From muddy paw prints to an unfortunate coffee spill, carpets are prone to stains. While the big spills and tough stains should be left to the best carpet cleaning company located in McKinney TX, there are some smaller, less stubborn stains that can be cleaned at home with the help of some DIY solutions. The first step to removing any stain is identifying if the carpet has synthetic fibers or natural fibers.
An easy way to identify what a carpet is made out of is to take out a small thread from the carpet and hold it against a candle flame. If the strand of fiber curls away from the fire, it is made out of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. If the strand does not arch away and the flame burns it through easily, it is made out of natural fibers like wool. Once the type of carpet is identified, removing the stain becomes safer and more efficient.
Before moving onto how to remove stains from carpets, it must be noted that the cleaning solutions should never be poured directly onto the carpet. Instead, for synthetic carpets, a white cloth must be dipped into the solutions and then applied to the carpet’s surface. For natural fiber carpets, the solutions can be misted on the surface or applied through a cloth.
Solutions Used
● Vinegar Solution: For natural fiber carpets, mix equal parts of vinegar and water to make this solution. For synthetic carpets, use one-part vinegar and two-part water.
● Detergent Solution: Mix one teaspoon of one-fourth teaspoon of translucent detergent with one cup of lukewarm water for natural fiber carpets or synthetic carpets, respectively.
● Solvent solution: Use an oil solvent or a non-acetone nail polish remover for both kinds of carpets.
● Ammonia Solution: To make this solution, mix half a cup of lukewarm water and one tablespoon of clear household ammonia.
1. Food and Drink Stains
Here are the steps to remove any food, sauces, or drinks from carpets:
Step 1: Depending on the type of carpet, either spray the detergent solution or dip a white cloth into the solution and apply it to the stain. Dab it repeatedly onto the stain and blot it out.
Step 2: Apply the vinegar solution and let it sit for a while. Reapply after fifteen minutes.
Step 3: Clean the stained area with lukewarm water and let the carpet dry completely.
Step 4: If the stain lightens, the above steps should be repeated until it is gone completely.
For natural fibre carpets stained with wine or juices, it is advised to spray the ammonia solution before spraying the vinegar solution. However, for ketchup or other sauce stains, the ammonia solution can be skipped.
2. Grease and Oil Stains
The following steps can remove stains from cooking oils, butter, lotions, and other such greasy substances:
Step 1: Apply or spray the carpet cleaning solvent and blot out the excess with a white piece of cloth. Hold the cloth in place for a few minutes.
Step 2: Next, apply the detergent solution to the stain. This step should be avoided for synthetic carpets.
Step 3: Clean the stain with some lukewarm water by blotting it with a white cloth.
Step 4: Leave the carpet to dry completely and check if the stain has lightened or not. Repeat the steps until it has gone completely.
If the stain persists, the best carpet cleaning company located in McKinney TX,or near any location can be contacted. Professional carpet cleaners are experts in cleaning all kinds of stains and quickly getting rid of the stubborn grease stain.
3. Dirt and Mud Stains
The following steps will clean any stain caused by dirt or mud. Try doing these steps before the stain dries up fully.
Step 1: If there are any dry dirt and dust particles, vacuum and remove them as much as possible.
Step 2: Either spray or apply with a cloth the detergent solution and repeatedly dab it with a cloth. The solution-soaked cloth has to be held in place for several minutes for the chemicals to react properly.
Step 3: Only for natural fibre carpets, spray the stain with the vinegar solution and blot it with a small piece of cloth.
Step 4: Next, clean the spot with lukewarm water and repeat the steps if the stain persists after drying.
4. Chewing Gum and Wax Stains
Chewing gums and wax often get stuck to the strands of carpets and do not come off easily. Here are how these substances can be removed from carpets without damaging the spot.
Step 1: Harden the chewing gum or wax by placing a bag full of ice cubes on it. After it hardens enough, it should be crushable when hit with a heavy but blunt object. Next, vacuum the crushed parts or pick them up with a spatula.
Step 2: Apply and blot out a small amount of solvent solution onto the stain.
Step 3: Soak a white piece of cloth in lukewarm water and clean the stain.
5. Ink and Marker Stains
Step 1: Apply the solvent solution to the stain and dry it with a piece of white cloth without any prints or color. Skip this step for natural fibre carpets.
Step 2: Depending on the type of carpet, either spray the detergent solution or dip a white cloth into the solution and apply it to the stain. Dab it repeatedly onto the stain and blot it out.
Step 3: For natural fibre carpets only, apply and blot out a bit of ammonia solution followed by the vinegar solution. Then reapply the detergent and leave it for a while.
Step 4: Next, clean the spot with lukewarm water and repeat the steps if the stain persists after drying.
These were some of the most effective ways of getting rid of different kinds of stains. All of these methods ensure that it takes less amount of time, money, and effort to keep carpets clean.