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Spotting Stains on Carpets

Stains on carpets are quite expected in any carpet; and it is important that you be well versed in spotting stains on carpets and getting rid of them. Different types of stains require different materials to get rid of the stains.

If there is some gum, which tends to leave a sticky and gooey mess on the carpet, you can remove it by spraying some WD-40 on it or by smearing some peanut butter on it. You may find some mild stain on the carpet after removing this stain, because of the dye in the gum. This, and similar stains can be easily removed using a little club soda.

Grape juice stains are difficult to remove because of the tannins in it. However, try removing the stain using some club soda by pouring directly on the stain, and then blotting it.

How to get rid of nail polish stains

Sometimes, a solution of vinegar and a mild dishwashing liquid proves to be effective in removing the stain, if it is dabbed and not rubbed. Don't forget to dab some damp cloth on the stain to remove any reside stains.

Spilled nail polish can be removed using nail polish remover, by blotting it with cotton ball or clean cloth till the polish disappears. Water is then blotted with cotton wool or a cloth, to remove any residues.

The one thing to remember when cleaning carpets by removing stains is to blot and not wipe the stain. Wiping or rubbing only leads to the spread of the stain, especially nail polish.

Tips to get rid of chocolate and coffee stains

Dabbing straight vinegar till the stain goes is the best way to remove chocolate and coffee stains. Once the stain disappears, dab some water using a cloth or damp sponge to rinse the stain. However if you don't like the smell of vinegar, use a mild dishwashing liquid that is used for carpet cleaning purposes.

Don't fret if you spill some hair dye on your carpet, as this stain too can be removed if you act quickly. The first thing to do is to dampen a sponge, applying dishwashing liquid or vinegar on it and blotting till most of the dye disappears. If this does not work, and the stain is not very deep in the carpet, you could resort to cutting the tip of the carpet fibers and thus, get rid of the stain.

Always blot and nor rub stains away

Whatever the stain, and however you remove it, the most important thing to remember about spotting stains on carpets is that the liquid stain has to be blotted as much as possible using a soft and absorbent material. If the stain is solid or semi-solid, it has to be removed using a blunt spatula or spoon and not a knife as it can harm the pile fibers.

Stains should not be brushed or scrubbed as this causes adverse reactions on the carpet. If you use a spot removal agent to remove the stain, first pre-test it on an inconspicuous area of the carpet, while working in from the edges. If more than one spot removal agent has to be used in series, the first agent has to be applied till there is improvement, and then the second agent is to be used.