Spots and stains on carpet can be a disaster for anyone that likes to keep a clean home. Unfortunately, treating carpet spots and stains isn’t a perfect science. Depending on how long the stain or spot has been untreated and the pigment of your carpet’s fibers, the treatment method may vary greatly. The first step in treatment is determining whether the discoloration is a spot or stain. Although, it may seem unimportant this is ultimately what calls the shots.
Every household will deal with spots and stains that harm the overall quality of your carpet. Chocolate, blood, pet feces, gum, mildew, nail polish and colored drinks (such as Gatorade) are just a few examples of spots and stains that can cause you to get a dirty and unhealthy carpet. But not all mishaps are created equal. To help you with this we have highlighted a few tips to help you determine between the two and know how to deal with each carpet blunder correctly—and know when it’s time to bring in a carpet cleaning professional (before it gets worse!)
Identifying and Removing Spots
The easiest way to identify a spot, as a general rule of thumb, is to see if you can “feel” where the carpet blunder occurred. This is the main difference between spots and stains. Often it is easier to apply a do-it-yourself treatment to restore your carpet (until your next professional cleaning) than it is to completely remove a stubborn stain.
The sooner you treat your spot, the better chance you have of removing it from your carpet’s fibers. A few examples of stains are make-up, feces, vomit, or gum. Some spot blunders, such as spilling nail polish, may require the help of a professional. If you can’t get it out yourself by combining 2/3 cup of cold water with 1/3 cup white vinegar, contact your local Chem-Dry representative.
Identifying and Removing Stains
Depending on the stain, the treatment method may vary greatly. In fact, while some stains are relatively simple to remove yourself, others can be nearly impossible. It all depends on the chemical make-up of the food or drink that is spilled on your carpet. While some may be cleaned up with only water-based mix, some may require a more serious solution. Tea, sports drinks, ink, mustard, and bleach, are some of the worst stains. Don’t be afraid to call a cleaning professional for additional help when dealing with these types.
First, vacuum up the stain as much as you can. Second, blot damp towels saturated in water onto the stain to dilute the chemicals as much as possible. Finally, continue to blot until all the moisture has been absorbed. Never scrub back and forth when trying to remove a stain. This may worsen the problem and result in having to replace the carpet altogether. Always do your best to treat the stain as quickly as possible, and don’t be afraid to call the professionals if the stain becomes more difficult than expected.