For water-based paints, ensure the paint is moist by either removing it when it is still wet or by wetting it with water and dish detergent. Scrape the stain away with a knife.
- For latex-based paint stains, blot the stain immediately. Use a mixture of lukewarm water and one teaspoon of mild washing up liquid. Blot with mixture from the outside in. Let the area dry and then hoover.
- For oil-based paints, steam the paint and pick it away with a needle or pin.
Coffee
- Blot, don’t rub, the stain, ensuring that you replace the towel regularly so that as much moisture can be removed as possible.
- Get washing up liquid on a wet sponge and rub it into the stain in circles.
- If this does not work, try a vinegar and water mixture.
Wine
- Blot out as much wine as you can with towels.
- Pour cold water onto the stain to dilute it.
- Create a mixture of three parts baking soda, one part water to create a paste. Rub this paste into the stain and let it dry. Once dry, hoover.
- Or, use a mixture of 500ml warm water with one tablespoon of white cleaning vinegar and one tablespoon of washing up liquid. Blot at the stain until it is gone.
Oil
- For grease stains from food, blot the area and then spray white cleaning vinegar onto the stain. Remove vinegar with a towel soaked in hot water.
- For cooking oil, blot at the area to remove as much oil as possible and then apply small amounts of rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Do not rub as you might extend the size of the stain. Once done, create a mixture of washing up liquid and water and blot the stain until it is gone.
When to Call Professionals
If the size of the stain is large, difficult to deal with, or your spot checks have not worked out for you, then don’t risk your carpet and instead bring in the experts.
