Nothing can spoil the beauty of a carpet more than stains. While they can often detract from the beauty of carpets, there are different types of stains that you may need to treat. Whether the carpet has been stained or you want to prepare yourself for the possibility of future carpet dirtiness, there are many solutions that can be followed to remove stains and restore the beauty of the carpet.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Remove Water Soluble Stains
Step 1. Blot the damp cloth on the stain on the carpet
Water-soluble stains are usually the easiest to remove because the particles are quickly removed by the effects of water. These stains include food coloring, soda, milk, and most alcoholic beverages. First, dip a washcloth or paper towel in warm water. After that, press the washcloth on the stain. The warm water helps to absorb the stain particles from the carpet surface.
This method is more effective done as soon as possible. It will be more difficult for you to remove the stain as it dries
Step 2. Add teaspoon of unbleached detergent (or vinegar) to 1,000 ml of water
Stir the water until the mixture is consistent. This homemade mixture is perfect for removing water-soluble stains.
Step 3. Wet the stain with the cleaning mixture
Take a new washcloth and dip it in the cleaning mixture, then place the cloth over the stain. After that, let stand or press the washcloth against the carpet so that the mixture will stick effectively to the stain.
For this step, you can use the convex side of the spoon and press it against the washcloth. That way, you can apply enough pressure, without spreading the stain to the clean part of the carpet
Step 4. Dab a paper towel on the stain
Once the cleaning mixture has settled on the stain, replace the washcloth with a paper towel to absorb the stain. The mixture will remove the stain well from the carpet surface so it can lift easily when you dab the absorbent medium on the stain a second time.
Step 5. Rinse the carpet with warm water
Water-soluble stains are better suited for cleaning with warm water. Pour a little warm water on the stained area for more effective cleaning.
Step 6. Repeat the cleaning steps as necessary
You may need to repeat the steps above, depending on the size and how stubborn the stain is. While a cycle or two of cleaning should remove most of the stain, repeat the cycle until the entire stain is completely removed.
Step 7. Dry the carpet
If left wet for more than 24 hours, the carpet is at risk of becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, so it's a good idea to dry the carpet after cleaning. Prepare a hairdryer or bath towel, then dry the area that has been cleaned. Thus, the stain has been successfully removed!
Method 2 of 6: Remove Coffee and Wine Stains
Step 1. Blot the stain with a paper towel
Coffee and wine stains are two of the most problematic types of stains. These two drinks are often consumed, and the stains they leave behind are very unsightly and stubborn. Therefore, it is important for you to immediately treat the existing stains. Prepare a paper towel and immediately remove the stain. Try not to rub or press too hard on the stain. Don't let the stain spread wider to other parts of the carpet!
You can also use dish towels or bath towels. However, paper towels are considered better because of their high absorbency
Step 2. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with 250 ml of water
The two ingredients will make a powerful mixture for removing wine stains. Stir the two ingredients in a cup and prepare to use on the stain.
- Use a mild detergent and water if you need to clean wool rugs as ammonia can damage wool fabrics.
- Alternatively, use lemon juice and dish soap. The combination of these two ingredients is more suitable for removing coffee stains than wine stains.
Step 3. Dip a sponge in the ammonia mixture
Take a kitchen sponge and dip it in the ammonia mixture. Make sure the sponge is coated in ammonia, but not too wet. Don't use the ammonia mixture on the carpet more than necessary.
Step 4. Rub the sponge on the stain
Place a sponge soaked in the ammonia mixture on the stain and rub in a circular motion. Start on the outside of the stain and gradually work your way up to the inside of the stain. This will reduce the risk of spreading the stain to other parts of the carpet.
Step 5. Absorb excess moisture using paper towels
Take a paper towel and dab it on the stained area. Once coated with the ammonia mixture, the stain will come off the surface of the carpet. Dab a paper towel on the stain and press with the convex side of the spoon to lift the stain from the carpet fibers.
Step 6. Repeat cleaning as necessary
You may need to repeat the above steps several times before getting the best results, depending on the size and severity of the stain. Always prepare an ammonia mixture. That way, you can use it quickly and easily when you need it.
Method 3 of 6: Removing Blood and Urine Stains
Step 1. Scrub the surface of the carpet with a steel brush when the stain has dried
Body fluids can leave "unique" stains. Blood can leave a characteristic brown stain, while urine can leave not only a yellowish stain, but also a pungent odor. Liquid absorption is the most effective option for treating fresh stains. However, if the stain has dried, you can scrape off the remaining stain using a steel brush. Scrubbing alone won't remove the core stain, but it will at least make it easier for you to follow the next steps to remove the stain.
If the stain is still wet, blot it using a paper towel or dish towel moistened with warm water
Step 2. Use a mixture of dish soap and water on the stain
A mixture of one teaspoon of dish soap and 250 ml of water can be a powerful cleaning agent for removing body fluid stains. Mix the two ingredients together in a bowl or cup, then carefully dip a washcloth and dab on the stain.
Step 3. Re-absorb the stain
Once the stained area has been coated with the cleaning mixture and allowed to sit for 5 minutes, place a new paper towel over the stain and re-absorb the stain. Repeat the process if needed.
Step 4. Mix 120 ml of warm water with one tablespoon of ammonia
Most body fluid stains require more than dish soap to remove. If the stain doesn't remove using dish soap alone, prepare 120 ml of water and add a tablespoon of ammonia. Mix the two ingredients and prepare to use on the stain.
White vinegar is a great substitute for ammonia if you want to remove urine stains
Step 5. Apply the mixture on the stain
Once the ammonia mixture is ready, apply it to the stain (just a thin layer) using a sponge. Gently rub the stain in small circular motions from the outside of the stain to the inside. Don't be in a hurry when cleaning. Make sure the mixture can destroy and remove the stain particles to the maximum.
Step 6. Absorb the remaining stain
Place a paper towel over the stain to remove any residue after the ammonia mixture has been allowed to settle into the stain and carpet fibers. If the mixture works well, the blood and urine can be removed more easily. Use the convex side of the spoon to press the paper towel against the stain if you don't feel like applying too much pressure.
Step 7. Rinse and dry the carpet
Flush the stained area with warm water after cleaning to make the carpet cleaner. Make sure you dry the carpet afterward. Damp or wet carpets are at risk of becoming a place for mold to develop if left all day.
Method 4 of 6: Remove Fat and Oil Stains
Step 1. Scrape off the excess fat using a dull knife
Grease and oil stains can significantly stain your carpet, but are fairly easy to spot as long as you know how. First, remove as much grease or oil as possible from the surface of the carpet before you remove the stain. You can scrape off the excess fat on the carpet surface using a blunt knife. The remaining fat or oil will be lifted, especially if the dirt collects in one spot.
It is recommended that you use a knife with a blunt tip (eg a butter knife) as a sharp knife can damage the carpet
Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda and let sit for 5 minutes
Baking soda is known for its ability to trigger chemical reactions. Pour baking soda on the stained area to remove grease or oil from the carpet surface, making it easier to remove.
Corn starch can be a functional substitute for baking soda for this method
Step 3. Place the iron on a towel that has been placed on the stained area of the carpet
Controlled heat exposure of the stain makes it easier to remove excess grease and oil. Turn on the iron on low or medium heat. Once hot, place the iron on a towel placed over the stain, then expose the heat to the stain for about a minute before removing the iron.
Remember to place the towel between the ironing surface and the carpet. Using the iron directly on the carpet can actually damage the carpet or floor
Step 4. Coat the stain with dry-cleaning liquid
Take a dishtowel and dip it in powdered detergent or baking soda. Wipe the rag on the stain. After a few seconds, the grease stain will appear thinner.
Step 5. Blot the stain using a paper towel moistened with warm water
When the towel is dabbed on the stain, the remaining liquid fat or oil will be absorbed and leave a residue that is easier to remove using a vacuum cleaner.
Step 6. Clean the stained area with a vacuum cleaner
Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining dirt after the cleaning agent has been left to loosen the grease from the carpet fibers. The remaining solid dirt on the stain can be sucked off easily. However, do not point the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner at the stain for more than a few seconds. If there's any remaining dirt that hasn't been sucked in, you may need to loosen it up before it can lift off the dirt.
Step 7. Repeat cleaning as necessary
If the first cleaning cycle is not satisfactory, repeat the cleaning process. There may be residual grease or oil that was not removed on the first cleaning.
Method 5 of 6: Removing Industrial Liquid Stains
Step 1. Blot the stain with a paper towel
Industrial liquid stains (eg ink or household chemicals) can threaten the beautiful appearance of your carpet. Fortunately, as with most stains, the appearance of industrial liquid stains can be significantly reduced if you soak up any remaining liquid with a paper towel.
Step 2. Wet the stain with alcohol and a non-oil based hairspray
After absorbing as much of the remaining liquid as possible, apply rubbing alcohol or non-greasy hairspray on the stain. The chemicals in these products can release ink or liquid particles from the surface of the carpet so that remaining stains can be removed more easily.
Step 3. Suck up the remaining stain with a vacuum cleaner
Once the stain is removed, suck up any remaining stain particles and dirt that has been exposed to the cleaning chemical using a vacuum cleaner.
Step 4. Remove the stain again with a mild detergent
Pour a small amount of mild detergent onto the remaining stain and let it sit for a minute. After that, place the washcloth over the stain and allow the stain to absorb. If you don't have much of the stain absorbed in this process, try pouring some rubbing alcohol on the stain and pressing the washcloth back against the stain.
Step 5. Repeat cleaning as necessary
Industrial fluid stains have different intensities and levels of difficulty. Therefore, you may need to do the cleaning several times before the stain is completely removed. Keep absorbing the stain and alternately pouring the cleaning mixture until the stain is completely lifted.
Method 6 of 6: Keeping the Carpet Clean and Preventing Stains
Step 1. Clean your carpet annually
Even though the carpet may get dirty again, you still need to take care of the carpet as a whole so that the carpet will last. Carpet cleaning every 12-18 months is considered optimal. You can hire a professional carpet cleaning service or buy your own carpet cleaning machine.
If you have sufficient funds, you are advised to hire a professional carpet cleaning service. Professionals can wash the carpet as clean as possible, and reduce the risk of complications or other problems in the washing process
Step 2. Place the mat or doormat in a place where there is a high risk of spillage
The best way to deal with carpet stains is to prevent them in the first place. Unlike carpets, mats can be easily put in the washing machine or washed manually (by hand). Place the mat in places where there is a high risk of spill stains. That way, you won't have to put in the time and effort to take care of a dirty carpet in the future.
- The front door of the house is the right place to put the mat. In addition to being one of the most frequented parts of the house, the area around the front door is also at risk of being exposed to dirt and mud from outside the house.
- Place mats in front of kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks to retain water. You can also place mats next to soaking tubs and showers, as anyone who has showered will leave behind water and soapy suds as they get out of the tub or shower.
Step 3. Clean the carpet with a vacuum cleaner regularly
If you install carpet at home, cleaning using a vacuum cleaner is a must. Dust and dirt can be left on the carpet and make the carpet surface feel rough. Therefore, clean the carpet using a vacuum cleaner every 1-2 days to keep the carpet clean and feel smooth.
If you don't have much time to clean the carpet using a vacuum cleaner regularly, buy an automatic robotic vacuum cleaner. This tool is sold at a fairly affordable price, and allows you to clean the carpet without spending a lot of time
Step 4. Run a dehumidifier or dehumidifier at home
If left for more than 24 hours, a wet or damp carpet can promote the development of mold and bacteria. Therefore, this tool becomes something you need at home. This device helps absorb excess moisture if the air conditions in your home tend to be humid.
Step 5. Immediately clean all stains on the carpet
Stains become more difficult to remove the longer they are left on. If you can treat the stain as soon as possible, you won't have to put a lot of effort into cleaning the carpet in the future.
Tips
- Treat any existing stains as soon as possible. The longer the stain is left, the harder it will be to remove (or possibly, the stain will remain permanently).
- If you are concerned that the cleaning mixture you are using could permanently damage the carpet, do a test of the mixture on a small area of the carpet that will not be visible. By testing the mixture on hidden areas of the carpet and seeing how it reacts, you can prevent more serious mistakes.
Warning
- Make sure you don't rub the stain with a towel or other medium. Scrubbing will not necessarily lift the stain. Instead, the liquid remaining on the stain will spread and make the stain bigger.
- Some types of carpet are more suitable to be cleaned using certain materials and mixtures. If possible, you can try the alternative solutions described in this article. In addition, you can also try to find out about the type of carpet to be cleaned first.
