Remove Carpet Stain
The key of remove carpet stain is “act now“. Most carpets today come with stain-resistant elements, so spills can be removed if you deal with them before it is too late. The longer you delay, the more difficult removing carpet stains becomes. And there are no stain-proof carpets invented yet.
When you talk to the professionals, they will tell you that "spots" are removable, while stains are permanent. We will not stick to the technical definitions because they can get very confusing, and in any case, the appearance of carpet stains can be improved even when the stain cannot be fully removed.
Of all the carpet stain removers, water is the one to try first. Virtually all others can damage your carpet. Many of them are caustic, like bleach, and will remove the dye from the carpet if not used properly. They generally don't become inert, so they continue to damage your carpet over time if they are not rinsed out completely. So try water first.
When using a cleaning solvent, apply it to a cloth first, then work it in from the outside of the stain to the center, so you don't spread the spot. The procedure is to apply the cleaner, extract (blot), rinse, extract, and repeat until you can't get out more of the stain. Always extract solvents completely, and dry the carpet quickly when you are done. If there is any stain remaining deeper down in the carpet, quick drying prevents it from wicking up to the surface.
One of the most useful tools for removing carpet stains is a shop-vac. With a wet/dry vacuum cleaner you can quickly suck up spills, but more importantly, you can repeatedly flush the area with water and suck it out.
Many of the commercial carpet stain removers work well, but some are designed for particular types of stains, so read the label. Also, some will work better or worse on a particular type of carpet, so pre-test the product in an inconspicuous area. To do do this, apply several drops of the solvent to your carpet, then press a white cotton cloth on the area for fifteen seconds. Examine the cloth to see if there is color transfer from the carpet, and examine the carpet for color changes or other damage. If there is any color transfer or damage at all, try a different stain remover.
Not all stains can be removed. Some do permanent damage to the carpeting. Also, it is very important that you take the time to know the proper cleaning instructions provided by the carpet manufacturer. Some carpets that are made of natural fibers, such as wool, should not be handled in this way. Some carpets with specific dyes also need special care. If you are not sure, find an inconspicuous area of the carpet then test for colourfastness. If youre still unsure, contact a professional carpet cleaner. Ask them how you should go about removing a stain on your specific carpet.
Types of Carpet Stain
Food:
Beers and wines --- Vinegar solution, then Ammonia solution(if necessary)
Chewing Gum --- Apply freezing agent and break gum away when hard, then vacuum
Chocolate --- Use a knife to remove as much of the chocolate as possible. Do not rub in, but scrape away to keep from spreading. Follow by Detergent solution.
Egg --- Remove as much as possible with knife OR Blotting, then Ammonia solution, If not successful do Detergent solution, If not successful do Water solution.
Fruit Juices and other Juices --- Do Water solution or Detergent solution, Use a steam cleaning machine to pick up large amounts of spill.
Gravy Sauce and other sauces --- Remove as much as possible with knife, AND through Blotting then, Rubbing alcohol solution, if not successful do Detergent solution.
Ketchup --- Remove as much as possible with Blotting then, Ammonia solution, if not successful do Detergent solution, if not successful do Water solution.
Milk --- Remove as much as possible with blotting, Rubbing alcohol solution, Detergent solution, then blot again to dry.
Mustard --- Remove as much as possible with blotting, then Ammonia solution, Detergent solution, Water solution. Mustard with tumeric in it is a permanent discoloration of the carpet. It can not be completely removed.
Stationary:
Ball pen (ink) --- Rubbing alcohol solution, If needed, Ammonia solution.
Crayola / Crayons --- Use a knife to remove as much as possible, then Rubbing alcohol solution, If not successful do Detergent solution, If not successful do Water solution.
Play Doh --- Allow play doh to dry completely if it has been rubbed in, Remove as much as possible with knife, Rubbing alcohol solution, Detergent solution, Water solution.
Mud --- Allow mud to dry completely, then remove as much as possible with a knife, then Detergent solution, Water solution(if not successful).
Cosmetic:
Blood Stains --- Vinegar solution then followed by Ammonia solution, In emergency, a small amount of blood can be removed with the use of the persons saliva.
Lipstick --- Remove as much as possible with blotting, then Rubbing alcohol solution, Detergent solution, Water solution.
Nail Polish --- Remove as much as possible with blotting. Then, use an oil based nail polish remover. Then do Detergent solution, Water solution.
Oil
Cooking Oil --- Rubbing alcohol solution, If necessary, follow with Detergent solution.
Grease and Oil --- Remove as much as possible with knife, AND through Blotting then, Rubbing alcohol solution, if not successful do Detergent solution.
Floor Wax Stains --- Remove as much as possible with Blotting, then Rubbing alcohol solution, If not successful do Detergent solution, If not successful do Water solution.
Rust Stain --- Do Lemon juice solution, Detergent solution, Water solution, If this does not help, professional help may be needed.
Paint Stains --- Remove as much as possible with blotting, DO NOT Rub. Then Rubbing alcohol solution, Detergent solution, then blot again to dry.
Pet:
Pet Odor --- Remove as much as possible with blotting OR with a Scraper (whichever is needed). Then Ammonia solution, if necessary Detergent solution, if necessary Water solution.
Urine Stains --- Remove as much as possible with blotting, then do Ammonia solution, Detergent solution, Water solution.
Stains From Vomit --- Remove as much as possible through blotting, then do Ammonia solution, if not successful Detergent solution, if not successful Water solution.
