A common method to attempt to obscure a carpet stain is by moving furniture on top of it. Though this will only cease the problem from being noticeable temporarily; as soon as you require moving your furniture again, the issue returns.
Unfortunately, even if your carpet looks clean and destroys any stains, it is likely that there are still hidden particles of dirt and grime deep within the fibers. This can leave your carpet looking dull, old, and lifeless. If you want to restore your carpet’s look and feel back to its best, it is important to invest in professional cleaning services.
There are many advantages to using the right products and methods to restore your carpet. In most cases, you probably already have these items in your home. If you want to learn how to remove tough stains from carpeting, keep reading. These tips will help you get rid of that spot for good.
Removing Stains from an Old Carpet
Many people believe that older carpet stains are easier to clean than new ones when in reality, it is quite the opposite. Set-in stains become harder to remove with each passing day and laundry only exacerbates the problem.
Rehydrating an old stain is key to getting it out of a carpet. By doing this you are essentially resetting the clock and turning back time. So once rehydrated, you can simply treat the stain as if it only just happened.
Removing Spots and Carpet Stains
There are some basic rules you should always follow when cleaning any kind of stain, old or new.
- Never scrub a carpet stain- this will only cause the stain to spread deeper into the fibers and potentially damage the pad beneath. Instead, use a cloth to blot it up as much as possible.
- When using any treatment on your carpets, make sure to use a white cloth or towel so that colors from the fabric won’t bleed onto your clean carpets.
- Start from the outside and work your way in. It may seem like working from the outside in will make the stain bigger, but it’s actually quite helpful when treating a carpet stain.
- Before you start cleaning the carpet, test the cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area. This way, if it ruins the color or fabric of the carpets, it won’t be noticeable. Plus, this gives you an opportunity to find another cleaner that works better.
Types of Carpet Stains
Stains are broadly divided into two categories: water-soluble and non-water soluble. The former type is often simpler to clean. Water-soluble stains (the ones that dissolve in water) are often easier to clean because they make use of water’s power to dilute and dissolve.
Water-soluble spills include things like ice cream, wine, soda, urine, blood, coffee, and tea.
Non-water soluble stains are much harder to clean because they do not dissolve in water. These types of stains can be difficult to remove completely without the help of professional carpet cleaning services. They include things like gum, oil, grease, wax, paint, and adhesives.
No matter what type of stain you are dealing with, the key to successful spot removal is to take action as quickly as possible.
If you’re starting with a clean slate, it’s very easy to prevent stains from occurring in the first place. But, if you’ve already moved into a house that has a mystery carpet stain, then you’ll have to do some trial and error before finding something that works. The best way to deal with it is to start small and try different treatments until you find one that does the job.
How do you get tough stains out of old carpets?
If you want to remove difficult, older stains, be patient and try different tactics. It’s more challenging the longer the stain is present, but with some effort, it can eventually be removed.
The key is to start by rehydrating the stain, which helps to break it down and makes it easier to remove.
1. Use Soap and Warm Water
The safest way to start is by treating the stain with water and dish soap. This is a good method to use when you’re not sure what caused the stain. Simply mix one cup of room temperature water with a few drops of dish soap, then use a white towel or microfiber cloth to work it into the carpet fibers. Be careful not to saturate the area too much; otherwise, it could soak through and damage the carpet padding beneath.
After the stain has had a few minutes to sit, blot it with some warm water and a clean cloth. This will help remove the soap from your carpet.
2. Apply a Stain Remover
If the first step doesn’t remove the stain entirely, try applying a stain remover directly to the spot. This can be an enzyme cleaner that specifically targets protein and organic stains, or a general-purpose pre-treatment spray designed to break down tough dirt and oil on contact.
Many stain removers also contain a surfactant, which helps lift the stain out of the carpet fibers and into the solution.
3. Try a High-Pressure Steam Cleaner
If you have access to a high-pressure steam cleaner, this can be an effective way to remove tough stains from your carpets. The hot water and steam penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, helping to soften and break down the stain.
4. Use Some Vinegar and Baking Soda
If you’re looking for a method to get rid of old grease stains, try this one out. It’s effective and easy to do! First, sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Next, mix white vinegar with water and dish soap in a spray bottle and apply it to the baking soda. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then use a clean cloth or sponge to scrub the stain away.
As with any cleaning method, be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first before using it on the actual stain. And always follow any specific instructions provided by your carpet manufacturer.
Completely Cleaning Your Carpet
If you have ever spot-cleaned your carpets, only to find that the newly cleaned area looks brighter than the rest, you may have wondered if there was a better way to remove stains without damaging your carpets. Luckily, there are other options that can help you effectively clean your carpet without causing damage or discoloration.
Hire, borrow or buy a carpet cleaner, then mix hot water with an all-purpose cleaner, and liquid detergent. The whole process takes only a few hours, and you don’t any special equipment or skills.
- Start by vacuuming your carpets to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Next, use a carpet cleaner to apply the cleaning solution directly onto the stain.
- Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before using a broom or brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to agitate the area and ensure that the solution is fully penetrating the fibers.
- Once you have worked the stain out, use a wet vacuum cleaner to remove any excess moisture or soap residue and allow your carpets to dry completely.
This method will leave you with clean, bright-looking carpets that are free of dirt and stains. Ultimately, the best way to keep your carpets looking clean and fresh is to invest in a high-quality carpet cleaner, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for regular maintenance.
If you are consistently dealing with difficult stains on your carpeting, it may be time to consider replacing them altogether. Many modern carpets are made from synthetic materials that resist staining and do not require special products or treatments to stay clean.
With new technology, newer carpets are made to be typically more durable and longer-lasting than older carpets, making them the ideal choice for busy households with pets and children.
Still Got a Stain You Can’t Remove?
It’s always useful to know how to remove old stains from your carpets. If you can identify the stain, you’re more likely to be able to remove it successfully. Plus, it can save you money since you won’t have to replace the entire carpet.
However, if you’re still struggling with stubborn stains, or if you are concerned about damaging your carpets during the cleaning process, it may be time to hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Professional carpet cleaners will have access to a wider range of stain-removal products and techniques that can help get even the toughest stains out of your carpets. Plus, they know how to properly take care of your carpeting so that it stays clean for longer. Just be sure to do your research and find a reputable, experienced carpet cleaning company that can deliver the results you need.
